BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday promised that his party, if returns to power, will continue its efforts to modernise and further strengthen the Armed Forces, as it did in the past.

"Since former President Shaheed Zia’s time, the Bangladesh Armed Forces has transformed into a disciplined, prompt and always vigilant modern force comparable to the army of any modern state in the world," he said in a message on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.

Later, during the BNP governments, Tarique said all-out efforts were made to further modernise and strengthen the armed forces by ensuring the continuous implementation of the programmes initiated by Ziaur Rahman.

"Our efforts will continue in the future as well," the BNP acting chairman pledged, wishing for the overall success of all the programmes on Armed Forces Day.

Tarique greeted the members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force on the occasion. "I wish all members of the armed forces and their families continued happiness, peace, and prosperity. On this day, I wish for the future progress and advancement of the armed forces."

The BNP leader also prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs of the armed forces in the Liberation War, saying that the Armed Forces are a proud institution of the nation, built on courage, heroism and discipline.

“The glorious role of this force in our great Liberation War is a golden chapter in history. The patriotic members of the Armed Forces continue to serve as vigilant sentinels in safeguarding our independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Tarique said.

He also said the members of the Armed Forces have also been playing a leading role in maintaining world peace for a long time. “Our Armed Forces members serving in the United Nations peacekeeping missions are bringing honour to the country by demonstrating skill and high professionalism.”

The BNP leader also mentioned that the Armed Forces have become a symbol of the nation's trust by playing a pivotal role in tackling the country's natural disasters.

He said former President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, undertook and implemented comprehensive programmes to develop the Bangladesh Armed Forces into a modern, dynamic, and efficient professional force in line with the changing world.

“Today, I pay my deep respects to his (Zia’s) memory. I remember with humble respect the martyrs of the Liberation War who sacrificed their lives, including the greatest martyred heroes Sepoy Mostafa Kamal, Captain Mahiduddin Jahangir, Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, Ruhul Amin, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh, and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf,” Tarique said.

Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on Thursday with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.

After nearly 11 years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is going to attend the reception at Senakunja on Armed Forces Day on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former Prime Minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja.

Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception.