Armed forces to be built as modern, capable to face challenges: Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledges to build modern, skilled and capable armed forces to face all the challenges in this era.

The PM called upon members of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, loyalty, integrity and technological excellence while ensuring that security arrangements never create unnecessary distance between the government and the people.

The call was made in a message issued on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR), in which heartfelt congratulations were extended to all former and serving officers and members of the regiment.

The Prime Minister said the PGR had consistently discharged its responsibilities with sincerity, professional excellence, courage, patriotism and unwavering dedication, inspired by its motto, "Impenetrable Security is the Mission of the Guards." It was observed that the regiment's commitment had established it as one of the country's most disciplined and respected security institutions.

The anniversary, he said, had also revived memories of one of the most painful chapters in his personal life—the martyrdom of his father, the Proclaimer of the Independence of Bangladesh and former President Ziaur Rahman. It was recalled that when President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981, several PGR members who had been performing their assigned duties had also embraced martyrdom.

Deep respect was paid to those fallen members of the regiment, while prayers were offered for Almighty Allah to grant them eternal peace and forgiveness. It was stated that, through their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, an enduring example of loyalty, devotion and self-sacrifice had been set in protecting the Head of State and the Head of Government, and that their legacy would continue to inspire every generation of PGR personnel.

The historical evolution of the regiment was also highlighted. It was recalled that on July 5, 1975, the "President's Bodyguard Unit" had initially been established to ensure the security of the President and other important state dignitaries.

It was further noted that on September 19, 1975, the then Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ziaur Rahman, had redesignated the unit as the President Guard Regiment (PGR), a decision that was said to have strengthened the institution by making it more confident and dynamic in carrying out its responsibilities. It was emphasized that Major General Ziaur Rahman would always remain an unforgettable and inspiring figure in the history of the regiment.

The Prime Minister said that, as both his father and his mother had been entrusted at different times with the leadership of the State and the Government, he had become familiar with the responsibilities and activities of the PGR from an early age.

It was observed that the regiment had been entrusted with highly demanding responsibilities, including the protection of constitutionally designated Very Important Persons (VIPs) and the performance of duties during state ceremonies and official functions.

It was stated that these responsibilities required members of the regiment to respond effectively to a wide range of complex situations and that their loyalty, professionalism and sense of duty had enabled the PGR to earn widespread respect.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over the reported nomination of the regiment for the National Standard Award in recognition of its exemplary discipline. The nomination was described as a matter of great pride for the PGR, while congratulations were extended to all members for the achievement. Their unwavering commitment to duty, even under adverse circumstances, was commended.

It was further noted that only specially selected and highly trained personnel of the Bangladesh Army were appointed to the regiment through established procedures, making the PGR a specialized institution within the Army.

Consequently, it was stressed that the discharge of duties with professionalism, loyalty and discipline should continue to be regarded as both an institutional expectation and a professional obligation. Confidence was expressed that the competence and dedication of the regiment would continue to be reflected through its performance.

The specialized training received by members of the regiment was described as one of the principal factors behind the PGR's operational capability, confidence and distinction. It was also observed that the armed forces represented the courage and pride of the nation, while the heroic contribution of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Great War of Liberation in 1971 was said to have permanently linked the Army with the country's glorious history.

Referring to the changing global security environment, the Prime Minister said that modern security threats had become increasingly multidimensional due to evolving socio-economic and geopolitical realities as well as rapid advances in information technology. It was stated that cyber warfare, electronic warfare, drone warfare and information warfare had emerged as critical areas that could no longer be overlooked.

In view of these evolving challenges, it was emphasized that continuous modernization, advanced technological capability and up-to-date training should be ensured not only for the PGR but also for all security forces. It was stressed that, as a specialized regiment, the PGR should never fall behind in operational capability, strategic competence, courage or the adoption of modern technologies.

The Prime Minister also recalled observations previously shared during the anniversary of the Special Security Force (SSF), saying those remarks were equally applicable to the PGR because of its responsibility for protecting the Head of State and the Head of Government.

It was noted that, as the head of a democratic government, he regularly participated in public gatherings and official functions across both Dhaka and remote parts of the country, where PGR personnel were also required to perform security duties. It was acknowledged that ensuring security amid large public gatherings was an inherently complex responsibility.

At the same time, it was emphasized that an appropriate balance should always be maintained between ensuring the security of the Head of Government and safeguarding the normal convenience of citizens. Security strategies, it was said, should be formulated in such a manner that no sense of separation between the people and their elected government should ever be created.

The Prime Minister observed that, as the leader of a democratic government, his confidence would continue to be placed in the love and trust of the people. Accordingly, special attention was urged to ensure that security measures did not unnecessarily distance the government leader from the citizens.

It was further disclosed that, alongside the Armed Forces, plans had been undertaken by the Government to further modernize specialized forces such as the PGR and the SSF and that necessary measures were already being implemented in accordance with due procedures.

Strong confidence was expressed that the sovereignty of Bangladesh would never again come under threat if the Armed Forces continued to remain guided by patriotism, strict discipline and the highest standards of professionalism.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that every member of the PGR would continue to strengthen modern security expertise and technological proficiency while upholding courage, integrity, loyalty, professionalism, discipline and, above all, unwavering adherence to the chain of command.

The message concluded with wishes for the good health, happiness, continued success and prosperity of all officers and members of the President Guard Regiment on its 51st anniversary, along with prayers seeking Almighty Allah's guidance and protection for the nation.