Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said the Bangladesh Army continues to contribute to the international community with dedication and sincerity while safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty.
He said a modern, efficient and patriotic army plays a crucial role in protecting national sovereignty. He also noted that officers carry the primary responsibility of leading the force.
He made the remarks during the President’s Parade held to mark the commissioning of the 90th Long Course Officer Cadets of the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) on Thursday at the BMA Parade Ground in Bhatiari, Chattogram.
General Waqar-uz-Zaman said the Bangladesh Military Academy was established in 1974 to develop dedicated, efficient, intelligent and skilled officers suited for the Bangladesh Army in the 21st century.
He said officers trained from the academy are now leading the army with loyalty, discipline, fairness and a strong sense of duty. He added that the force is making contributions beyond the country’s borders.
He said the motto “Chiro Unnata Momo Shir” reflects the army’s continued commitment to improving capability through training and long-term planning under the BMA.
The Army Chief said modern global realities demand continuous reform and practical development. He added that several initiatives have already been taken to modernise the army.
He also announced that the activities of the Second Bangladesh Battalion will be formally inaugurated at the Bangladesh Military Academy to improve cadet training quality, ensure modern facilities and maintain continuity in training.
He expressed confidence that the battalion will help develop skilled, agile and competent leadership capable of meeting modern challenges.
Addressing the graduating cadets, he said the commission had entrusted them with the responsibility of protecting the nation’s independence and sovereignty.
Following three years of intensive training, 184 officer cadets from the 90th BMA Long Course were commissioned into the Bangladesh Army. Among them, 166 were male and 18 were female. Four Palestinian, one Tanzanian, one Zambian and one Maldivian cadet also completed training and will join their respective armed forces.
Battalion Senior Under Officer Khairul Islam received the Sword of Honour for best overall performance and the Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal for excellence in military affairs. Sergeant Abu Bakar of Tanzania received the BMA Trophy of Excellence as the top foreign cadet.
After the oath-taking ceremony, rank badges were presented to the new officers by guests along with parents and guardians.
At the beginning of the event, the Army Chief was received at the parade ground by the Acting General Officer Commanding of Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Commandant of BMA, and the General Officer Commanding and Area Commander of Chattogram Area.
Members of Parliament, senior military and civilian officials, foreign guests, media representatives, and parents of cadets attended the parade.
Later, the Army Chief inaugurated the Second Bangladesh Battalion at BMA. The battalion has been established alongside the First Bangladesh Battalion to further improve leadership training, professional skills and overall cadet development at the academy.
