GHATAIL, TANGAIL: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the participation of women in a challenging profession like army will play pivotal role in women empowerment.

She also said women are now proud soldiers for the country’s protection and this time they have joined Bangladesh Army along with the ranked officers as part of implementing the Forces Goal 2030.

The premier was addressing a parade on the occasion of swearing-in ceremony and passing out parade of the 1st women’s military paramedics recruit batch as chief guest at Ghatail Cantonment in the district.

Hasina said as women are the half of the society’s total population, ultimate achievement is not possible in any sector without their spontaneous participation.

In 2000, her then government began recruiting women officers in several cores of Bangladesh Army besides the medical core, she added.

The PM went on saying that female officers of Bangladesh Army and other services are performing their respective duties with fame both in the country and United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad.

Informing the newly trained soldiers, the premier said that a decision has been made not only to recruit more women in officer ranks but also in soldier posts.

A total of 879 female trainees took oath during the parade ceremony upon completion of their basic training.

BDST: 1215 HRS, JAN 29, 2015