Army officers should be promoted based on merit and competence: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that the government is determined to build a modern and technology-based army as per the needs of the time. The Prime Minister also said that if certain policies are followed in the matter of promotion or posting, the ‘Army Selection Board’ can play a groundbreaking role in establishing professionalism. Merit and competence should be the main criteria for the promotion of an army officer.
He said that the physical fitness and appearance of an officer should be one of the main considerations in the matter of promotion. The Prime Minister said these while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural meeting of the ‘Army Selection Board-2026’ organized at the Dhaka Army Headquarters today, Sunday (July 26).
The Prime Minister said that currently Bangladesh is facing multidimensional and complex security challenges including maritime security, border security, intra-state and cross-border threats, cyber and information-based security, disaster management and humanitarian assistance activities. As a result, it is now the demand of the hour to follow a realistic and sustainable model of defense modernization, taking into account Bangladesh’s geographical location, economic capabilities, national security needs, and the expectations and tolerance of the people.
Tariq Rahman said, “As the head of government and at the same time the Minister of Defense, I believe that the main strength of Bangladesh’s defense system lies not only in the capabilities of the armed forces, but also in the unity, preparedness and tolerance of the entire nation.”
He said, “To that end, a modern policy will be formulated in the light of the ideals of the late President Ziaur Rahman. Where the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industry, technology, educational institutions and the general public will work as part of an integrated national security framework. The purpose of this policy is not to encourage war, but to build an armed force that is always ready, stable and self-reliant to deal with any potential crisis, aggression or disaster, so that the sovereignty, independence and national interests of the country are fully protected.”
The Prime Minister told the generals present that the nature of warfare has changed in the present times. Security does not mean just protecting geographical boundaries. Cyberspace, information warfare, drone technology, artificial intelligence and regional geostrategic competition have been added to this. Therefore, the government wants to further strengthen the defense system by increasing the capabilities of drone technology, satellite surveillance, cyber and electronic warfare. He said that in continuation of this, the government is working on formulating a framework for the modernization and development of the armed forces. Our goal is… the future development of the forces. Where the emphasis will be on capability instead of numbers, effectiveness as well as expansion, technological innovation instead of platform expansion and cooperation instead of single force-centric development.

He further said that the government’s main priorities for the development of the armed forces are – building a disciplined, modern and strong armed forces, strengthening integrated defense planning, formulating timely defense policies and strategies, developing the domestic defense industry and strengthening democratic military-civilian relations. The Prime Minister said, “This selection board, formed to select and recognize suitable people according to the rules and regulations on the basis of merit, ability, skill and integrity, will re-establish discipline in the matter of posting or promotion. At the same time, I believe that a strong foundation will be laid for future visionary and professional leadership in the army.”
He said, ‘I feel a kind of pride in any success of the army. Again, I feel uncomfortable with any negative news about the army.’
The Prime Minister said, ‘Cantonment is a place of deep emotion and memory for me. As you know, my childhood and youth were spent in the army environment at home and abroad. As a result, I am naturally very aware of the rules and regulations of the army. For these reasons, I feel a bit nostalgic when I talk about the army.’
He said, ‘I grew up in the discipline and disciplined environment of the army with my parents and only younger brother. I have always considered the army as a part of my larger family.’
Tareq Rahman also said, ‘On this occasion today, I respectfully remember the proclaimer of independence, the valiant freedom fighter, and the martyred President Ziaur Rahman. By declaring independence as an army officer, the then Major Zia made the army an integral part of the history of Bangladesh’s independence and liberation war.’ This is undoubtedly a glorious chapter for the country’s army. The Prime Minister said that although the army played a glorious role in the Liberation War, there was a noticeable attempt to tarnish the image of the army and create instability in the army immediately after independence. Even during those turbulent times, a new era of discipline and professionalism began in the army through the strong and visionary leadership of former army chief Shaheed Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman. He said, “Since the beginning of independence, the army members have been working tirelessly to maintain security and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.” The nearly 1,036-kilometer-long ‘Border Road’ project underway in the hilly and border areas is not only ensuring border security, but has also opened new possibilities for the lives and economic activities of the people of remote areas. The Prime Minister also said that the army is working to remove landmines and explosives from an area of ​​1,200 square meters in the hilly areas. He said, “I express my deep condolences and gratitude to the families of 217 brave army members who sacrificed their lives while maintaining peace and combating terrorism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.”

He said, “Today, the reputation of the Bangladesh Army is well-established in the international arena. Bangladesh has earned special glory and status in the world as the country that has sent the highest number of peacekeepers in the past years by performing its duties with skill, professionalism and dedication in the UN peacekeeping missions.” Tarique Rahman said, “Recently, members of the Bangladesh Army in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali have upheld the country’s honor in the international arena by performing their duties with extraordinary skill and professionalism. However, there is a history of sacrifice behind this glorious achievement.” He said, “Six peacekeepers of the Bangladesh Army were martyred in a drone attack in South Sudan on December 13, 2025. I pray for the eternal peace of the martyrs and express my deepest condolences to their bereaved families.” Tarique Rahman said, “I believe that the pro-democracy people will positively evaluate the responsible role of the army in the historic student uprising of 2024 and the critical moment after August 5.” At the same time, the army has played a commendable role in maintaining law and order throughout the interim government, ensuring security in industrial areas and keeping the wheels of the stagnant economy moving.
She said, “The army’s steadfast support for the completion of the free and fair elections held on February 12 is a unique expression of deep institutional trust in democratic norms. In addition, the army has played a very important role in maintaining normalcy by performing its duties efficiently and prudently in oil reserves even during the global oil crisis.” The Prime Minister mentioned that the role of the Bangladesh Army in protecting the country’s sovereignty, combating terrorism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in the UN peacekeeping mission is highly commendable. She said that the army has always played a leading role in any national crisis, including the country’s infrastructural development, post-disaster rescue operations and dealing with the July uprising and flood situation. She further said that during the fascist regime, every institution in the country had lost its professionalism. The army also had to face unexpected adverse situations. In the current democratic environment, the army must once again demonstrate its competence, skills and professionalism and earn the trust of the people. Referring to the issue of physical fitness, the Prime Minister said that a comment by the late US General ‘Norman Schwarzkopf’ seemed quite relevant.
She said that General H. Norman Schwarzkopf said, ‘The more you sweat in peacetime, the less blood you will shed in wartime.’ Therefore, there is no room for compromise at any level regarding discipline and physical fitness in the army.
The Prime Minister said that the officers elected through this selection board will further strengthen the continuity of the success, glory and professionalism of the Bangladesh Army in the future. The philosophy of the current government is that ‘Bangladesh First’ in protecting the interests of the country and ‘Bangladesh for All’ in protecting the interests of the people.