Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday emphasized the need for strategic foresight, technological preparedness, and institutional resilience to tackle emerging national and global security challenges. Addressing the participants of the National Defence Course-2026 and Armed Forces War Course-2026 at Bangabhaban, he highlighted the multifaceted nature of national security.
According to United News of Bangladesh, President Mirza Fakhrul stated that national security extends beyond the military domain and includes economic resilience, food and energy security, environmental sustainability, technological capability, and institutional strength. He pointed out that Bangladesh's strategic location in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region is influenced by changing geopolitical dynamics, global power shifts, and regional conflicts, adding complexity to security concerns.
The President noted that traditional security threats are now intensified by factors such as climate change, cyber threats, transnational crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic uncertainty, and disruptive technologies. He stressed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced digital technologies on warfare and security, as well as the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and cyber threats to national security and democratic institutions.
Mirza Fakhrul called for the development of leaders with strategic foresight, sound judgement, intellectual openness, and the ability to operate across institutional and national boundaries. He acknowledged the role of the National Defence College in fostering a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges among senior officials from the Armed Forces, civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and international partners.
The President urged participants to prioritize the country's interests and uphold professionalism, integrity, discipline, and accountability in their roles. He stated that Bangladesh's progress towards being a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation relies on leadership quality, institutional strength, and national unity. He reiterated that national security and international engagement should be guided by the principle of "Bangladesh First," safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and the welfare of its people while fostering constructive international relations.
Mirza Fakhrul also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and urged international course members to serve as bridges of friendship between Bangladesh and their respective countries. He affirmed Bangladesh's commitment to peaceful coexistence, international friendship, and constructive global engagement, advocating for cooperation over confrontation and dialogue over discord.
In his address, the President paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 War of Liberation, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, and those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of democracy. He also honored members of the armed forces who died in service, including in UN peacekeeping missions. Lastly, he congratulated the participants of the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course-2026 and commended the National Defence College's leadership for their efforts in developing capable leaders.