Md. Rakibul Islam Khan, Reporter || President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for prioritising the “Bangladesh First” principle in national security and international engagement, stressing the need to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, independence, dignity and public welfare.He made the remarks while addressing participants of the National Defence Course 2026 and Armed Forces War Course 2026 at Bangabhaban on Monday.The president said Bangladesh must maintain constructive relations with other countries based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Building a prosperous, inclusive and stable nation requires capable leadership, strong institutions and collective efforts in the national interest, he added.Security Challenges Beyond Military PreparednessReferring to emerging threats, Mirza Fakhrul said national security now extends beyond conventional military preparedness to include climate change, cyberattacks, transnational crime, terrorism, pandemics, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change.He said economic stability, food and energy security, environmental protection, technological capability and strong institutions were now integral to national security.Highlighting the changing geopolitical landscape, the president said Bangladesh’s strategic position in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region made vigilance and foresight increasingly important.He also noted that artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced digital technologies were transforming traditional concepts of warfare and security. Meanwhile, misinformation, disinformation and cyber threats had emerged as major concerns for national security and democratic institutions.To address these challenges, he stressed the need for leaders equipped with long-term vision, analytical skills, open-mindedness and the ability to coordinate across institutions and countries.Calls for Justice, Accountability and Democratic ValuesAt the beginning of his address, the president paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, recalling their courage and contributions to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.He also paid tribute to late President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, recalling his declaration of independence and contributions to the Liberation War. He highlighted Ziaur Rahman's role in promoting professional military education through the establishment of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in 1977.The president also remembered those who sacrificed their lives during the 2024 mass uprising and the 17-year movement for democracy.He called for collective efforts to uphold public dignity, ensure justice and accountability, and strengthen the institutional foundations of democracy.NDC's Role in Strategic LeadershipHighlighting the role of the National Defence College (NDC), Mirza Fakhrul said the institution provided a platform for senior officials from the armed forces, civil administration, law enforcement agencies and friendly countries to exchange views.Such engagement, he said, helped develop a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges and strengthen cooperation.Congratulating participants of the National Defence Course 2026 and Armed Forces War Course 2026, he urged them to place the interests of the country and its people above all else while maintaining professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability.Addressing foreign participants, he expressed hope that their experience in Bangladesh would further strengthen friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and their respective countries.The president also reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to peaceful coexistence, friendly relations among nations and constructive engagement with the international community. He called for cooperation instead of conflict, dialogue instead of disagreement and peace instead of confrontation.He praised the commandant, faculty members and staff of the National Defence College for their dedication to developing competent and forward-looking leaders.103 Participants in National Defence CourseThe welcome address at the event was delivered by NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Md Faizur Rahman.Faculty members, Bangladeshi and foreign military and civilian officials participating in various courses, and senior Bangabhaban officials were present.A total of 103 participants enrolled in the National Defence Course 2026, including 54 members of Bangladesh's armed forces, 18 Bangladesh Civil Service officials and 31 participants from 17 friendly countries.