DHAKA : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government is committed to building a modern and technology-driven Bangladesh Army capable of meeting the demands of the time.

He said, "Bangladesh is currently facing complex and multidimensional security challenges, including maritime and border security, transnational and cross-border threats, cyber and information security, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. 

"As a result, it is now the demand of time to follow a realistic and sustainable model of defence modernisation, taking into account Bangladesh's geographical location, economic capacity, national security needs, and the expectations and tolerance of the people," he added.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at the Dhaka Cantonment here this morning.

He said, "As Prime Minister and Defence Minister, I believe the strength of Bangladesh's defence lies not only in the capability of the armed forces but also in the unity, preparedness, and resilience of the entire nation".

Tarique Rahman said following the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the present government will formulate a modern policy under which the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industry, technology, educational institutions, and the country's people will work together as part of an integrated 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 potential crisis, aggression, or disaster while safeguarding the country's sovereignty, independence, and national interests," he added.

Addressing senior army officials, the Prime Minister said that the nature of warfare has changed significantly.

"Security today is no longer limited to protecting territorial borders. It also encompasses cyberspace, information warfare, drone technology, artificial intelligence, and regional geopolitical competition," he said.

The premier said, therefore, the government wants to further strengthen the defence system by enhancing drone technology, satellite surveillance, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.

Tarique Rahman said the government is preparing a roadmap for the modernisation and development of the armed forces.

"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's key priorities for strengthening the armed forces include building a disciplined, modern, and capable military, enhancing integrated defence planning, formulating time-befitting defence policies and strategies, promoting the domestic defence industry, and reinforcing democratic civil-military relations.

About the Army Headquarters Selection Board 2026, the Prime Minister said discipline in recruitment and promotion in the Bangladesh Army will be re-established through this Selection Board, which has been formed to duly identify and recognise qualified individuals based on merit, competence, efficiency, and integrity. 

“At the same time, I believe it will establish a strong foundation for visionary and professional leadership in the Army of the future," he said, adding, “I feel a sense of pride in every success of the Army. On the other hand, I feel discomfort whenever there is any negative news concerning the Army.”

Noting that the cantonment is a place of deep emotion and memories for him, Tarique Rahman said, "As you know, my adolescent and youthful years were spent in a military environment, both at home and outside. Therefore, I am naturally quite familiar with the Army’s discipline, rules, and regulations. For these reasons, whenever I speak about the Army, I become somewhat nostalgic.”

He said, “I grew up with my parents and my only younger brother within the disciplined and regulated environment followed in the Army. I always consider the Army as a part of my extended family.”

Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country’s independence, with due respect, Tarique Rahman said, “By declaring independence as an Army officer, then Major Ziaur Rahman made the Army an inseparable part of the history of Bangladesh’s independence and Liberation War. Undoubtedly, this is a glorious chapter for the country’s Army.”

He said although the Army played a glorious role in the Liberation War, there were noticeable attempts immediately after independence to damage the Army’s image and create instability within it. 

Even during that turbulent period, under the firm and far-sighted leadership of former Army Chief, Shaheed Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman, a new era of discipline and professionalism began in the Army, the Prime Minister said. 

Since the very beginning of independence, members of the Army have been working tirelessly to maintain security and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said, adding that the ongoing 1,036-kilometre-long Border Road project in the hill and border areas is not only ensuring border security but is also opening new opportunities for the livelihoods and economic activities of people living in remote areas.

In addition, the Prime Minister said that work is underway through the Army to clear mines and explosives from an area of 1,200 square metres in the hill region. 

“I express my deepest condolences and gratitude to the families of the 217 brave Army personnel who embraced martyrdom while serving in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” he added.

The head of government said the reputation of the Bangladesh Army is now well established internationally, adding that by performing its duties with efficiency, professionalism, and dedication in United Nations peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh has earned special honor and prestige in the global arena over the past years as the highest troop-contributing country.

Tarique Rahman said, “Recently, members of the Bangladesh Army have performed their duties with great efficiency and professionalism in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Mali, thereby upholding the country’s honor in the international arena. Behind this glorious achievement lies a history of sacrifice.”

On December 13, 2025, six peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Army were martyred in a drone attack in South Sudan, he said, adding, “I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families.”

About the Army’s role during the 2024 July Uprising, Tarique Rahman said, “I believe that the democracy-loving people will positively evaluate the responsible role played by the Army during the historic Student-People Mass Uprising of 2024 and in the critical moments following August 5.”

At the same time, throughout the tenure of the interim government, the Army played a commendable role in maintaining law and order, ensuring the security of industrial areas, and keeping the wheels of the stagnant economy moving, he added.

He said the Army’s wholehearted support in conducting the free and fair election held on February 12 was essentially a unique expression of its deep institutional commitment to democratic rules and regulations. 

In addition, the Prime Minister said that even amid the global fuel oil crisis, the Army played a highly important role in maintaining normalcy by carrying out its responsibilities at oil storage facilities with efficiency and prudence.

He noted that the Bangladesh Army’s role in protecting the country’s sovereignty, combating terrorism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions is highly commendable.

The Army has always played a leading role in the country’s infrastructure development, post-disaster rescue operations, and in responding to any national crisis, including the July Mass Uprising and flood situations, the premier said.

He further said, “During the fascist regime, every institution in the country lost its professionalism. The Army also had to face undesirable adverse circumstances. In the current democratic environment, the military must once again maintain the trust of the people by demonstrating its competence, skills, and professionalism.”

Regarding promotions in the Army, the Prime Minister said, “If certain specific policies are followed in promotions and appointments, the Army Headquarters Selection Board can play a groundbreaking role in establishing professionalism. Let merit and competence become the main criteria for an Army officer’s promotion.”

He said, “An officer’s physical fitness and physical appearance should be among the key considerations for promotion.”

Referring to the issue of physical fitness and regular exercise, the Prime Minister said he found a remark by the late U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf particularly relevant.

He said, "General H. Norman Schwarzkopf said, ‘The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.’ Therefore, there is no room for compromise at any level regarding discipline and fitness in the Army.”

The Prime Minister hoped that the officers selected through the Selection Board would further strengthen the continuity of the Bangladesh Army’s success, glory, and professionalism in the future. 

“The vision of the current government is ‘Bangladesh First’ in protecting the country’s interests. In protecting the interests of the people, it is ‘Bangladesh for All’,” he said.