Armed forces must remain loyal to Constitution, not any individual or party: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (12 April) said the Armed Forces do not belong to any particular individual, family or political party, stressing that loyalty to the Constitution and unwavering public trust must remain the foundation of their duty.

Addressing a Darbar with members of the armed forces at Senaprangan Auditorium in Dhaka Cantonment, he outlined an ambitious plan to modernise them as technology-driven, fully integrated and rapidly responsive forces capable of ensuring credible deterrence against any potential aggression.

The prime minister also assured that any past grievances or injustices involving service members will be addressed through due legal and institutional processes, adding that no one will face such injustice in the future.

"The armed forces do not belong to any individual, family or political party. They are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state…The ultimate and sacred duty of every member is to protect the country's independence and sovereignty," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government also aspires to build such armed forces that command respect from external powers and earn the confidence of the people at home, expressing his commitment to further strengthening them.

In view of current and emerging global security challenges, he said the government is determined to comprehensively reshape the forces and defence policy to safeguard national interests, public welfare and sovereignty.

The prime minister also said the army, navy and air force will be further developed as faster, more responsive and fully integrated forces.

He also said the country's defence system will be modernised to establish a credible and effective deterrent capability for the protection of national sovereignty.

Tarique Rahman also said a modern national security strategy and defence policy will be formulated, reflecting Bangladesh's realities, national interests and future threats, ensuring a security framework that is Bangladesh-centric, people-centric and state dignity-oriented.

"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," he said.

The prime minister said the government wants to enhance the country's defence capabilities through drone technology, satellite surveillance and electronic warfare, making the overall defence system highly resilient, unformidable and effective. "We will also strengthen cyber capabilities to ensure digital security and data integrity of the forces. Alongside this, we will take the Army to a new level through modern and smart combat systems," he said.

He said the government is giving special importance to naval security, the Bay of Bengal, maritime routes, marine resources and the blue economy.

Tarique Rahman said protecting coastal areas and maritime communication is one of the government's key national priorities. "To safeguard our vast maritime boundary and blue economy, we aim to develop the navy into a strong blue-water force with modern frigates, submarines and advanced solar and radar systems."

He said they will continue the modernisation of the air force to strengthen air surveillance, rapid deployment, airspace security and technology-based capabilities.

"We are committed to enhancing air defence by inducting advanced multi-role combat aircraft and establishing a multi-layered integrated air defence system, taking the Air Force to new heights," the Prime Minister said.

He 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," Tarique Rahman said.

He said the government has plans to build a self-reliant defence capability by developing a domestic defence industry. "We will also ensure that a portion of our defence requirements can be produced domestically in the future, InshaAllah."

The prime minister said the present government also wants to strengthen military-to-military partnerships to deepen regional and international cooperation. "By combining patriotism, courage and wisdom of the new-generation soldiers with modern technology, we aim to build smart, professional and time-befitting armed forces, InshaAllah."

He highlighted some difficult and painful realities of the past one and a half decades. "The tragic chapter of Pilkhana remains a deep wound in our hearts. In that tragedy, we lost our finest sons, and ensuring a proper investigation and justice remains one of the commitments of the present government."

Referring to the 2009 BDR mutiny at Pilkhana, Tarique Rahman said a planned massacre was carried out to weaken the army, and added that during the subsequent one and a half decades of rule under Awami League, there were also 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 an inevitable wartime force, but as a vigilant protector of independence and sovereignty.

The prime minister also highlighted their contributions to tackling natural disasters and serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions to help war-torn countries achieve stability.

He lauded the role of the military in safeguarding the country and its people in 2024, saying their actions gave hope to freedom-loving citizens. "In the unstable period following 5 August 2024, amid visible administrative paralysis, the armed forces played an extraordinary role," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the armed forces' support to the interim government in holding the 12 February 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. "This is not merely an administrative measure, but a necessary step to restore the chain of command and moral foundation of the Armed Forces," he said.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, the prime minister was received by his Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr 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.