Bangladesh interim government fhief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday hoped that Bangladesh Navy and Air Force would continue support citizens during national crises and disasters.
Expressing optimism, he said that the Bangladesh Navy and Air Force would continue their tradition of supporting citizens during national crises and disasters, while upholding the constitution.
Yunus made the remarks聽 while formally inaugurating the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force Selection Board鈥�2025 at the navy headquarters.
He emphasised the importance of achieving economic prosperity through the conservation and sustainable utilisation of the country鈥檚 marine resources.
Highlighting the contribution of Bangladesh Air Force, he also outlined various ongoing initiatives to develop Bangladesh鈥檚 blue economy, including the establishment of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority, coastal region development and broader national development efforts.
He commended the Bangladesh Navy鈥檚 role in managing the deep sea port, envisioned as a future economic hub, and in building a skilled workforce necessary for the advancement of the blue economy.
The chief adviser also underscored the significant contributions of the Navy and Air Force to the development of the country鈥檚 education system, their critical role in defending and serving the nation, and the broader modernisation of the armed forces.
Professor Yunus instructed the board to select officers for the Navy and Air Force who are patriotic, talented, skilled, professional, honest, humane and morally upright.
The ceremony marked the formal beginning of the promotion process for officers from the navy 鈥� captain to commodore, commander to captain, and lieutenant commander to commander鈥攁nd from the air force - group captain to air commodore, wing commander to group captain, and squadron leader to wing commander, according to a media release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
The selection board, composed of senior military officers at the highest policy-making level, will choose qualified and capable officers for future senior leadership roles in the navy and air force, subject to government approval.
At the beginning of the programme, one minute of silence was observed in memory of the victims of the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College.
The chief adviser paid deep tribute to the heroic members of the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War of 1971, the freedom fighters from all walks of life, and all those martyred during the July鈥揂ugust 2024 uprising.
He recalled the glorious history, struggles and heroism of the Bangladesh navy and air force, and commended their active participation in responding to natural disasters and national emergencies.
Professor Yunus praised the navy and air force for their role in safeguarding the nation鈥檚 sovereignty and supporting the public during the security crisis following the student-led mass uprising of July鈥揂ugust 2024.
He acknowledged their contributions to maintaining law and order, participating in development and humanitarian work, and earning the deep trust and admiration of the people.
Upon his arrival at the venue, chief of the Bangladesh Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and chief of the Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan welcomed the chief adviser.
The navy and air force chiefs expressed sincere gratitude to the chief adviser for attending the ceremony despite his busy schedule.
They also affirmed that his involvement and guidance in selecting future leadership has significantly boosted morale and enthusiasm within both forces.
Under the chief adviser鈥檚 valuable direction, both the chiefs expressed their firm commitment to building a capable and modern force by selecting officers based on patriotism, professional expertise, humanitarian values and leadership qualities.
The chief adviser planted a tree on the premises of the navy headquarters and expressed the hope for the continued prosperity of the navy, the air force and the nation.
