Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged members of the armed forces to uphold the Constitution, laws, military regulations and humanitarian values in discharging their duties, saying discipline, professionalism and public trust are fundamental to the strength of the forces.
Speaking at a ceremony to present the National Standard to several battalions and regiments of the Bangladesh Army at Savar Cantonment, he also called for modernising the armed forces, strengthening domestic defence production and developing technological capabilities to meet evolving security challenges.
“An armed force’s strength is not limited to weapons, equipment or manpower. Its real strength lies in discipline, skills, leadership, morality, training and public trust,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring the importance of maintaining the chain of command.
He noted that modern warfare increasingly involves cyberspace, outer space, drones, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and information-based capabilities. Bangladesh, he said, must keep its defence preparedness aligned with changing global security conditions.
Congratulating the units that received the National Standard, Tarique Rahman said the honour symbolised their history, tradition, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism and commitment to the country.
He described receiving the National Standard as a renewed pledge to perform duties with greater dedication, adding that protecting the honour of the national flag was a sacred responsibility for every soldier.
The Prime Minister said the government was working to make the armed forces more technology-driven, skilled, disciplined, professional and modern. It was also prioritising the development of a domestic defence industry to manufacture essential weapons, ammunition and other military equipment within the country.
However, technology could never replace people, he said, stressing the need for integrated defence capabilities that would enable the Army, Navy and Air Force to work together effectively when required.
Focus on Military Welfare
Tarique Rahman said the government was prioritising the welfare of military personnel, including housing, healthcare, education, training, career development and social security after retirement.
He said salaries and allowances for armed forces members had already been increased by between 100 and 138 per cent under the National Pay Scale.
Implementation of the “One Rank, One Pension” system was also under way to improve the living standards of military personnel, he added.
The Prime Minister said protecting Bangladesh’s national interests, sovereignty and dignity would remain a key commitment. The country also wanted to strengthen friendship and cooperation with all nations based on mutual respect and equality.
Recalls Army's Role in Liberation War
Recalling the history of the Bangladesh Army, Tarique Rahman said the force’s origins were closely linked to the country’s independence and the 1971 Liberation War.
He referred to the role of Major Ziaur Rahman, then deputy commander of the Eighth East Bengal Regiment, in Chattogram after the Pakistani military launched its crackdown on the night of March 25, 1971.
Citing Ziaur Rahman’s account in his article The Birth of a Nation, the Prime Minister said he had gathered Bengali-speaking officers and soldiers of the regiment and ordered them to join the armed struggle for independence at 2:15am on March 26.
He also recalled Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence from Kalurghat Radio Centre on March 27, describing his role in the Liberation War as an inspiring chapter for the armed forces.
Tarique Rahman said people who cherish their country and independence regard the success of the Army as a success for Bangladesh.
He added that the armed forces played an important role not only in national defence but also in responding to disasters, floods, cyclones, fires and other emergencies. Their participation in international peacekeeping missions had also earned them a good reputation, he said.
The ceremony was organised by the Bangladesh Army’s 9th Infantry Division.
Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and General Officer Commanding of the 9th Infantry Division and Savar Area Commander Major General Molla Mohammad Kamruzzaman attended the event.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, other cabinet members, members of parliament, and former and serving senior Army officers were also present.