Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed that merit, skill, and honesty be prioritized in promotions, transcending political ideology and personal preferences.
He issued this directive on Sunday (August 23) at the official inaugural ceremony of the ‘Navy and Air Force Selection Board – 2026’ at the Bangladesh Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.
At the outset of his speech, the Prime Minister remembered Martyr President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also gratefully recalled the contributions of all martyrs of Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971, all martyrs of the student-people’s mass uprising in 2024 to protect the country and its people’s freedom, and all those who were killed or injured at various times from 1971 to 2024 in movements to establish democracy and human rights in the country.
Subsequently, in the event, the Prime Minister instructed the members of the selection board to emphasize officers’ professional competence, leadership qualities, standard of discipline, honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty, and above all, their suitability for appointment, rising above political ideology and personal preferences during promotions.
Tareq Rahman stated that the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force, while fulfilling their duties to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, are also making significant contributions in assisting the civil administration in maintaining internal peace, order, stability, and disaster management. The Head of Government extended heartfelt thanks to all members of the Navy and Air Force, from the Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff downwards, for their sacrifices for the nation’s needs.
Upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the venue, he was welcomed by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A. K. M. Shamsul Islam, Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan.
Later, the Prime Minister conferred the rank badge upon Navy Chief Khondkar Misbah ul Azim. At this time, Navy Chief Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim expressed his sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy.
He sought the Prime Minister’s valuable advice and directives to further advance the Navy as a modern, capable, and up-to-date force. Also present were the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, the Chiefs of Army and Air Force, and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.
