Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that his government would further modernise and consolidate the border force so that its members could carry out their duties with patriotism and professional excellence.

‘After a long struggle, a government elected by the people’s verdict is now in power. On issues concerning the country, we will further modernise and consolidate the border force. And our [border force] members will perform their duties with patriotism and professional excellence,’ he said.

Tarique made the remarks while speaking at a views exchange meeting at the army headquarters in Dhaka on the occasion of the National Martyred Army Day, commemorating the BDR carnage on February 25 and 26 in 2009.

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, prime minister’s defence adviser retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, chiefs of three services, Border Guard Bangladesh director general, senior army officials and family members and relatives of those who embraced martyrdom at Pilkhana in 2009 as well as the army officers who continue to carry the painful memories of that incident were present at the event.

Referring to the historic roots of the border force, he said that they are embedded in the nation’s independence.

Since the beginning of the great Liberation War, the border force along with the Bangladesh army has been making unforgettable contributions to the country, he added.

Later, the prime miniter said, Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman placed special emphasis on strengthening the border force through infrastructural development and reforms.

The number of qualified and talented army officers sent to BDR on deputation was increased, he said, adding, in 1978, the force was reorganised in military fashion, with wings converted into battalions and two new battalions added, marking a significant milestone in its history.

At the onset of his speech, Tarique recalled the valiant martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 mass uprising with due respect.

Describing February 25 as a bloodstained and grief-stricken day in the nation’s history, the prime minister said that whenever this day comes, nature itself seems to fall silent under the weight of memory and mourning, and the air carries the cries of that horrific moment.

‘The brutal incident of February 25 and 26 in 2009, left a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which still lingers on Wednesday, despite the passage of time,’ Tarique said.

‘Standing on the grounds filled with the memories of the martyrs on Wednesday after 17 years of the incident, my voice is growing heavy. I came before you not only as an elected public representative but also as a member of an army family and as the son of a fellow soldier,’ he added.

Stressing that remembering the Pilkhana tragedy with state honour is a national responsibility, he said, ‘If we do not give national recognition to the incidents of February 25 and 26 in the history, future generations will not forgive us’.

Therefore, the premier said the current government will work to preserve the memory of those days.

About the army, he said the army has a glorious history in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and in the nation-building after the independence, adding, ‘Army is the symbol of our sovereignty. I think, the Pilkhana tragedy was an ill-attempt to foil that sovereignty’.

Stating that the Pilkhana incident exposed the weaknesses of the country’s national security framework, the prime minister put emphasis on making national security framework more modern, timely and strong, keeping pace with the globe.

‘Our government will work toward this goal. Simultaneously, we reiterate our commitment to establish long-term security arrangements for the education, treatment, and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families,’ Tarique said.