Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (18 October) urged members of the armed forces to remain committed to the Constitution, laws, military regulations and humanitarian values while discharging their duties, saying discipline, professionalism and public trust are fundamental to the strength of the forces.
While speaking at a ceremony to present National Standard to several battalions and regiments of the Bangladesh Army at Savar Cantonment, he also stressed the need to modernise the armed forces, strengthen domestic defence production and develop new technological capabilities to meet changing 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, stressing the importance of maintaining the chain of command.
He said modern warfare increasingly involves cyberspace, outer space, drones, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and information-based capabilities, making it necessary for Bangladesh to keep its defence preparedness in line with changing global security conditions.
Congratulating the units that received the National Standard, Tarique Rahman said the honour represents their history, tradition, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism and commitment to the country.
He said receiving the National Standard is a renewed pledge to perform their duties with greater dedication, while protecting the honour of the national flag remains a sacred responsibility for every soldier.
The prime minister said the government is continuing efforts to make the armed forces more technology-driven, skilled, disciplined, professional and modern.
He said the government is also giving importance to establishing a domestic defence industry to produce necessary weapons, ammunition and other defence equipment in the country.
However, technology could never replace people, Tarique Rahman said, adding that Bangladesh needs an integrated defence capability in which the Army, Navy and Air Force can work together effectively when required.
He said the government is giving importance to the welfare of military personnel, including housing, healthcare, education, training, career development and social security after retirement.
The prime minister said salaries and allowances for members of the armed forces have already been increased by between 100 and 138 percent under the National Pay Scale.
The implementation of the "One Rank, One Pension" system is also in process to improve the living standards of military personnel, he added.
Tarique Rahman said protecting national interests, sovereignty and dignity will remain a key commitment for Bangladesh in the future.
He said Bangladesh wants to strengthen friendship and cooperation with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
Recalling the history of the Bangladesh Army, the prime minister said the birth of the force was closely linked to the country's independence and the 1971 War of Liberation.
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 freedom-seeking people on the night of 25 March 1971.
Quoting Ziaur Rahman's account in his article The Birth of a Nation, Tarique Rahman said he had gathered Bengali-speaking officers and soldiers of the regiment and ordered them to take part in the armed struggle for independence at 2:15am on 26 March.
He also recalled Ziaur Rahman's subsequent declaration of independence from Kalurghat Radio Centre on 27 March saying his role in the War of Liberation remained an inspiring chapter for the armed forces.
The prime minister said people who love their country and independence regard the success of the Army as a success for Bangladesh.
He said the armed forces play an important role not only in national defence but also in responding to disasters, floods, cyclones, fires and other national emergencies.
They are also earning a good reputation through peacekeeping missions abroad, Tarique Rahman said.
The ceremony was organised by the 9th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army. Ministers, advisers, the Army chief, members of the diplomatic corps, former and serving military officers, junior commissioned officers and other members of the armed forces attended the event.