The inaugural ceremony of National Defence Course-2009, which is being conducted by National Defence College (NDQ, was held on the college premises at Mirpur Cantonment in the cityyesterday.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hassan Mahmud inaugurated the educational programme on the course titled ’Defence policy and national security".

NDC Commandant Lt Gen M Amirul Karim delivered his welcome speech at the 47-week course, says an 1SPR press release.

The course comprises nine major generals and brigadier generals from Army, two commodores from Navy, two group captains from Air Force, one additional secretary from administration and other cadres of civil services, eight joint secretaries, one director general from foreign service and one deputy inspector general from Bangladesh Police.

A total of 24 officers are participating in the course. Besides, 22 course members from 12 friendly countries also are participating.

The members from overseas countries include one air commodore (Air Force) from Sri Lanka, one commodore (Navy from Sudan, one brigadier Pakistan Army, one brigadier general from Nepal Army, three brigadier general and colonel from Saudi Arabia army, one colonel from China Army, one colonel from Qatar Army, one air commodore from India, one brigadier general from Malaysia Army, one colonel from Jordan Army, one colonel from Indonesia Army and nine members from Nigeria Army, Navy andAir Force.