Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated the newly promoted first-ever four female lieutenant colonels of Bangladesh Army when they paid a courtesy call on her at Ganabhaban on Sunday. Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed was present on the occasion, an ISPR release said yesterday.

The four officers, who were also made battalion commanders in fighting force for the first time in Bangladesh Army, are Lieutenant Colonel Sanjida Hossain, artillery; Lieutenant Colonel Syeda Nazia Royhan, artillery; Lieutenant Colonel Farhana Afrin, artillery; and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Amir, engineers.

The premier highly lauded the achievements of the female army officers and wished their further success. On Thursday, the chief of army staff adorned with rank badges of lieutenant colonel to the four officers of long course at the army headquarters. Sharing their feelings, the female officers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the prime minister. As part of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to ensure women empowerment, female officers are being appointed regularly in long courses of Bangladesh Army since 2000.