Upholding the honour of the national flag is a sacred duty for every soldier: Prime Minister

Bangla Press Desk: Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has remarked that upholding the honor of the national flag is a sacred duty for every soldier. He stated that receiving the national flag signifies a renewed pledge to carry out assigned responsibilities with even greater dedication.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Sunday (October 18) at a ceremony in Savar, held to present the national flag to several battalions and regiments.
The Prime Minister noted that, as a member of a military family, he grew up within a military environment; therefore, even though he attended the event in a different capacity, such an environment is not unfamiliar to him.
He congratulated the 7th and 32nd Field Regiments of Artillery, the 25th Air Defence Regiment, the 9th Engineer Battalion, the 56th and 57th East Bengal Regiments, and the President Guard Regiment for earning the honor of receiving the National Standard (national flag) in recognition of their professional achievements.
Tareque Rahman said, "This National Standard is not merely a flag; it is a symbol of a unit’s history, traditions, discipline, self-sacrifice, professionalism, and commitment to the nation. The proud fluttering of the national flag serves as a constant reminder of our independence, sovereignty, and the sacrifices made by countless individuals."
He added, "Receiving the national flag represents a renewed vow to fulfill your assigned duties with greater dedication. Safeguarding the honor of the flag is a sacred duty for every soldier."
Highlighting the role of the army during the Liberation War, the Prime Minister recalled that when the genocide began on the night of March 25, 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman—then the second-in-command of the 8th East Bengal Regiment in Chittagong—declared, "We revolt!" He subsequently ordered the Bengali-speaking officers and soldiers to engage in an armed struggle. The Prime Minister noted that at 2:15 AM on March 26, Ziaur Rahman issued the directive to commence an armed struggle for independence. The following day, on March 27, he reiterated the declaration of independence from the Kalurghat radio station. This contribution by an army officer to Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War remains an inspiring and glorious chapter for the armed forces. Noting that the strength of a modern armed force is not limited merely to its weaponry, equipment, or manpower, Tareque Rahman stated that its true power lies in discipline, competence, leadership, morality, training, and the trust of the people—and, above all, in its chain of command.
He mentioned that ongoing efforts are focused on making the armed forces more technology-driven, efficient, disciplined, and professional. In today’s world, drones, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and electronic warfare have become critical components of national security. Given this reality, defense preparedness is being advanced in step with the times.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a domestic defense industry to produce arms, ammunition, and defense equipment within the country, alongside the modernization of the military. He also highlighted the necessity of developing integrated defense capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Referring to government initiatives for the welfare of military personnel, Tareque Rahman noted that priority is being given to housing, healthcare, education, training, career development, and post-retirement social security. Under the national pay scale, the salaries and allowances of armed forces personnel have been increased by 100 to 138 percent. Furthermore, the implementation of a "One Rank, One Pension" scheme—aimed at improving the standard of living for military personnel—is currently underway.
The Prime Minister stated, "Protecting national interests, sovereignty, and self-respect will be the core commitment of the Bangladesh of tomorrow. Bangladesh seeks to strengthen friendship and cooperation with all nations, based on the principles of mutual respect and equality."
BP/TD