Dhaka, July 26 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said promotions in the Bangladesh Army must be based solely on merit, professional competence, integrity, leadership qualities and discipline, rather than personal preferences or political considerations, to build a modern and professional force.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Army Headquarters Selection Board-2026 at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, he said a professional military can only be strengthened by ensuring fairness and transparency in the promotion process, according to a release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to BNP founder and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for his contribution to the modernisation and r...