Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged newly commissioned officers to remain prepared to make the utmost sacrifice to safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty while serving the nation with integrity, professionalism and commitment.

He made the call while addressing the President’s Parade of the 90th Long Course at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) in Bhatiari, Chattogram, on Thursday.

The Army Chief advised the newly commissioned officers to develop themselves into skilled, competent and agile military leaders capable of meeting future challenges.

He stressed the importance of discipline, dedication and patriotism, urging them to uphold the highest ideals of military service and remain ready to make any sacrifice required to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.

Earlier in the day, General Waker-Uz-Zaman arrived at the parade ground and formally reviewed the parade after receiving a guard of honour. Hundreds of cadets took part in the colourful ceremony.

Both local and foreign cadets participated in the event. This year, 191 cadets, including seven foreign nationals, were commissioned into the army. The foreign cadets came from four countries, including Palestine and Tanzania. Of the 184 Bangladeshi cadets commissioned, 166 were men and 18 were women.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated the newly commissioned officers on their achievement.

Senior military officials, representatives of various countries' armed forces, public representatives and family members of the cadets attended the ceremony.

Later, the Army Chief inaugurated the second battalion at Bhatiari and opened several facilities and development projects, including BM Park and a Combined Military Hospital (CMH).