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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strategic leadership, institutional resilience and collective efforts to address emerging security challenges facing Bangladesh.
“National security and international engagement must be guided by the ‘Bangladesh First’ principle, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, independence, national dignity, security and people’s welfare while maintaining constructive relations based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit,” he said.
The President made the remarks while addressing participants of the National Defence Course-2026 and Armed Forces War Course-2026 at Bangabhaban on Monday.
He said Bangladesh’s journey towards becoming a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient nation required quality leadership, strong institutions and unity in pursuing national interests.
Mirza Fakhrul paid deep respect to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, recalling their courage, sacrifice and commitment to establishing an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, for his outstanding contributions to the Liberation War, particularly his proclamation of independence at the outset of the war and his role in promoting professional military education through the establishment of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in 1977.
The President also remembered those who sacrificed their lives during the July-August 2024 movement and the long struggle for democracy over the past 17 years. He stressed the need to uphold people’s dignity, ensure justice and accountability, and institutionalise democracy.
“Traditional security concerns now coexist with climate change, cyber threats, transnational crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic uncertainty and disruptive technologies,” he said.
National security encompasses not only military preparedness but also economic resilience, food and energy security, environmental sustainability, technological capabilities and strong institutions, he added.
Referring to the changing geopolitical landscape, Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh’s strategic location in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region made vigilance and strategic foresight particularly important.
He said artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced digital technologies were transforming warfare and security, while misinformation, disinformation and cyber threats posed growing challenges to national security and democratic institutions.
The President stressed that these emerging realities required leaders with strategic foresight, sound judgment, intellectual openness and the ability to work across institutions and countries.
Highlighting the role of the National Defence College, he said the institution provided a unique platform for senior leaders from the Armed Forces, civil administration, law enforcement agencies and friendly countries to exchange views and develop a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges.
Congratulating the course participants, commandant and faculty members, the President urged them to place the interests of the country and its people above all else and uphold professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability in their respective responsibilities.
He also welcomed participants from 17 friendly countries, expressing hope that their experience in Bangladesh would further strengthen friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and their respective countries.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, friendship among nations and constructive engagement with the international community, he called for cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over discord and peace over conflict.
National Defence College Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
Faculty members of the National Defence College, Army officers who completed the NDC and AFWC courses, foreign participants in the NDC course, Army staff officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and senior Bangabhaban officials were present.
A total of 103 participants attended the National Defence Course-2026, including 54 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 18 members of the Bangladesh Civil Service and 31 participants from 17 friendly countries.