Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen Dr AKM Shamsul Islam (retd) on Tuesday stressed the need for stronger civil-military coordination to ensure national security, good governance and continued development.

He made the remarks at a session on the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division during the ongoing Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

The adviser said effective administrative coordination, sound governance and a robust security framework are essential to build a modern, secure and self-reliant Bangladesh. He emphasised that mutual trust, respect and understanding between civil administration and the armed forces remain key to safeguarding sovereignty and stability.

Highlighting emerging global realities, he said national security is no longer limited to traditional military threats but also includes cyberattacks, terrorism, climate change, pandemics and economic risks. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated “whole of government approach,” involving all state institutions.

He called for building a credible defence system capable of deterring potential threats and urged deputy commissioners to ensure professionalism, efficiency and prompt implementation of government decisions at the field level.

Senior officials, including the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, attended the session, along with top civil administration representatives.

The conference is expected to further strengthen coordination between military leadership and civil administration, contributing to a stable, secure and developed Bangladesh.