Bangladesh PM Rahman Announces Plans for OROP Scheme for Military Personnel
Government plans phased implementation of One Rank, One Pension by 2030 while pursuing military modernisation, advanced defence technologies and domestic weapons production.
DHAKA, Oct 18: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said the government was working towards implementing a One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme for armed forces personnel as part of its broader efforts to strengthen military welfare and modernise the country’s defence capabilities.
Addressing a National Standard Awarding Ceremony at Savar Cantonment, Rahman emphasised the need to develop a technologically advanced, professionally trained and disciplined military capable of responding to emerging security challenges, the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, had promised to introduce the pension scheme for retired military personnel in its election manifesto in February.
On August 31, the Cabinet approved plans to implement OROP for military and civilian personnel in phases by 2030. The government cited the financial implications of introducing the scheme immediately and the absence of comprehensive data on civilian employees who retired before 2019 as reasons for adopting a phased approach.
Rahman said military modernisation had become increasingly important as advances in warfare were transforming national security requirements. He highlighted the growing significance of cyber capabilities, outer space technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of developing Bangladesh’s domestic defence manufacturing capacity to reduce dependence on external suppliers for essential military equipment.
He said the government wanted to establish an industry capable of producing vital weapons, ammunition and other defence equipment within the country while continuing to upgrade the armed forces.
Rahman maintained that military strength should not be judged solely by the number of weapons, equipment or personnel. Discipline, professional competence, leadership, integrity, training and public confidence were equally important, he said.
He identified an effective chain of command as a fundamental element of a modern military, underlining the need for strong leadership and coordination across the armed forces.
The prime minister further called for an integrated defence framework that would enable the army, navy and air force to work together effectively whenever national security requirements demanded joint operations.
Addressing Bangladesh’s foreign policy, Rahman said the country sought friendly relations and cooperation with all nations based on mutual respect and equality. He added that protecting national interests, sovereignty and dignity would remain the government’s primary responsibility.
He also reminded military officers and personnel of their obligation to respect the Constitution, national laws, military regulations and humanitarian principles while carrying out their duties.
During the ceremony, several battalions and regiments were awarded the National Standard in recognition of their professional performance and service.
The government’s proposed pension reform, combined with plans to expand domestic defence production and incorporate emerging technologies, forms part of its broader approach to improving military preparedness and strengthening institutional capacity.
