Establish the 99th Brigade promptly

A parliamentary body yesterday strongly recommended that the defence ministry completes work of the project for establishment of 99 Composite Brigade for overall safety of Padma Multipurpose Bridge project as soon as possible.

The parliamentary standing committee on the defence ministry said this in a meeting at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Ruling Awami League MP and committee chairman Mohammad Subid Ali Bhuiyan presided over the meeting.

Defense Secretary Dr Md Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal informed the parliamentary watchdog about the progress of different issues including providing rations to retired members of the armed forces in lieu of allowances, introduction of "One Person, One Rank" in the Armed Forces and increase in insurance for pilots.

The meeting reviewed the latest status of Bangladesh Armed Forces activities in UN peacekeeping missions, construction of BNA Bangabandhu Complex, progress of Patenga Chittagong (2nd amendment) project,  and establishment of 99 composite brigade for overall security of Padma Multipurpose Bridge project.

The committee also discussed the need to increase the number of women peacekeepers in missions to achieve the goals set by the United Nations.

Committee members Muhammad Faruk, Md Motahar Hossain, Nasir Uddin and Begum Nahid Izahar Khan participated in the meeting, along with senior officials of the army, air force, navy and defense ministry.