President at Bangabhaban: National Security and Global Engagement Must Follow the 'Bangladesh First' Policy

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed strategic leadership, institutional capacity and collective effort to meet emerging security challenges and uphold the national interest. He was addressing participants of the National Defence Course-2026 and the Armed Forces War Course-2026 at Bangabhaban.

The President said, “National security and international engagement must be conducted in light of the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy. Alongside safeguarding sovereignty, independence, national dignity, security and people's welfare, constructive relations must be maintained on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.”

He said quality leadership, strong institutions and united efforts to achieve the national interest are needed to turn Bangladesh into a more prosperous, inclusive and stable state.

He paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the great Liberation War of 1971, recalling their courage, sacrifice and commitment in establishing an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. He also paid tribute to martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, citing his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War and his proclamation of independence, and recalled Ziaur Rahman's role in expanding professional military education through the establishment of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in 1977.

The President remembered those who sacrificed their lives in the 2024 mass uprising and in the long struggle to establish democracy over the past 17 years. He called for collective work to uphold people's dignity, ensure justice and accountability, and give democracy an institutional shape.

Pointing to new security challenges, he said that alongside conventional security concerns, climate change, cyber threats, transnational crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change have now emerged as fresh challenges.

The President said national security is not limited to military preparedness alone; economic stability, food and energy security, environmental sustainability, technological capability and strong institutions are also tied to it.

Referring to the changing geopolitical situation, he said the importance of vigilance and foresight has grown particularly because of Bangladesh's strategic position in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

He said artificial intelligence, automated systems and advanced digital technology are changing the nature of war and security, while misinformation, disinformation and cyber threats are creating growing challenges for national security and democratic institutions.

To face this reality, the President said, leadership is needed that has strategic foresight, sound judgement, intellectual openness and the ability to work with different institutions and countries. Citing the role of the National Defence College, he said the institution has created a unique opportunity for exchange of views and a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges among senior leaders of the armed forces, civil administration, law-enforcement agencies and friendly countries.

Congratulating the course participants, the President said that in carrying out their duties they must place the interest of the country and its people above everything, and work with professionalism, honesty, discipline and accountability. Addressing participants from other countries, he said their experience in Bangladesh would help strengthen friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and their own countries.

The President reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to peaceful coexistence, friendship among nations and constructive engagement with the international community, and called for cooperation instead of conflict, dialogue instead of disagreement and peace instead of confrontation. He praised the commandant, faculty and staff of the National Defence College for their dedicated work in building capable and far-sighted leadership.

National Defence College Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman delivered the welcome address at the event. Faculty members of the college, graduating army officers, foreign course members, army staff officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and senior Bangabhaban officials were present. A total of 103 members took part in the National Defence Course-2026: 54 from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 18 from the Bangladesh Civil Service and 31 from 17 friendly countries.