Professional competence, merit to be criteria for promotions: PM
Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman has said that professional skills and merit, rather than political ideology, will be the main considerations in the promotion of officers of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force. He made the remarks while formally inaugurating the ‘Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2026’ as the chief guest at the Air Force Headquarters.
At the promotion board, eligible officers holding the ranks of captain, commander and lieutenant commander in the Bangladesh Navy, and group captain, wing commander and squadron leader in the Air Force will be considered for their next promotions. When the Prime Minister arrived at the venue, he was welcomed by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Army Chief General Mr. Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mr. Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Mr. Hasan Mahmood Khan.
Before the selection board began its proceedings, Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman pinned the rank badge of admiral on Navy Chief Mr. Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim. He later congratulated the newly appointed Navy chief. In his inaugural speech, the Prime Minister remembered the great declarer of independence, freedom fighter and martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He also remembered the contributions of those who were killed in the 1971 Liberation War, the 2024 student-people uprising, and those killed and injured in various movements for democracy and people’s rights in the country from 1971 to 2024.
Besides, the Prime Minister highlighted the sacrifices of the martyrs, war-wounded freedom fighters and freedom fighters who participated in the Liberation War, as well as all the brave soldiers, including those who were martyred in the armed forces, particularly the Navy and Air Force. He instructed members of the selection board to remain above political ideology and personal likes and dislikes when considering officers for promotion. The Prime Minister called for giving importance to professional skills, leadership qualities, discipline, honesty, loyalty and allegiance, and above all, suitability for performing the responsibilities concerned in determining promotions.
Mr. Tarique Rahman said the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have been making important contributions to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, maintaining internal peace, order and stability, and assisting the civil administration in dealing with disasters. He sincerely thanked the chiefs and all members of the two forces for their sacrifices and contributions to the country when needed. The Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, the chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, the Defence Secretary and senior officials of the armed forces were present during the inauguration of the ‘Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2026’ and the Prime Minister’s visits to various operational installations.
