PM Urges Fair, Merit-Based Promotions in Navy and Air Force

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday instructed the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force Selection Boards to ensure that promotions are based strictly on professional competence and merit, without being influenced by political affiliations or personal preferences.

He emphasised that officers should be assessed on their professional expertise, leadership abilities, discipline, integrity, loyalty and overall suitability for higher appointments.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while inaugurating the Navy and Air Force Selection Boards-2026 at Bangladesh Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.

According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony, the boards will consider eligible Navy officers holding the ranks of Captain, Commander and Lieutenant Commander, as well as Air Force officers serving as Group Captain, Wing Commander and Squadron Leader, for promotion.

The Prime Minister praised the Navy and Air Force for their contributions to protecting the country’s sovereignty and supporting the civil administration in maintaining peace, stability and responding to disasters. He also expressed gratitude to the chiefs and personnel of both forces for their service and sacrifices.

During his address, Tarique Rahman paid tribute to late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He also honoured the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those killed during the 2024 student-led mass uprising, and others who lost their lives or were injured in movements for democracy and people’s rights between 1971 and 2024.

Before inaugurating the selection boards, the Prime Minister formally adorned newly appointed Navy Chief Khondkar Misbah ul Azim with the rank badge of Admiral and congratulated him. The Navy chief thanked the Prime Minister and sought his guidance for transforming the Navy into a more modern, capable and responsive force.

Later, Tarique Rahman visited several key Bangladesh Air Force installations, including the Air Defence Operations Centre (ADOC), Air Command Operations Centre (ACOC) and Aerospace Research and Development Complex (ARDC).

At the ADOC, he unveiled a plaque marking the inauguration of the Air Defence System Integration (ADSI) and observed air defence activities. At the ACOC, he watched simulated fighter interception and helicopter troop-insertion operations using live UAV feeds.

During his visit to the ARDC, the Prime Minister viewed locally developed UAVs, including drones, kamikaze drones, interceptor drones and VTOL systems, and watched a quadcopter demonstration. He expressed hope that indigenous development of advanced aviation technologies would strengthen research, innovation and technological self-reliance in the Air Force.