Staff Correspondent

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strategic leadership, institutional resilience and collective efforts to address emerging security challenges of the country.

“National security and international engagement must be guided by 'Bangladesh First' principle with safeguarding the country's sovereignty, independence, national dignity, security and people's welfare alongside maintaining constructive relations based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit," he said.

The President made the remarks while addressing the participants of the National Defence Course-2026 and Armed Forces War Course-2026 at Bangabhaban here Monday.

The President said, "Bangladesh's journey towards becoming a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient nation required quality leadership, strong institutions and unity in pursuing national interests."

He paid deep respect to the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971, recalling their courage, sacrifice and commitment to establishing an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, particularly his proclamation of independence at its very dawn and his contribution to professional military education through the establishment of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in 1977.

Fakhrul remembered those who sacrificed their lives during the July-August 2024 movement and the long struggle for democracy over the past 17 years, stressing the need to uphold people's dignity, ensure justice and accountability and institutionalise democracy.

"Traditional security concerns now coexist with climate change, cyber threats, transnational crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic uncertainty and disruptive technologies," he said

 "National security encompasses not only military preparedness but also economic resilience, food and energy security, environmental sustainability, technological capability and strong institutions," he added.

Referring to the changing geopolitical landscape, the President said Bangladesh's strategic location in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region made vigilance and strategic foresight particularly important.

He said artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced digital technologies were transforming warfare and security, while misinformation, disinformation and cyber threats posed growing challenges to national security and democratic institutions.

The President stressed that emerging realities required leaders with strategic foresight, sound judgment, intellectual openness and the ability to work across institutions and nations.

Highlighting the role of the National Defence College, he said the institution provided a unique platform for senior leaders from the Armed Forces, civil administration, law enforcement agencies and friendly countries to exchange ideas and develop a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges.

Congratulating the participants, commandant and faculty members of the course, the President urged them to prioritise the country and its people's interests above all else and uphold professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability in their respective responsibilities.

He also greeted the participants from other 17 friendly nations and expressed hope that their experience in Bangladesh would help further strengthening friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and their countries.

He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to peaceful coexistence, friendship among nations and constructive engagement with the international community, calling for cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over discord and peace over conflict.

National Defence College's Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman delivered the welcome address.

Faculty members of the National Defence College, Army officers who completed the NDC course, Army officers who completed the AFWC course, foreign course members participating in the NDC course, Army staff officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and senior officials of Bangabhaban were present on the occasion.  

A total of 103 participants took part in the National Defence Course 2026, including 54 members from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 18 from the Bangladesh Civil Service and 31 from 17 friendly countries.