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Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a modern, technology-driven Bangladesh Army capable of addressing emerging security challenges through advanced capabilities, professionalism and merit-based leadership.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at Dhaka Cantonment, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s evolving security landscape now extends beyond conventional territorial defence to include maritime and border security, cyber threats, information warfare, drone technology, artificial intelligence and regional geopolitical competition.
“Bangladesh is currently facing complex and multidimensional security challenges. It is now the demand of the time to adopt a realistic and sustainable model of defence modernisation, considering our geographical location, economic capacity, national security needs and the aspirations of the people,” he said.
Tarique said the government is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for the future development of the armed forces, placing greater emphasis on technological capability, operational effectiveness and joint force integration rather than simply expanding troop numbers.
“Our vision for future force development prioritises capability over numbers, effectiveness alongside expansion, technological innovation over platform acquisition, and jointness rather than single force-centric development,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government plans to strengthen Bangladesh’s defence system by enhancing drone technology, satellite surveillance and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities while promoting indigenous defence production.
He added that the government would formulate a modern national defence policy inspired by the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, integrating the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industries, educational institutions and citizens into a comprehensive national security framework.
“The objective of this policy is not to promote war but to build a well-prepared, stable and self-reliant armed force capable of responding to any crisis, aggression or disaster while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and national interests,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of professionalism, Tarique said the newly formed Army Headquarters Selection Board would ensure that promotions and appointments are based on merit, competence, efficiency and integrity.
“I believe this Selection Board will establish a strong foundation for visionary and professional leadership in the Army of the future,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that merit, competence, physical fitness and discipline should remain the key criteria for promotion in the military.
Quoting late US General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, he said, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war,” underscoring that there can be no compromise on discipline or physical preparedness.
Recalling his personal connection with the armed forces, Tarique said he spent much of his childhood and youth in a military environment and regards the Army as part of his extended family.
He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, saying the former Army officer’s declaration of Bangladesh’s independence made the military an inseparable part of the nation’s Liberation War history.
The Prime Minister praised the Bangladesh Army’s contributions to border security, counterterrorism operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, disaster response, infrastructure development and United Nations peacekeeping missions.
He noted that Bangladesh continues to enjoy international recognition as one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with Army personnel serving professionally in missions in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali.
Tarique also paid tribute to the 217 Army personnel who lost their lives in peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, as well as six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack in South Sudan in December 2025.
The Prime Minister further commended the Army’s role during the July 2024 student-led mass uprising, maintaining law and order during the interim government, supporting the February 12 general election and helping ensure energy security during the global fuel crisis.
He said the armed forces had faced significant challenges during the previous regime but now have an opportunity to regain and strengthen public confidence through professionalism, competence and institutional integrity.
Expressing optimism about the future, Tarique said the officers selected through the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 would help preserve and strengthen the Bangladesh Army’s tradition of excellence.
“Our vision is ‘Bangladesh First’ in protecting the country’s interests, and ‘Bangladesh for All’ in serving the people,” he said.
