Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today emphasized the importance of effectively presenting the multidimensional role of the armed forces to the public through accurate information flow and public engagement. His remarks came during a visit to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate at Dhaka Cantonment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin accompanied Dr Islam during the visit, where they were welcomed by Director of ISPR, Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Doula Chowdhury. The ISPR director briefed the Defence Adviser on the directorate’s activities, including news dissemination, media coordination, and research and publication efforts aimed at showcasing the armed forces’ activities to the public.
The briefing also covered existing capabilities, institutional limitations, and future development plans. During the visit, Dr Islam observed various processes related to news preparation, information verification, and media
coordination activities within ISPR.
The Defence Adviser highlighted the need for ISPR to become more dynamic, timely, and research-oriented, with a focus on engaging the public. He noted that the armed forces play critical roles not only in safeguarding national security but also in disaster response and international peacekeeping, which boosts Bangladesh’s image abroad.
Dr Islam pointed out that limited publicity and inadequate public engagement often prevent people from fully understanding the armed forces’ diverse activities. He urged ISPR to strengthen communication between the armed forces and the public and directed the enhancement of research, digital communication, and media coordination to effectively present the armed forces’ contributions at both national and international levels.