.png){kind=logo}
BangladeshNationalist Party-BNP
BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman today 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 this 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.
