Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the immense importance of an efficient, modern, and patriotic army in safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty, noting that the responsibility of leading this force rests primarily on its officers.
He made these remarks on Thursday (June 18) while addressing the President's Parade, which marked the commissioning of the 90th BMA Long-Term Course officer cadets. The Army Chief inspected the parade at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) Parade Ground in Bhatiari, Chattogram, received the salute, and distributed awards to meritorious cadets.
General Waker-uz-Zaman stated that the BMA was established in 1974 to produce dedicated and capable officers for the 21st century. Led by officers commissioned from this internationally renowned academy, the Bangladesh Army continues to make significant global contributions driven by loyalty, discipline, and a strong sense of duty.
"Guided by the motto 'Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir' (Ever High is My Head), the BMA continues to enrich the army through visionary planning and efficient training," he added. "We are proud of and grateful for this contribution."
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Army Chief reminded them that their oath entrusts them with the sacred responsibility of protecting the nation.
Following three years of rigorous training, 184 officer cadets from the 90th BMA Long-Term Course—166 male and 18 female—were formally commissioned into the Bangladesh Army. Additionally, seven foreign cadets—four from Palestine, and one each from Tanzania, Zambia, and the Maldives—completed their military training and will return to serve in their respective national armies.
Battalion Senior Under Officer Khairul Islam was awarded the prestigious ‘Sword of Honor’ as the best all-around cadet, alongside the ‘Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal’ for military excellence. Tanzanian Sergeant Abu Bakar received the ‘BMA Trophy of Excellence’ as the best foreign cadet. Following the awards, the graduating cadets took their formal oaths, and proud parents and guests presented them with their rank badges.
Highlighting ongoing modernization efforts adapted to the changing global landscape, General Waker-uz-Zaman officially inaugurated the ‘2nd Bangladesh Battalion’ at the BMA. Operating alongside the 1st Battalion, this new unit is designed to enhance training quality and forge agile, competent leaders capable of facing modern battlefield challenges. Furthermore, the Army Chief inaugurated several new infrastructure projects, including the newly constructed Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Bhatiari, BMA Park, a swimming pool, and an MES office complex.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the parade ground, the Army Chief was welcomed by the Commandant of the BMA and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Chattogram Area. Members of Parliament, high-ranking domestic and foreign military and civilian officials, parents, and media personnel attended the event.
