Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday inaugurated the Army Headquarters Selection Board 2026 at Army Headquarters, where eligible colonels and lieutenant colonels will be considered for promotion to brigadier general and colonel, respectively, in the board’s first phase.
Rahman instructed board members to rise above political ideology and personal preferences when assessing officers, giving priority to professional competence, leadership qualities, discipline, integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty and overall suitability for appointment, the government said in a press release.
The prime minister began his address by paying tribute to the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, freedom fighter and late President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
He also honoured the martyrs, war-wounded and freedom fighters of the Liberation War, particularly members of the armed forces, and army personnel injured or killed while serving in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Rahman said the Bangladesh Army continued to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty while helping the civil administration maintain internal peace, order and stability and respond to natural disasters.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff and all members of the Army for their service and sacrifice.
The Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of General Staff received the prime minister upon his arrival. The Army Chief thanked him for attending and inaugurating the selection board despite his busy schedule.
The prime minister’s defence adviser, Brigadier General Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, PSC, G (Retd), and senior military officers attended the ceremony. Rahman later joined the officers for a photo session and recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.
