PM prioritises technology in defence strategy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to modernise the Bangladesh Armed Forces, saying the government would prioritise technological capability, integrated national security and merit-based leadership to prepare the military for increasingly complex security challenges.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday, the Prime Minister said the future force would focus on drone technology, satellite surveillance, cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, while strengthening cooperation among the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industry and educational institutions.

“Bangladesh is currently facing complex and multidimensional security challenges, including maritime and border security, transnational and cross-border threats, cyber and information security, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance,” he said.

“As a result, it is now the demand of time to follow a realistic and sustainable model of defence modernisation, taking into account Bangladesh’s geographical location, economic capacity, national security needs, and the expectations and tolerance of the people,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said the government’s defence policy, inspired by the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, would promote a whole-of-nation approach to security rather than focusing solely on military preparedness.

“As Prime Minister and Defence Minister, I believe the strength of Bangladesh’s defence lies not only in the capability of the armed forces but also in the unity, preparedness and resilience of the entire nation,” he said.

“The objective of this policy is not to promote war, but to build a well-prepared, stable and self-reliant armed force capable of responding to any potential crisis, aggression or disaster while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, independence and national interests,” he added.

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, the Prime Minister said national security now extends beyond territorial defence to cyberspace, information warfare, artificial intelligence, drone technology and regional geopolitical competition.

He said the government was preparing a long-term roadmap for force development based on capability, operational effectiveness, technological innovation and joint operations across the services.

“Our vision for future force development prioritises capability over numbers, effectiveness alongside expansion, technological innovation over platform acquisition, and jointness rather than single force-centric development,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the government’s priorities include building a disciplined, modern and capable military, strengthening integrated defence planning, formulating contemporary defence policies, promoting the domestic defence industry and reinforcing democratic civil-military relations.

Referring to the newly formed Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026, Tarique Rahman said it would restore discipline and transparency in recruitment and promotions by ensuring that officers are selected on the basis of merit, competence, efficiency and integrity.

“At the same time, I believe it will establish a strong foundation for visionary and professional leadership in the Army of the future,” he said.

The Prime Minister said promotions should be based primarily on merit, competence and physical fitness, adding that professionalism must remain the cornerstone of military leadership.

Quoting former US General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, he said: “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war,” stressing that there could be no compromise on discipline or fitness within the armed forces.

Reflecting on his personal connection with the military, Tarique Rahman said he spent much of his childhood and youth in a military environment and regarded the Bangladesh Army as an extension of his family.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as an integral part of Bangladesh’s independence history through his declaration of independence as an army officer.

The Prime Minister said the Bangladesh Army had made significant contributions since independence, including maintaining security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, participating in disaster response, supporting national infrastructure projects and contributing to economic stability during periods of crisis.

He noted that the Army is implementing the 1,036-kilometre Border Road project in the hill and frontier regions, aimed at strengthening border security while creating new economic opportunities for remote communities.

He also said Army personnel are clearing mines and unexploded ordnance from an area covering 1,200 square metres in the hill tracts.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, Tarique Rahman expressed condolences to the families of the 217 Army personnel who lost their lives during peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

He also recalled the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a drone attack in South Sudan on 13 December 2025.

The Prime Minister praised the Bangladesh Army’s international reputation, noting that the country remains the world’s largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

He commended Bangladeshi troops serving in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Mali for upholding the country’s image through professionalism and dedication.

He also praised the Army’s role during the 2024 Student-People Mass Uprising, the post-5 August transition period, the 12 February general election, industrial security, disaster response and the global fuel supply crisis.

Claiming that many state institutions had lost professionalism during the previous administration, Tarique Rahman said the Army had also faced difficult circumstances and must continue strengthening public confidence through competence, discipline and professionalism.

He expressed hope that officers selected through the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 would uphold the Bangladesh Army’s tradition of excellence while contributing to the government’s vision of a secure, modern and self-reliant nation.

“The vision of the current government is ‘Bangladesh First’ in protecting the country’s interests. In protecting the interests of the people, it is ‘Bangladesh for All’,” he said.