Government Prioritises Military Modernisation and Domestic Defence Industry: PM
The government is prioritising the modernisation of the armed forces and the establishment of a domestic defence industry to keep pace with changing global circumstances, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said.
He also said a landmark “One Rank, One Pension” scheme to improve the living standards of army personnel was under consideration.
The Prime Minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a ceremony on Sunday morning (October 18) to award the National Standard to several army battalions and regiments. Organised by the 9th Infantry Division, the ceremony was attended by Cabinet members, advisers, the army chief, foreign diplomats, and serving and retired armed forces officers.
The 7th and 32nd Field Regiments Artillery, 25th Air Defence Regiment, 9th Engineer Battalion, 56th and 57th East Bengal regiments, and the President Guard Regiment (PGR) received the National Standard in recognition of their professional achievements.
Congratulating the units, Mr. Rahman said the National Standard was more than a flag. It symbolised a unit’s history, heritage, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism and commitment to the country.
Receiving the National Standard, he said, meant taking a renewed pledge to discharge their responsibilities with greater dedication. He added that the Bangladesh Army was born through the country’s independence and Liberation War, despite attempts to damage the image of the armed forces.
Recalling the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that after brutal attacks on freedom-seeking people began on the night of March 25, 1971, then Major Ziaur Rahman, deputy commander of the 8th East Bengal Regiment, declared, “We revolt.” He said Ziaur Rahman ordered the start of armed resistance at 2:15am on March 26 and announced independence from Kalurghat Radio Station on March 27. The declaration was broadcast at home and abroad.
Quoting Ziaur Rahman’s article The Birth of a Nation, Mr. Rahman said the birth of the Bangladesh Army was closely linked to the country’s struggle for independence. For this reason, patriotic people who cherish independence regard the army’s achievements as achievements for Bangladesh as a whole.
Modern defence capabilities
The Prime Minister said the concept of national security was changing amid current global developments. In addition to land, sea and air, cyberspace, outer space, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare and information-based capabilities had become important components of national security.
Bangladesh was working to adapt its defence preparedness to these changing realities, he said.
Emphasising domestic production, Mr. Rahman said the government was prioritising the establishment of a local defence industry to manufacture necessary weapons, ammunition and other defence equipment, alongside modernising the army in all areas.
He said modern technology and training were also being emphasised to ensure that the army, navy and air force could operate in a coordinated manner when needed.
Welfare of armed forces personnel
Highlighting government initiatives for the welfare of armed forces members, Mr. Rahman said salaries and allowances had already been increased by between 100 and 138 per cent under the national pay scale.
He added that implementation of the “One Rank, One Pension” scheme was under consideration to further improve army personnel’s living standards.
The government was also giving serious attention to housing, healthcare, education, training and social security after retirement, he said.
The Prime Minister praised the armed forces for their contributions to international peacekeeping missions and their response to natural disasters and emergencies at home.
He said protecting national interests, sovereignty and dignity would remain a core commitment for Bangladesh in the future. The country seeks to strengthen friendship and cooperation with all nations based on mutual respect and equality.
