Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday made a surprise visit to the Bangladesh Army's summer exercise in Manikganj and interacted with troops.

Tarique arrived at the summer exercise area of 8 Bir under the 9th Infantry Division in Singair upazila at around 9:20am, said a release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.

During the visit, the Prime Minister walked across a large section of the training area to observe the ongoing exercise and interact with the troops.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) and the unit's Commanding Officer (CO) briefed him on the exercise and operational preparedness.

Tarique also listened attentively to a commander's verbal operational order and observed a raid exercise carried out by the participating troops.

He inspected various aspects of the field training, including troop deployment, combat tactics, the use of weapons and other realistic combat drills.

Tarique entered an army bunker and exchanged views with officers and soldiers taking part in the exercise.

He also met troops positioned in camouflage and encouraged them in the performance of their duties.

At one point during the visit, the Prime Minister had the freshly cooked meal prepared for the participating troops and later joined them for tea.

The army personnel expressed delight as the Prime Minister spent an extended period with them in the field.

Addressing the troops, Tarique said the people of Bangladesh have deep confidence in the Bangladesh Army.

He praised the Army's role in safeguarding national security and maintaining law and order, and underscored the importance of professional training, discipline and maintaining the highest level of operational readiness.

The Prime Minister also wished the Bangladesh Army continued success.

Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq and senior Army officers were present.