Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said promotions in the Bangladesh Army must be based solely on merit, professional competence, integrity, leadership qualities and professionalism rather than personal preferences or political considerations, to build a modern and professional force. 

Addressing the inauguration of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, he also said restoring discipline and professionalism in postings and promotions will strengthen the Army's institutional integrity and lay the foundation for visionary leadership.

“I believe that by following certain clear principles in promotions and appointments, the Army Headquarters Selection Board can play a significant role in reinforcing professionalism within the Bangladesh Army,” the Prime Minister said.

“In this regard, my first appeal is that honesty, integrity, professional competence, moral courage, farsightedness and leadership qualities must be given the highest priority in selecting the Army's future leaders, rising above political ideology and personal likes or dislikes,” he added.

At the same time, Tarique Rahman said merit and competence must remain the main criteria for an officer's promotion.

He also said an officer's physical fitness and physical appearance should be among the key considerations for promotion.

Referring to the importance of regular physical training, the Prime Minister cited late US General Norman Schwarzkopf's famous remark: "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war."

He said there could be no compromise at any level when it comes to the question of discipline and physical fitness in the Army.

Tarique Rahman also expressed hope that officers selected through the Selection Board will further strengthen the Bangladesh Army's tradition of success, glory and professionalism in the years ahead.

He said he takes pride in every success achieved by the Army and feels personally distressed whenever the institution faces negative publicity.

"Cantonment has always been a place of deep emotion and memories for me," the Prime Minister said, recalling that he spent his childhood and youth in a military environment and therefore considers the Army part of his extended family.

As Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh's defence strength depends not only on the capability of its Armed Forces but also on national unity, preparedness and resilience.

He announced that the government will formulate a modern national defence policy inspired by the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, integrating the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industry, technology, educational institutions and citizens into a comprehensive national security framework.

"The objective is not to encourage war but to build a stable, self-reliant and well-prepared defence system capable of responding to any crisis, aggression or disaster while safeguarding Bangladesh's sovereignty, independence and national interests," the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, he said national security now extends beyond territorial defence to include cyberspace, information warfare, drone technology, artificial intelligence and regional geopolitical competition.

Tarique Rahman said the government intends to strengthen Bangladesh's defence capabilities by enhancing drone technology, satellite surveillance, cyber warfare and electronic warfare systems.

He said the government is committed to building a modern, technology-driven Army capable of addressing emerging security challenges, including maritime and border security, transnational threats, cybersecurity, disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

The Prime Minister said a comprehensive roadmap is being prepared for the future development of the Armed Forces with emphasis on capability rather than numbers, effectiveness rather than expansion, technological innovation instead of merely increasing platforms and greater jointness among the services.

The government's defence priorities, he said, include building disciplined, modern and capable Armed Forces, strengthening integrated defence planning, formulating contemporary defence policies and strategies, developing a domestic defence industry and reinforcing democratic civil-military relations.

Paying tribute to martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman said the former Army officer's declaration of Bangladesh's independence had made the Army an inseparable part of the country's Liberation War history.

He also credited Ziaur Rahman with restoring discipline and professionalism within the Army during the turbulent years following independence.

The Prime Minister remembered with gratitude the martyrs of the Liberation War, wounded freedom fighters, members of the Armed Forces and Army personnel who embraced martyrdom while serving in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Referring to the Army's long-standing role in the CHT, he said Army personnel have worked tirelessly since independence to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Tarique Rahman noted that the ongoing 1,036-kilometre Border Road project is not only enhancing border security but also creating new economic opportunities for people living in remote areas.

He also mentioned that the Army is carrying out mine and explosive clearance operations over 1,200 square metres in the hill region.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the families of 217 Army personnel who laid down their lives while maintaining peace and combating terrorism in the CHT.

Praising the Bangladesh Army's international reputation, he said its professionalism and dedication in United Nations peacekeeping missions have earned the country global recognition as one of the world's leading troop-contributing nations.

Tarique Rahman commended Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali for upholding the country's image abroad.

He also paid tribute to six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a drone attack in South Sudan on December 13, 2025.

Recalling recent national developments, the Prime Minister said the Army played a responsible role during the historic student-led mass uprising of 2024, the post-August 5 transition period, the interim administration and the February 12 general election, reflecting its commitment to democratic values.

He also praised the Army's contribution to maintaining law and order, ensuring security in industrial areas, supporting economic recovery and protecting strategic fuel storage facilities during the global energy crisis.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that the Army has consistently played a leading role in safeguarding national sovereignty, combating terrorism in the CHT, supporting infrastructure development, conducting disaster response operations and assisting the nation during emergencies, including the July movement and floods.

He observed that many state institutions, including the Army, faced difficult circumstances during the previous fascist regime, but expressed confidence that the military will continue to strengthen public trust through professionalism and competence under a democratic environment.

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the government's guiding principles: "Bangladesh First" in protecting national interests and "Bangladesh for All" in safeguarding the interests of the people.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at the Army Headquarters by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and the Chief of General Staff (CGS).

Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam and senior military officials attended the function.

Following the ceremony, Tarique Rahman joined a photo session with senior Army officers and signed the visitors' book at the Army Headquarters.