Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said the people of Bangladesh have deep confidence in the Bangladesh Army, as he urged troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and operational readiness during a visit to the Army’s summer training exercise in Manikganj.

The Prime Minister, at around 9:20am, made a surprise visit to the summer training area of 8 BIR, under the 9th Infantry Division, in Singair Upazila, where he toured the extensive training grounds on foot.

During the visit, Rahman inspected various sections of the Forward Administrative and Maintenance Base (Farm Base) and received briefings from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and the unit’s Commanding Officer (CO) on the ongoing training activities and operational preparedness.

He also listened attentively to a commander’s verbal operational order and observed a live raid exercise conducted by army personnel.

The Prime Minister inspected battlefield positions, tactical manoeuvres, the use of military equipment and other aspects of realistic combat training.

He entered an army bunker to exchange views with officers and soldiers participating in the exercise on battlefield tactics.

He also met soldiers positioned in camouflage beneath tree cover, enquired about their welfare and encouraged them in carrying out their duties.

At one stage of the visit, Rahman shared the meal prepared for the participating troops and later joined them for tea.

Addressing the soldiers afterwards, the Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh have deep confidence in the Bangladesh Army.

He praised the Army’s distinguished role in responding to national crises and maintaining law and order, while stressing the importance of maintaining professional training standards, discipline and the highest level of operational readiness.

The Prime Minister also expressed his best wishes for the continued success and advancement of the Bangladesh Army.

Among those accompanying him were the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, Brig Gen (Retd) Dr A K M Shamsul Islam; Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman; the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq; and other senior officers of the Bangladesh Army.