Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that attempts have been made at various times to tarnish the reputation of the Army. He made these remarks on Sunday (October 18) morning while delivering his speech at the National Standard Presentation Ceremony 2026.

The Prime Minister said, "As a member of a military family, I grew up in a military environment. Therefore, even though I appear before you today in a different capacity, this kind of environment is not new to me. Regardless, for their professional success, the 7th and 32nd Field Regiment Artillery, 25th Air Defence Regiment, 9th Engineer Battalion, 56th and 57th East Bengal, and the President Guard Regiment have earned the honor of receiving the National Standard or the National Flag."

"Congratulations to all of you. This National Standard is not just a flag; rather, it symbolizes the history, tradition, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism, and commitment to the nation of a unit,"

he added.

He said that the glorious flying of the national flag constantly reminds us of our independence, sovereignty, and the supreme sacrifices of countless people. "That national flag, the symbol of independence and sovereignty, has been handed over to you today. Achieving the national flag signifies a new pledge to discharge the duties assigned to you with even greater dedication. Protecting the dignity of the flag is a sacred duty for every soldier."

The Prime Minister further noted, "There is no denying that attempts have been made at various times to tarnish the image of the armed forces. But it is essential for us to remember that the Bangladesh Army was born through the War of Liberation and Independence."

He recalled that when the barbaric attack on the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh began on the night of March 25, 1971, the then Second-in-Command of the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chattogram, Major Ziaur Rahman, uttered the words, "We Revolt."

"He did not stop merely at uttering 'We Revolt.' Returning to the 8th East Bengal Regiment, he gathered all the Bengali-speaking officers and soldiers of the army. What instructions he gave after assembling everyone has been mentioned in several articles written by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman himself," PM Tarique Rahman said.

In his article titled 'Birth of a Nation', the martyred President Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman wrote:
"Time was extremely precious. I called the officers, JCOs, and jawans of the battalion. I addressed them. They knew everything. I explained everything in brief and instructed them to embark on the armed struggle. Unanimously and gladly, they accepted this order. I gave them a military plan. It was then 2:15 AM on March 26, 1971. The people of Bangladesh will remember this day forever. They will love to remember it. They will never forget this day. Never."

These details written by the martyred Zia were published in special supplements of the now-defunct 'Dainik Bangla' in 1972, the weekly 'Bichitra' in 1974, and 'Dainik Desh' in 1980. From these facts, it is evident that the history of the birth of the Bangladesh Army is inextricably linked with the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

History bears witness that on the night of March 25, 1971, the Bengali-speaking military personnel of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 8th East Bengal Regiments raised armed resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces in response to the genocide.

At 2:15 AM on March 26, he issued the order to join the armed struggle for Bangladesh's independence. The following day, on March 27, he broadcast the declaration of independence again from the Kalurghat Radio Station. That declaration spread both at home and abroad.

Such a historic and heroic role by an army officer in the independence and Liberation War of Bangladesh is undoubtedly an inspiring and glorious chapter for the armed forces. For this reason, freedom-loving, patriotic citizens view any success of the army as a success for Bangladesh itself.

"The strength of a modern armed force is not limited to weapons, equipment, or manpower alone. Its true strength lies in discipline, efficiency, leadership, morality, training, and the trust of the people. Above all, within the chain of command," he said.

"We are continuing efforts to build the armed forces into a more technology-driven, efficient, disciplined, professional, and state-of-the-art force. It is the expectation of the people that officers and soldiers at all levels of the armed forces will remain steadfast in their commitment to the constitution, laws, military regulations, and human values while performing their duties," the PM added.

He noted that the global security landscape is changing rapidly today, with evolving warfare tactics and strategies. Beyond land, sea, and air, cyberspace, outer space, drones, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and information-based capabilities have become vital components of national security. In light of this reality, efforts are ongoing to advance defence preparedness in step with the times.

The current government, alongside modernizing the army in all aspects, has emphasized establishing a domestic defence industry to manufacture necessary arms, ammunition, and defence equipment within the country.

However, technology can never be a substitute for human capability. There is a need to build an integrated defence capability where, alongside enhancing technological capacity, the Army, Navy, and Air Force can operate cohesively when required.

The armed forces do not merely safeguard the nation's defense; they also play a vital role during natural disasters, floods, cyclones, fires, and other national emergencies. Furthermore, they continue to serve with distinction in overseas peacekeeping missions.

The government is prioritizing the welfare, housing, medical care, education, training, career development, and post-retirement social security of military personnel.

The salaries and allowances of armed forces members under the national pay scale have already been increased by 100% to 138%.

Additionally, the implementation of "One Rank, One Pension" is currently underway to further improve the quality of life for army personnel.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that safeguarding national interest, sovereignty, and self-respect will be the core commitment of future Bangladesh. Bangladesh seeks to strengthen friendship and cooperation with all nations based on mutual respect and equality.

He concluded his address by thanking everyone involved with the 9th Infantry Division for organizing the event.