PM calls for non-political role of military

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has praised the armed forces for their role in safeguarding national security and called on them to uphold the sovereignty of the country and the dignity of the Constitution, rising above party affiliations and personal views.

He made the remarks while addressing a Darbar of military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium on Sunday, according to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

On arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was received by Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the armed forces are not the property of any individual, family, or political party, but a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state.

He stressed that commitment to the Constitution and the trust of the people must remain the core foundation of the armed forces.

He further stated that protecting the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh is the sacred responsibility of every member of the armed forces, adding that his government aims to build a modern, time-befitting military.

“We want to develop Bangladesh into a state that will not accept domination and will stand tall in the world,” he said, adding that international relations should be based on mutual respect, interest, and equality. He noted that the role of the armed forces is crucial in this regard.

The Prime Minister said that a modern, disciplined, and professional military would ensure a safer and more dignified Bangladesh in the future, and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces.

He also assured that his government would ensure due respect, professional dignity, and welfare for all members of the armed forces.

Urging service members to remain loyal to the nation above all else, he said: “I expect you to love Bangladesh rising above party affiliation and opinions.

Even at the cost of our lives, we must place the country’s interests first. Bangladesh comes first.”