Army to supervise Padma Bridge construction: PM

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Sunday the leadership of the army should be placed on those who are well educated, active, efficient, and above all strongly committed to strengthening the democracy of the country, Reports UNB. She made the remark in her introductory speech at the Army Headquarters Selection Board that began its session at Army Headquarters Officers' Mess (New) in the Dhaka Cantonment. The five-day exercise by the highest policy making officials of the Army has begun aiming to give promotion of the officials from Colonel to Brigadier General and from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel. The Prime Minister said the army has been given the responsibility of supervising and ensuring security for the implementation of Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project. In this regard, she mentioned that approval in principle has been given for a composite brigade comprising an engineering construction battalion and two infantry battalions for the task. Hasina said that a disciplined, strong army plays an important auxiliary role to establish democracy and strengthen it. "So, the leadership should be placed in their hands who are well educated, active, efficient, and above all strongly committed to strengthening the democracy of the country." She said the senior officers of the army have gathered in the selection board and she had trust in their wisdom, sagacity and even handed justice. The Prime Minister emphasized selecting new leadership on the basis of professional efficiency, dedication and honesty as well as belief in the spirit of the Liberation War.