Dhaka, Feb 8 (V7N) — Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday promised that the name of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), which he described as deeply connected to the country’s Liberation War, would be restored if the BNP assumes state power through a popular vote. He also announced plans to implement the “one rank, one pay” policy and to formally recognize the victims of the Pilkhana massacre through a nationally observed day of remembrance.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while speaking at a program titled “Firm Confidence in Independence and Sovereignty,” held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital. The event was organized by the BNP Parliamentary Election 2026 Armed Forces Affairs Sub-Committee and was attended by former members of the armed forces and their family members.

Referring to the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy, Tarique Rahman said that after the killing of army officers at the then BDR headquarters, what he termed a defeated and ousted fascist force changed the name of BDR and even altered its uniform. Expressing his personal sentiment, he said that if BNP forms the government with the people’s mandate, the name Bangladesh Rifles will be reinstated, Insha’Allah.

He added that to prevent such incidents in the future, BNP would hold discussions with the army to declare the day of the Pilkhana killings as either Martyr Army Day, Army Massacre Day, or a National Day of Mourning.

Tarique Rahman said several retired senior army officers had shared recommendations with him prior to his speech, including the formation of a National Security Council and reforms of certain provisions of the Army Act. He described these proposals as important and said that if BNP comes to power after the February 12 election, a committee comprising retired and serving members of the armed forces would be formed to review and implement these recommendations. He reiterated that the one rank, one pay policy would also be enforced.

Describing the armed forces as his extended family, Tarique Rahman said he grew up in cantonments and lost his father at a young age. He recalled that his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, had deep respect and trust in the army, believing that a strong military is essential for safeguarding national sovereignty. He said he takes pride in his father, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, both as a freedom fighter and as the declarer of Bangladesh’s independence, a role that, according to him, also brought honor to the armed forces.

He further stated that just as democratic-minded citizens are proud of Shaheed Zia, he believes the armed forces are equally proud of him. Tarique Rahman emphasized that the army is regarded by the people as a reliable guardian of national independence and sovereignty and warned that assigning the military to roles beyond its core mandate undermines its primary purpose.

Criticizing the past one and a half decades, he said that if army officers and members reflect on their role during this period, many unanswered questions may emerge regarding independence, sovereignty, and national dignity. He claimed that when the country fell under what he termed subservient and hostile forces, not only was democracy eroded, but national sovereignty was also threatened. He alleged that even on the day of the planned killings at Pilkhana, the army was either unable or not allowed to play its rightful role.

Tarique Rahman said that glory cannot simply be restored, as it must be earned and upheld. He stressed that safeguarding the honor and dignity of the armed forces is primarily the responsibility of the military itself and urged officers and members to remain vigilant about their professional integrity.

He assured that if BNP forms the government, the armed forces would never be used for political interests. He said BNP has never engaged in activities that tarnish the dignity of the military and pledged that it would not do so in the future. Describing BNP as a pro-Bangladesh and pro-sovereignty party, he said a strong BNP in politics ensures a strong Bangladesh and preserves the honor and dignity of the armed forces. He cautioned the military against being drawn into partisan politics, emphasizing that professionalism must not be overshadowed by political involvement.

At the event, retired Major Mizanur Rahman urged former officers present to support Tarique Rahman in the upcoming election and to adhere to democratic principles. Addressing Tarique Rahman, he described the severe repression faced over the past 17 years and expressed hope for justice and a secure Bangladesh, stating his belief that Tarique Rahman could build the country people aspire for.

BNP Chairperson’s Defense Affairs Adviser, retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, delivered the welcome address. Others present included Colonel (retd) Harunur Rashid Khan, former ADC to President Ziaur Rahman; retired Major Jamal Haider; and Rakin Ahmed, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, among others.

END/AJ/SMA/