, Jan. 27 -- The government has decided to procure vehicles for the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) through the direct purchase method without inviting tenders, approving the acquisition of three jeeps, 100 patrol pickup trucks and 60 air-conditioned microbuses from state-owned Pragati Industries Limited.

The decision was given a policy-level approval at a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs held at the Secretariat on Tuesday, with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair.

The procurement will be carried out under the project titled 'Enhancement of Operational Capability of RAB Forces (1st Revised)', aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the elite force by addressing its vehicle shortage.

RAB...