Published : 23 Aug 2026, 06:30 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:35 AM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged promotion boards for the Navy and Air Force to put professional competence, integrity, loyalty and suitability for command ahead of political views or personal preferences.
He made the call on Sunday while opening the Navy and Air Force Selection Board 2026 at Air Force Headquarters.
Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said the inauguration formally began the promotion process for eligible officers of the two services.
Navy captains, commanders and lieutenant commanders, along with Air Force group captains, wing commanders and squadron leaders, will be considered for promotion to the next rank.
The board, made up of senior military officials, will select officers for future leadership roles, with the promotions subject to government approval.
“In promoting officers, the highest importance must be given to professional competence, leadership qualities, discipline, integrity, trustworthiness and loyalty and, above all, suitability for appointment,” Tarique said.
He added that the process should remain above “political ideology and personal likes and dislikes”.
The prime minister also praised the Navy and Air Force for their role in safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty, maintaining internal stability, supporting the civil administration and responding to disasters.
Rony said Tarique paid tribute to those killed in the Liberation War, the 2024 mass uprising and movements for democracy and people’s rights, while also remembering late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
After the ceremony, Tarique toured several Air Force operational and research facilities.
He inaugurated the Air Defence System Integration at the Air Defence Operations Centre in Dhaka Cantonment and observed demonstrations of air defence operations.
At the Air Command Operations Centre, he watched a fighter aircraft interception exercise and a live UAV feed showing a helicopter troop insertion drill from Chattogram.
The prime minister also visited the Aerospace Research and Development Complex, where he was shown drones developed by the Bangladesh Air Force, including kamikaze, interceptor and vertical take-off and landing models.
He described the development of such systems using indigenous technology as an important step towards greater research, innovation and technological self-reliance in the Air Force.
The chiefs of the three armed forces, the prime minister’s defence advisor and other senior military officials attended the programme.
