CHATTOGRAM : Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman emphasized the critical role of a modern, efficient, and patriotic army in safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the nation. 

He noted that the primary responsibility for leading this army rests with the officers. General Waqar-uz-Zaman mentioned that the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) was founded in 1974 with the objective of developing dedicated, efficient, intelligent, and talented army officers suited for the 21st century within the Bangladesh Army. 

 “Under the guidance of officers commissioned from this esteemed academy, the Bangladesh Army, driven by loyalty, discipline, fairness, and a strong sense of duty, is currently making significant contributions beyond the nation's borders. 

The Bangladesh Army, committed to the motto 'Chiro Unnata  Momo  Shir', continues to enhance its capabilities through the visionary planning and effective training provided by the Bangladesh Military Academy. 

We take pride in and express our gratitude for the contributions made by the Bangladesh Military Academy,” he added. 

 The Army Chief delivered these remarks during the President's Parade held to commemorate the commissioning of the 90th Long- Course Officer Cadets of the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) today. 

He inspected the parade at the BMA Parade Ground in Bhatiari, Chattogram, and received the salute during the event. Additionally, he presented awards to the distinguished cadets. The Army Chief stated that, in light of the evolving global situation, various practical development initiatives have been implemented to modernize the army.

 As part of this effort, the activities of the Second Bangladesh Battalion will be officially inaugurated at the Bangladesh Military Academy today, InshaAllah, to enhance the quality of cadet training, ensure modern facilities, and maintain the continuity of timely training, he added.  

He expressed confidence that the 2nd Bangladesh Battalion will play a vital role in cultivating skilled, agile, and competent leadership to address the challenges of the modern era.
 
The Army Chief addressed the graduating cadets, emphasizing that by taking the oath, the newly commissioned officers have been given the esteemed duty of safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty
 Following three years of intensive military training, 184 officer cadets from the 90th BMA Long-Term Course were officially commissioned into the Bangladesh Army during a parade. 

Among them, 166 are male and 18 are female officers. Additionally, 4 Palestinian, 1 Tanzanian, 1 Zambian, and 1 Maldivian officer cadets completed their military training at BMA and will be joining the armed forces of their respective nations. 

Battalion Senior under Officer Khairul Islam from the 90th BMA Long Term Course was awarded the ‘Sword of Honor’ for being the best cadet, as well as the ‘Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal’ for outstanding performance in military affairs.  

Besides, Sergeant Abu Bakar from Tanzania received the ‘BMA Trophy of Excellence’ as the top foreign cadet trained at this academy. Subsequently, the graduating cadets formally took an oath to defend the independence and sovereignty of the nation. Following this, guests, along with the parents and guardians of the graduates, presented rank badges to the new officers.  

At the commencement of the event, upon the arrival of the chief guest at the BMA parade ground, he was greeted by the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Area Commander of the Chattogram Area. 
The parade was attended by Members of Parliament, high-ranking military and civilian officials from both domestic and international backgrounds, as well as the parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers, invited guests, and members of the media.  

Later, the Army Chief inaugurated the ‘2nd Bangladesh Battalion’ at BMA. This battalion has been established alongside the ‘1st Bangladesh Battalion’ with the objective of improving the professional skills, leadership capabilities, and overall training quality of officer cadets at BMA to effectively meet future challenges.