FROM PAGE 1
he outlined plans to modernise them into technology-driven, fully integrated, and rapidly responsive forces capable of credible deterrence, while developing the army, navy, and air force into faster, more coordinated units.
He said the government will reshape the forces and defence policy, and formulate a modern national security strategy reflecting Bangladesh’s realities, national interests, and future threats, ensuring a Bangladesh-centric, people-centric, and state dignity-oriented security framework. Tarique also assured that past grievances or injustices involving service members will be addressed through due legal and institutional processes, adding that such incidents will not occur in the future.
He said, “We want such an Army that is smart, technology-driven, rapidly responsive and time-befitting, where our fighting arms are modern, well-equipped, highly sophisticated, manoeuvre-capable and quickly deployable. At the same time, we aim to make our artillery force more precise, long-range and technology-based, and to develop a modern, multi-layered and effective air defence system.”
Tarique said the government aims to enhance defence capabilities through drone technology, satellite surveillance, electronic warfare, and strengthened cyber systems to ensure digital security and data integrity, while advancing the Army with modern, smart combat systems.
He said special emphasis is being placed on naval security, including the Bay of Bengal, maritime routes, marine resources, and the blue economy, adding that protecting coastal areas and maritime communication is a key national priority. He added that the modernisation of the air force will continue to strengthen air surveillance, rapid deployment, airspace security, and technology-based capabilities, including the induction of advanced multi-role combat aircraft and a multi-layered integrated air defence system.
Tarique said a modern joint operations doctrine among the three services, along with an upgraded C4I system -- command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence -- will ensure rapid decision-making and effective deployment in any crisis. “This will also ensure optimal use of limited resources so that our armed forces can protect national sovereignty, respond to disasters, and uphold Bangladesh’s dignity in the international arena.”
He said the government plans to build a self-reliant defence capability by developing a domestic defence industry and to strengthen military-to-military partnerships to deepen regional and international cooperation.
He highlighted the difficult realities of the past one and a half decades. Referring to the 2009 BDR mutiny at Pilkhana, Tarique said a planned massacre was carried out to weaken the army, adding that during the subsequent one and a half decades under Awami League rule, there were attempts to undermine and tarnish the image of the armed forces.
He said the role of Bangladesh’s armed forces has been globally recognised not merely as a wartime force, but as a protector of independence and sovereignty, and highlighted their contributions to tackling natural disasters and serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions to help war-torn countries achieve stability.
He lauded the military’s role in safeguarding the country and its people in 2024, saying their actions gave hope to freedom-loving citizens. “In the unstable period following August 5, 2024, amid visible administrative paralysis, the armed forces played an extraordinary role.”
Tarique said the armed forces’ support to the interim government in holding the February 12 election in a free, fair, and credible manner reflected their trust in democratic principles and commitment to the people. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, saying any injustice done to members of the armed forces for political or other reasons will be addressed in accordance with due process.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by his Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, along with the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division.