Praising the armed forces for their significant contributions to national security, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed military personnel to uphold the country’s sovereignty and the dignity of the constitution by rising above party affiliations and personal opinions.
Addressing a Darbar for military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium, the Prime Minister—who also serves as the chairman of the ruling BNP—called upon the members of the armed forces to maintain public trust and remain committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and sacrifice.
According to Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the premier was received upon arrival by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.
"The armed forces are not the property of any particular individual, family, or party. The armed forces are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state," the Prime Minister stated.
He added that an unwavering commitment to the constitution and the trust of the people must be the core foundation of the forces.
"Protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country is the sole and sacred ultimate responsibility of each of our members," he stressed.
Reflecting on historical challenges, the Prime Minister noted that there had been past attempts to weaken and controversialize the army through various activities.
He specifically referenced the Pilkhana massacre, stating that the army was severely damaged by that incident and subsequent efforts to politicize the force.
He highlighted the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in modernizing the military, asserting that the spirit of patriotism developed since that era must continue. "If there are united armed forces, no one can defeat Bangladesh," he remarked.
The Prime Minister also categorized the Bangladesh Army's participation in UN peacekeeping missions as a major achievement, noting that this international standing reached higher levels during previous BNP administrations.
He described the armed forces as an "indispensable force" not only during wartime but as vigilant guards during natural disasters and peace-time crises.
"We want an armed force that will be respected by external powers and trusted by the country's people," he said, urging members to maintain high ideological standards without compromising professionalism.
During the Darbar, the Premier highly praised the professionalism and discipline of the forces, particularly commending their role in maintaining law and order since August 2024 and ensuring the successful completion of the 13th national parliamentary election.
He assured full government support for future modernization, capability enhancement, and effective participation in national development.
The event was attended by senior military and civil officials stationed in Dhaka, while members stationed elsewhere across the country joined the proceedings via video teleconference.
