Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday emphasized the imperative for merit-based promotions within the Bangladesh Army, asserting that personal preferences and political considerations must never compromise the development of a modern, professional force.
The Prime Minister delivered his keynote address as chief guest after inaugurating the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.
In his speech, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman, highlighting his foundational contributions toward reorganizing and modernizing the country’s armed forces.
He further honored:
The martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and war-wounded freedom fighters.
Armed forces personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in line of duty, particularly those who lost their lives while serving in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Prime Minister lauded the army’s multifaceted service, noting that beyond its core role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s independence and territorial sovereignty, the force remains central to maintaining internal law and order, managing disaster relief, and aiding civil administration.
Upon his arrival at the Army Headquarters, the Prime Minister was received by the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of General Staff.
The inauguration was attended by:
Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister.
Senior military officials and members of the Selection Board.
Following the formal program, the Prime Minister participated in an official photo session with senior army officers and signed the visitors’ book at the Army Headquarters.
