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Published : 26 Jul 2026, 03:21 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for merit, professional competence and leadership qualities to take precedence over political considerations in Bangladesh Army promotions.
On Sunday, while opening the Army Headquarters Selection Board meeting at Dhaka Cantonment, he urged senior officers to keep promotions free from personal preferences and political influence.
The selection board will review the professional competence, service records and other qualifications of officers in specific ranks, such as colonels and lieutenant colonels, before recommending promotions.
Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said the prime minister attended the meeting and delivered “policy-guiding” address to senior army officers.
Tarique said building a “professional, modern army requires promotions to be based on merit, professional competence, integrity, moral character, leadership qualities and discipline”.
He also praised the army's role in safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty.
Besides national security, he said the force continues to make important contributions to maintaining internal law and order, responding to disasters and supporting the civil administration.
The prime minister thanked Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and all members of the force for their service.
At the start of his address, Tarique remembered late president Ziaur Rahman with “deep respect” for his contribution to the modernisation and restructuring of the army.
He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, wounded freedom fighters and members of the country's armed forces, while remembering army personnel killed during duty in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Army chief Waker and Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Md Mainur Rahman welcomed the prime minister on his arrival at Army Headquarters.
Senior officers were joined by Defence Secretary Ashraf Uddin at the opening session of the selection board.
