BNP Pledges to Reinstate ‘BDR’ Name and Honor Martyred Soldiers

Addressing a program titled "Strong Confidence in Independence and Sovereignty" on Saturday night—an event organized for former members of the armed forces and their families—Rahman outlined a series of reforms aimed at restoring the dignity and professional pride of the military.

Tarique Rahman declared that the change of the institution’s name from BDR to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was a move by "fascist forces" to erase a name deeply connected to the memories of the 1971 Liberation War. "If BNP receives the public mandate to govern the country, the historic name of BDR and its original uniform colors will be reinstated," he said. He further committed to designating February 25, the anniversary of the Pilkhana tragedy, as "Martyred Soldiers' Day" or a "National Day of Mourning" following consultations with the army.

The BNP Chairman unveiled several key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of service members and the national security framework:

• One Rank, One Pay: A commitment to implement the "One Rank, One Pay" policy to ensure equitable pension and pay structures for retired personnel.

• National Security Council: Plans to establish a National Security Council to streamline defense strategy and civilian-military coordination.

• Military Law Reform: The formation of a high-level committee to recommend necessary reforms to the Army Act and other military regulations.

Recalling his upbringing within the cantonment, Tarique Rahman described the army as his "larger family." He emphasized that his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, always viewed a strong, independent military as essential for national sovereignty. He vowed that a BNP-led government would ensure the military is never used for political purposes and would focus solely on enhancing its professionalism and global prestige.

The event was marked by emotional testimonies from retired officers who detailed the alleged persecution they faced over the past 17 years. Notable attendees included Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Colonel (Retd) Harunur Rashid Khan, and Major (Retd) Mizanur Rahman, the latter of whom urged the audience to unite and ensure Rahman's victory in the Dhaka-17 constituency.