Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam has said that mutual respect and sound relations between military and civilian administrations are essential for building a truly democratic and strong state system.
“A state in which there is a rupture in civil-military relations can never be sustainable,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the Deputy Commissioners (DC) Conference.
Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and the Defence Secretary were present at the time.
In his address, the adviser outlined the government’s defence policy, the evolving nature of national security, and challenges inherited from the previous authoritarian government.
Armed forces are the people’s forces
Recalling the country’s independence in 1971, he said the armed forces are “the people’s own forces,” noting their role in disasters and national crises.
He added that during recent instability, the armed forces supported a political solution through the civilian administration, which he said helped restore democratic order through a historic election.
He also alleged that “unscrupulous groups” tried to create distrust between the armed forces and the public but failed.
The adviser said modern security threats now include cyberattacks, climate change, pandemics, information warfare, and economic coercion.
Defence restructuring and indigenous capability
Shamsul said the government was reviving the concept of “Total People’s War” associated with late president Ziaur Rahman.
He added that a plan was being implemented to integrate the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) and Ansar-VDP into a coordinated defence framework.
He also said work is underway to develop an indigenous defence industry to build a “credible deterrence.”
Shamsul also urged deputy commissioners to be cautious in using foreign-origin terms such as “terrorism,” “extremism,” and “radicalism,” saying they do not reflect Bangladesh’s social reality.
He said Bangladesh is a tolerant and inclusive society where mosques and temples coexist, and terminology should reflect that context.
Calling armed forces members “citizens in uniform,” he urged greater respect for soldiers in civilian interactions.
“They leave normal life and choose strict discipline. A little sensitivity from civilian officials will make their work easier and strengthen national security,” he said.
Referring to what he described as the past 17 years of “fascist rule” and subsequent administrative challenges, he said the government would move in the opposite direction in rebuilding state institutions.
Reaffirming the government’s “zero tolerance” stance on corruption, he warned officials against misconduct, saying those involved in wrongdoing would not be part of the system.
He concluded by calling for national unity under the principle of “Bangladesh first” to build a stable, cohesive state.
