Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday pledged to implement wide-ranging reforms across all sectors, including the armed forces, saying his government is committed to rebuilding state institutions and ensuring development reaches every citizen.
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Durbar programme at Dhaka Cantonment, the prime minister said the government’s reform agenda goes beyond the military and aims to transform the entire country.
He noted that the BNP signed the “July Charter” with the objective of repairing the state and stressed that every provision of the charter would be properly implemented.
Tarique also praised the professionalism, sense of responsibility and patriotism of the armed forces, reaffirming confidence in their role.
“The armed forces are not the property of any individual, party or group,” he said, adding that safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty remains their sole and sacred duty.
The prime minister alleged that the military had been weakened in the past, referring to the Peelkhana massacre, and claimed that subsequent regimes attempted to make the army controversial through various actions.
Highlighting the army’s role in recent years, Tarique said the forces acted responsibly following the events of August 5, 2024, and throughout the tenure of the interim government.
He added that the army also carried out its duties professionally during the 13th parliamentary elections.
Recalling the contribution of former president Ziaur Rahman to the modernisation of the military, the prime minister said unity within the armed forces is key to national strength.
“If the armed forces remain united, no one can ever defeat Bangladesh,” he said, expressing hope that the spirit of patriotism fostered in the past would continue to guide the nation forward.