The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday recommended modernising Bangladesh’s armed forces by replacing outdated machinery and other equipment with advanced defence systems.
It also recommended ensuring postings in the armed forces based on merit, efficiency and competence.
The recommendations were made at the first meeting of the committee, held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its Chairman Md Ashraf Uddin in the chair.
In his welcome speech, the committee chairman paid tribute to members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives while performing duties in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, United Nations peacekeeping missions and other assignments.
He said the armed forces have played a glorious role in protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
Ashraf highlighted the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in rebuilding the armed forces after independence and strengthening their discipline and capabilities, as well as developing defence policy and modernising the forces.
He also highlighted the contributions of late Begum Khaleda Zia to modernising the armed forces.
The chairman outlined various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to strengthen the country’s defence system and enhance the capabilities of the armed forces.
The meeting also included a preliminary review of the activities of 25 departments and agencies under the Ministry of Defence.
The modernisation activities of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force were also briefly presented to the committee.
The committee recommended replacing outdated machinery and providing the armed forces with modern defence systems.
The committee was informed that a “Save Energy, Save Money” plan has been adopted for infrastructure being constructed by the Bangladesh Army.
Committee members --Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, SM Zilany, Abdus Salam Azad, Reza Ahammed, Lutfur Rahman and Md Abdul Baten attended the meeting.
The defence secretary, an additional secretary, relevant officials of the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting.