President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Bangladesh's armed forces into a modern four-dimensional force capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
Speaking as chief guest at the 51st founding anniversary of the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) at Dhaka Cantonment, the Head of State said the government had adopted a "Bangladesh First" policy in shaping defence planning, strengthening deterrence capabilities and formulating national security strategies.
"The implementation of these initiatives will strengthen the overall capability and efficiency of the armed forces and further modernise the country's defence system, making it more effective and resilient," he said.
Describing the PGR as a specialised, disciplined and professional unit of the Bangladesh Army, the president said it played a crucial role in protecting the President, the Head of Government, foreign dignitaries and other important state personalities while upholding the country's prestige during official events.
He urged members of the regiment to achieve the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and technology-driven capability, noting that the global security environment was changing rapidly.
Shahabuddin said conventional security threats were now accompanied by cyber-attacks, the misuse of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a range of hybrid threats. He stressed the need to strengthen technology-based capabilities, intelligence analysis and round-the-clock operational readiness to address these emerging risks effectively.
The president expressed hope that the PGR would become an even more capable force through the adoption of modern technology, internationally recognised training and continued professional excellence.
He also said the security of the Head of State, the Head of Government and other important domestic and foreign dignitaries was closely linked to national security and the country's international standing. Effective coordination among law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations and relevant ministries, he added, was essential to ensuring comprehensive security arrangements.
At the same time, he urged PGR personnel to remain responsible and sensitive in carrying out their duties so that security measures did not unnecessarily disrupt interaction between public figures and citizens.
Paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country, Shahabuddin honoured the martyrs of the Liberation War, valiant freedom fighters and Biranganas. He also recalled with respect the contributions of Proclaimer of Independence Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The president also paid tribute to the five PGR members who were killed during the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman at Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981 and remembered all regiment members who had died while performing their duties.
He prayed for the eternal peace of those killed during the July-August Mass Uprising and expressed sympathy for those who were injured.
Earlier, Shahabuddin cut a cake to mark the regiment's 51st anniversary and wished the PGR continued success, prosperity and welfare.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the Acting Chief of Naval Staff, secretaries to the Bangabhaban, senior military and civil officials, the PGR commander and members of the regiment attended the ceremony.
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