Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday visited the Bangladesh Army’s summer military training exercise at Babuganj in Barishal.
During the visit, he observed combat drills, inspected operational preparedness and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces.
The prime minister arrived at the exercise site in East Rahmatpur of Babuganj Upazila at around 11:30am before touring the extensive jungle training area on foot to observe various military exercises and battlefield preparedness.
During the visit, he watched soldiers carry out operations in dense forest terrain, including tactical movement, positioning and combat manoeuvres designed to simulate real battlefield conditions. Army officials briefed him on different aspects of the exercise and the strategic readiness of participating troops.
Prime Minister Rahman also witnessed a demonstration of an anti-drone multi-barrel defence system used to detect and neutralise hostile drones. Military officials explained the system’s operational capabilities and its potential applications in modern warfare.
The prime minister spent time interacting with soldiers deployed throughout the training area, enquiring about their welfare and encouraging them to continue performing their duties with professionalism and dedication.
At one point, he sat on the ground with troops, speaking with them about their training, operational responsibilities and field experiences.
He also shared a field meal prepared under simulated battlefield conditions. The meal, cooked over a makeshift flame using a candle inside a metal container, consisted of steamed rice, lentils, mashed potatoes, prawns and egg curry.
Addressing the soldiers afterwards, the prime minister said the Bangladesh Army remained a symbol of the country’s independence and sovereignty and continued to enjoy the confidence and trust of the people.
He praised the armed forces for repeatedly demonstrating professionalism, courage and patriotism in safeguarding national security, maintaining law and order and responding to national crises.
“The discipline, competence, sacrifice and sense of duty shown by members of the Bangladesh Army have earned the force a special place in the hearts of the people,” he said.
The prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining professional training, embracing modern technology and ensuring the highest level of operational readiness to preserve that public confidence.
Recalling his personal connection with the military, Rahman said he had grown up in an army family and always felt a sense of familiarity when spending time with soldiers.
“Being among members of the armed forces brings back memories of my childhood,” he said, adding that speaking with soldiers and hearing about their experiences reminded him of those early years.
Expressing optimism about the future, the prime minister said he hoped the Bangladesh Army would continue to earn greater international recognition and professional distinction beyond the country’s borders.
He assured the armed forces that the government would provide all necessary support to enhance their capabilities, modernisation and global reputation.
Among those present were Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, and other senior Bangladesh Army officials.
