Tarique Rahman Pledges to Reinstate 'BDR' Name if BNP Wins Power

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Publish : 08 Feb 2026, 10:36 AM

Photo: Collected

In a major policy announcement ahead of the upcoming general election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has declared that the historic name of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) will be restored if his party is voted into office.

Speaking on Saturday (February 7) at a discussion titled "Solid Confidence in Independence and Sovereignty" held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Rahman outlined his vision for the armed forces while addressing former military officers and their families.

Honoring the Pilkhana Martyrs
Tarique Rahman emphasized that the BDR name is deeply intertwined with the memories of the Liberation War. He criticized the previous administration for changing the name and uniform of the force following the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy.

The BNP leader also pledged to formally recognize the day of the massacre.

"If we gain the public mandate on February 12, we will consult with the army to designate the day of the Pilkhana killings as 'Shaheed Sena Dibash' (Martyred Soldiers Day), 'Sena Hattyajogga Dibash' (Army Massacre Day), or National Day of Mourning," he stated.

Institutional Reforms and Military Welfare
During the event, several senior retired officers presented recommendations for military reform. In response, Rahman promised that if the BNP forms the government:

Reform Committee: A dedicated committee comprising both former and serving military members will be formed to evaluate and implement reforms, including the potential establishment of a National Security Council.

One Rank, One Pension: He reiterated the party's commitment to the "One Rank, One Pension" (OROP) system for retired personnel, a key pledge already included in the BNP’s 2026 election manifesto.

A Personal Connection
Sharing rare personal reflections, Tarique Rahman described the military as his "extended family," having grown up within the cantonment.

He recalled the deep respect his mother, the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, held for the armed forces as the ultimate guardians of national sovereignty.

He further asserted that his father, Ziaur Rahman, brought eternal pride to the institution by proclaiming the nation's independence.

Professionalism Over Politics
Rahman urged military personnel to guard their institutional "glory" through professionalism and warned against political entanglements.

He concluded by assuring the audience that a BNP government would never use the military for partisan political interests, emphasizing that the party remains the steadfast force for Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

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