03 March,2009 04:26 PM IST | | PTI
Bangladesh is to rename and reorganise the paramilitary force, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), to give it a new look and reorientation apparently to wash away the stigma of the last week's bloody in which most of its officer cadre were killed by the men.
"The government in principle has decided to rename Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) as soon as possible," Army's Chief of General Staff of Army Sinha Ibne Jamali told reporters last night at the army headquarters.
The Bangladesh Rifles is a 215-year old force set up during the British rule to guard the countries eastern frontiers. Its earlier name was Eastern Rifles. No decision has yet been taken what would be the new name, Jamali said, but discussions are underway to give it a new name suggested by security experts and military officers to help overcome its stigma.
"BDR has earned a permanent stigma. The force is demoralised and will never again regain the pride unless it is renamed after a thorough reorganistion," Retired Maj Gen Moinul Hossain said.
Former President and army chief General HM Erashad earlier demanded the dismantling of the BDR in line with military practices of abolishing units after mutinies. But, the country's top brass want to continue with the force with the strength of over 40,000, but with a new name and a fresh orientation.
