Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his government is committed to building a modern and technology-driven Bangladesh Army capable of meeting the demands of the time.

He said, "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. 

"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.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at the Dhaka Cantonment here on Sunday morning.

He said, "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".

Tarique Rahman said following the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the present government will formulate a modern policy under which the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, civil administration, industry, technology, educational institutions, and the country's people will work together as part of an integrated national security framework.

"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.

Addressing senior army officials, the Prime Minister said that the nature of warfare has changed significantly.

"Security today is no longer limited to protecting territorial borders. It also encompasses cyberspace, information warfare, drone technology,             artificial intelligence, and regional geopolitical competition," he said.

The premier said, therefore, the government wants to further strengthen the defence system by enhancing drone technology, satellite                    surveillance, and cyber and  electronic warfare capabilities.

Tarique Rahman said the government is preparing a roadmap for the    modernisation and development of the armed forces.

"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.

The Prime Minister said the government's key priorities for strengthening the armed forces include building a disciplined, modern, and capable military, enhancing integrated defence planning, formulating time-befitting defence policies and strategies, promoting the domestic defence industry, and reinforcing democratic civil-military relations.

About the Army Headquarters Selection Board 2026, the Prime Minister said discipline in recruitment and promotion in the Bangladesh Army will be re-established through this Selection Board, which has been formed to duly identify and recognise qualified individuals based on 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, adding, “I feel a sense of pride in every success of the Army. On the other hand, I feel discomfort whenever there is any negative news concerning the Army.”

Noting that the cantonment is a place of deep emotion and memories for him, Tarique Rahman said, "As you know, my adolescent and youthful years were spent in a military environment, both at home and outside. Therefore, I am naturally quite familiar with the Army’s discipline, rules, and regulations. For these reasons, whenever I speak about the Army, I become somewhat nostalgic.”He said, “I grew up with my parents and my only younger brother within the disciplined and regulated environment followed in the Army. I always consider the Army as a part of my extended family.”

Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country’s independence, with due respect, Tarique Rahman said, “By declaring independence as an Army officer, then Major Ziaur Rahman made the Army an inseparable part of the history of Bangladesh’s independence and Liberation War. Undoubtedly, this is a glorious chapter for the country’s Army.”

He said although the Army played a glorious role in the Liberation War, there were noticeable attempts immediately after independence to damage the Army’s image and create instability within it. 

Even during that turbulent period, under the firm and far-sighted leadership of former Army Chief, Shaheed Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman, a new era of discipline and professionalism began in the Army, the Prime Minister said. 

Since the very beginning of independence, members of the Army have been working tirelessly to maintain security and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, he said, adding that the ongoing 1,036-kilometre-long Border Road project in the hill and border areas is not only ensuring border security but is also opening new opportunities for the livelihoods and economic activities of people living in remote areas.

In addition, the Prime Minister said that work is underway through the Army to clear mines and explosives from an area of 1,200 square metres in the hill region.  “I express my deepest condolences and gratitude to the families of the 217 brave Army personnel who embraced martyrdom while serving in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism  operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” he added.