Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made speech while addressing a Darbar for the military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium. Photo: PMO

DHAKA, April 12, 2026 (BSS) - Praising the armed forces for their contributions to safeguarding national security, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed them to protect sovereignty of the country and uphold dignity of the constitution, rising above party-affiliation and opinions.

He also called upon the members of the armed forces to maintain public trust, and stay committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and sacrifice.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the call while addressing a Darbar for the military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium here, said Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, the premier was received by his 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.

"The armed forces are not the property of any particular individual, family or party. The armed forces are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state," the Prime Minister said, adding, commitment to the constitution and the unwavering trust of the people must be the core base of the armed forces to walk the path.

"Protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country is the sole and sacred responsibility of each of our members," he said, pledging to build a 'modern and time-befitting' armed forces for the country.

"We want to develop Bangladesh into a state that will not accept anyone's domination and that will stand tall in the world. The levels of international relations will be determined on the basis of mutual respect, interest and equality. In this regard, the role of the armed forces is immense," the premier said.

In the coming days, if the modern, disciplined and professional armed forces remain steadfast in patriotism, Bangladesh will be safer and more dignified, he said. 

"I would like to assure you that we are committed to building the armed forces as a modern and time-befitting force," added the premier.

Addressing the armed forces personnel at all levels, he said his government will ensure their due respect, professional dignity and welfare.

"I expect from you that you will love Bangladesh rising above party-affiliation and opinions. Even if it means risking our lives, we will put the country's interests above all else in all areas. Bangladesh is first to us," Tarique Rahman said.

Expressing confidence that Bangladesh will move forward with the power of discipline, capability, self-respect and patriotism, the Prime Minister said that the government expected the armed forces to remain a proud partner in this journey.

“We want to keep the purpose for which the armed forces were formed in all our activities with us. With our combined efforts, the Bangladesh Armed Forces will be one of the best, professional, modern and prestigious forces in the world, InShaAllah,” he added.

Addressing the armed forces members, the Prime Minister stressed loyalty to the Constitution, oath, discipline, and command.

“We should remember that there is no alternative to continuously improving our professional skills. The modern battlefield has to be faced not only with technology but also with strategy and skills,” said Tarique Rahman.

“For this, there must be a combination of coordination and strategic thinking. Your relationship with the people will be one of trust and a deep sense of responsibility. On this basis, an unbreakable bond will be built. This bond will serve as your strength and motivation,” he added.

The head of the government said that every citizen of Bangladesh not only considers the armed forces as the last resort, but also considers them as a symbol of courage, determination and reliability.

“May this genuine trust and love of the people towards you be one of your driving forces and inspirations,” he said.

Urging the members of the armed forces to refrain from corruption, negligence of duty, mismanagement and abuse of power, the premier said, “We must remember that it is our moral and professional responsibility to ensure fair distribution of the country's resources and prevent waste”.

While performing duties in the international arena, especially while deployed in peacekeeping missions, the dignity of Bangladesh must be given top priority, he said, adding, “Because you are not just a soldier there. Rather, you are a representative of Bangladesh”.

Terming the armed forces as the strength of a state, the Prime Minister said, “We want an armed force that will be respected by external powers and trusted by the people of the country”.

The armed forces must always maintain a high ideological position without compromising professionalism, he added.

The flame of patriotism that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman lit at every level of the armed forces to protect the dignity of the state should remain intact, Tarique Rahman said.

“The declaration of independence on March 26, the formation of the armed forces on November 21 and the revival of patriotism and professionalism on November 7- these three indivisible strands are the backbone of our military and the tradition of the armed forces,” he added.

 “It is our collective commitment to preserve the glorious history of this force as an inspiration for future generations, by keeping ourselves ready as vigilant guards of democratic responsibility and the sovereignty of the country,” said Tarique Rahman.

Noting that the nature of war and security have changed, unfolding new reality for the world, he said, nowadays, security does not only mean protection on land borders, but also includes sea, air, cyberspace, information warfare, technology-based defense, artificial intelligence, coastal security, energy infrastructure, maritime resources, and regional strategic competition.

The armed forces should not be limited to just acquiring modern war equipment but should also strive to enhance their professional skills, strategic intelligence and knowledge-based capabilities with the utmost importance to ensure that they are capable of meeting any contemporary and future security challenges, said the premier. 

“Keeping this reality in mind, our election manifesto has given special priority to the development of the armed forces,” he added.

Senior military and civil officials stationed in Dhaka, along with members of different ranks, attended the Darbar. Members stationed in other parts of the country joined the event through video teleconference.

Later, the Prime Minister answered various questions from army officers and soldiers.