This will also open up the scopes for employment and promotion and enhance the opportunity to work in the peacekeeping missions abroad, she said.

Khaleda, who is also in charge of the defence ministry, made the announcement at a `darbar' of officers and soldiers of the newly formed 16 Infantry Brigade of 66 Infantry Division.

Earlier, she raised the flag of the new brigade and laid the foundation of its headquarters at Bir Uttam Shaheed Mahbub Cantonment at Kholahati in Parbatipur.

Army Chief Lt. General Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury and 66 Infantry Division GOC and Rangpur area commander Major General Rezaqul Hayder received the prime minister at the venue.

The prime minister mentioned that her government had raised more army units, including two new brigade headquarters, six infantry battalions and three brigade signal companies.

Two infantry battalions under 66 Infantry Division and one brigade signal company have been set up, she said.

Khaleda hoped that the members of the armed forces would further consolidate and uphold the unique dignity they had attained both at national and international level by performing all assigned duties sincerely, honestly and firmly.

She said apart from the army, the government was implementing various plans of action to make the navy and air force time- befitting, procure military hardware and expand and increase the capability of the forces.

She said efforts of her government to expand and enhance the capability of armed forces in line with the demand of time would continue along with the welfare of the armed forces' members.