PM Pledges to Modernise, Strengthen Border Force

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spoke at a views exchange meeting this afternoon at the Army Multipurpose Complex in the Army Headquarters, commemorating National Martyred Army Day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged to further modernise and strengthen the country’s border force to ensure its members can discharge their duties with patriotism and professional excellence.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting at the Army Multipurpose Complex at Army Headquarters on National Martyred Army Day, he said a government elected by the people remains committed to enhancing the force’s capacity to safeguard national interests.

The day commemorates the tragic killings at Pilkhana on February 25–26, 2009, at the headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh, then known as the Bangladesh Rifles. Senior military officials, government advisers, the Home Minister and family members of the slain officers attended the event.

Paying tribute to the 74 victims, including 57 army officers, the prime minister described the incident as one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He stressed that preserving the memory of the tragedy with due state honour is a national responsibility.

Recalling the historical role of the border force, he said its roots are intertwined with the country’s struggle for independence. Members of the then East Pakistan Rifles stood alongside the army during the 1971 Liberation War and made lasting contributions to the nation’s freedom.

He noted that after independence, former president Ziaur Rahman prioritised strengthening the force through reforms, infrastructural development and organisational restructuring, including its reorganisation into battalions in 1978.

The prime minister also underscored the need to modernise the national security framework to address emerging challenges, saying the Pilkhana tragedy had exposed critical vulnerabilities.

Reaffirming support for the families of the fallen, he said the government is committed to long-term arrangements for the education, healthcare and rehabilitation of their children.

Describing the army as a symbol of national sovereignty, he said efforts would continue to ensure the security forces remain capable, modern and prepared to meet any threat.