PM Calls for Merit-Based Army Promotions Without Bias

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said promotions in the Bangladesh Army must be based solely on merit, professional competence, integrity, leadership qualities and discipline, rather than personal preferences or political considerations.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, he said ensuring fairness and transparency in the promotion process is essential to building a modern and professional military force.

According to a release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, Tarique Rahman said a disciplined and capable army can only be strengthened when promotion decisions are made through objective evaluation.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman for his role in modernising and restructuring the Bangladesh Army after independence.

He also expressed deep respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War, wounded freedom fighters and members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in serving the country.

Tarique Rahman also honoured army personnel who lost their lives while carrying out duties in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Highlighting the Bangladesh Army’s role in protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty, the Prime Minister said the force has also made important contributions to maintaining internal stability, responding to natural disasters and assisting civil administration when needed.

He thanked the chief and members of the Bangladesh Army for their professionalism and dedicated service to the nation.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman was welcomed at Army Headquarters by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Chief of General Staff (CGS).

The Army chief expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for inaugurating the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026.

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam and senior military officials were present at the event.

After the ceremony, Tarique Rahman took part in a photo session with senior army officers and signed the visitors’ book at Army Headquarters.