Safeguarding national interests, sovereignty and self-respect will remain Bangladesh’s primary commitment while building relations with foreign nations on mutual respect and equality as the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated on Sunday.
He made the remarks while addressing a National Standard presentation ceremony at Savar Cantonment as chief guest. The event honored seven army units including the President Guard Regiment, the 7th and 32nd Field Regiments Artillery, the 25th Air Defence Regiment, the 9th Engineer Battalion, and the 56th and 57th East Bengal Regiments for professional excellence.
"This National Standard is not just a flag. It is a symbol of a unit’s history, heritage, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism and commitment to the country" the Prime Minister said with reminding soldiers that upholding the flag's honor is a sacred duty.
Addressing defence requirements PM Tarique Rahman emphasized that a modern military's strength relies on leadership, ethics, public trust and a strict chain of command alongside advanced weaponry. He outlined government efforts to build a modern, technology-driven force capable of addressing modern warfare challenges across land, sea, air, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence.
He prioritized the establishment of a domestic defence industry to produce arms and equipment locally, advocating for an integrated defence capability where all service branches operate cohesively.
Recalling the 1971 Liberation War, the Prime Minister highlighted the historic role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman who declared independence and led armed resistance, calling it a perpetual source of pride for the nation.
He also commended the military’s domestic emergency response and global peacekeeping contributions also assuring continued government commitment to service members' welfare including housing, healthcare, salary enhancements and processing the "One Rank, One Pension" system.
Senior ministers, advisers, Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, diplomats and military officers attended the event.
