Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has underlined the necessity of merit-based promotion within Bangladesh Army, urging the force to rise above personal preferences or political considerations to establish a modern and professional institution.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday morning, Tarique said promotions should prioritise professional competence, integrity, moral character, leadership qualities, and discipline.
“In order to build a modern and professional army, the highest importance should be given to merit, professional competence, integrity, moral character, leadership qualities and discipline in promotions, rising above personal liking and disliking or political considerations,” he said.
The prime minister’s remarks were shared by his Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.
In his directional speech as the chief guest, Tarique recalled with deep respect the contributions of former president Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, for his role in reorganising and modernising Bangladesh Army.
He also expressed his gratitude to the martyrs of the 1971 Great War of Liberation, war-wounded freedom fighters, and all members of the country’s armed forces for their service.
The prime minister paid tribute to the army personnel who embraced martyrdom while performing their duties in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). He lauded the army’s role in safeguarding national sovereignty and its significant contributions to maintaining internal law and order, disaster response, and aiding civil administration.
Earlier, the chief of Army Staff and the chief of General Staff (CGS) welcomed the prime minister upon his arrival at Army Headquarters. The Army chief expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for inaugurating the Selection Board.
The ceremony was attended by Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, alongside senior military officials. Following the event, the prime minister joined a photo session with army officers and recorded his remarks in Army Visitor’s Book.
