Six more BDR battalions to be raised :PM
UNB, Dhaka
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday announced that six more battalions of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) would be raised gradually to further strengthen and expand the paramilitary force. The government after assuming power formed two new battalions of BDR in 2002, the prime minister said opening the Rifles Reunion 2004. Addressing a function at parade ground at BDR headquarters in the city, Khaleda said the government had taken steps so that BDR members could take part in UN peacekeeping missions. A BDR contingent gave guard of honour to the prime minister. She witnessed a march past of the paramilitary force and took salute. Ministers, MPs, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, incumbent and retired BDR officers and soldiers, and their family members, among others, attended the function. Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, State Minister for home Lutfozzaman Babor and BDR Director General Maj Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury received the prime minister on her arrival.
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