The government upgraded the ranks of the army chief to four-star general from lieutenant general, the naval chief to vice-admiral from rear admiral, and the air chief to air marshal from air vice-marshal.

"The decision should have been taken much earlier. This will not only enhance image of our armed forces abroad, but also encourage them to further improve their professional excellence," Mahbubur Rahman said.

Rahman, a military-turned politician, who was chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Defence Ministry, said they had recommended upgrading the ranks of the three chiefs.

He said although smaller military forces in some neighbouring countries, including Nepal, have four-star generals, Bangladesh having an expanding force and contribution to UN peacekeeping missions with reputation had no full general earlier.

Even the strength of the British Army is less than that of Bangladesh, but they have several full Generals, he said.

He mentioned that Ziaur Rahman was made the army chief with rank of lieutenant general in 1979 and since then there had not been any upgrading to the rank of army chief in last 27 years.

He said the strength of Bangladesh Army was about 50,000 in 1979, which has now expanded three times in both strength and dimension.

Lt Gen (Retd) Mir Showkat Ali termed the upgrading of the ranks of the three chiefs of the armed forces "a step in the right direction."

Echoing similar views, Major General (Retd) M Subid Ali Bhuiyan said the decision is a milestone in the Bangladesh Army, which would boost their moral strength and enhance their image abroad.