Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged the Navy and Air Force Selection Board to prioritize merit, competence, leadership qualities, discipline, integrity, loyalty, and suitability in the promotion of officers, steering clear of political influences or personal biases.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant contributions of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force in safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty. He lauded their role in maintaining internal peace and stability and assisting the civil administration during disasters. The Prime Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2026 at the Air Force Headquarters this morning, as stated by his Deputy Press Secretary, Jahidul Islam Rony.
The selection board is tasked with evaluating eligible officers from the Bangladesh Navy, holding the ranks of captain, commander, and lieutenant commander, and officers from the Bangladesh Air Force, holding the ranks of group captain, wing commander, and squadron leader, for promotions.
Upon his arrival at the Air Force Headquarters, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. Before the board's inauguration, the Prime Minister adorned Chief of Naval Staff Khandker Misbah Ul Azim with the Admiral rank badge, congratulating him on his new appointment.
Admiral Khandker Misbah ul Azim expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy and sought guidance for further modernizing the force. In his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as honoring the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and subsequent democratic movements.
The Prime Minister extended his thanks to the chiefs and members of both the Navy and Air Force for their unwavering dedication and contributions to the nation. He later inspected several key operational installations of the Bangladesh Air Force. At the Air Defence Operations Centre (ADOC) in Dhaka Cantonment, he unveiled the inaugural plaque of the Air Defence System Integration (ADSI) and reviewed its air defence activities.
During his visit to the Air Command Operations Centre (ACOC), the Prime Minister observed the interception of enemy aircraft and troop insertions using live feeds from UAVs operating out of Chattogram. He also visited the Aerospace Research and Development Complex (ARDC) to observe research activities, including the display of indigenous UAVs developed by the Bangladesh Air Force.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism that advancements in aerial systems, achieved through the Air Force's technological capabilities, would significantly enhance research, innovation, and technological self-reliance. The visit included the presence of the Defence Adviser, chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Defence Secretary, and senior armed forces officials.