General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army has urged future leaders to embrace their roles in shaping a prosperous and resilient Bangladesh capable of meeting the hopes and aspirations of its people.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman made the call at the concluding ceremony of the Capstone Course 2025/2, an intensive three-week strategic leadership programme at the National Defence College (NDC), Mirpur Cantonment on 31 July.

He graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and distributed certificates among 45 Capstone Fellows, including senior military officers, bureaucrats, senior judges, eminent academicians, prominent doctors, engineers and scientists, senior officials from government and non-government organisations, diplomats, journalists and corporate leaders.

Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh, was among the distinguished fellows who received certificates at the event.

In his address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman stressed the importance of strategic leadership in navigating the contemporary challenges of nation-building and dynamic, reform-minded leaders who can steer the country's institutions toward greater efficiency and inclusivity.

He extended warm congratulations to the fellows for completing the intellectually demanding course.

Reflecting on the objectives of the Capstone Course, the chief guest highlighted the platform's crucial role in fostering a convergence of ideas among the country's emerging thought leaders. He commended the spirit of collaboration and the rich diversity of insights that emerged throughout the course, expressing confidence that these will leave a lasting mark on the fellows' professional journeys and national contributions.

In a world shaped by shifting geopolitics, rapid technological change and evolving domestic challenges, General Waker-Uz-Zaman stressed that initiatives like the Capstone Course are essential for nurturing strategic thinking, meaningful collaboration, and informed, forward-looking leadership.

Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, Commandant of NDC emphasised the significance of informed dialogue and consensus-building in areas of national importance.

He said the fellows' enthusiastic engagement throughout the course has strengthened the network of strategic thinkers in Bangladesh and furthered the College's mission to develop visionary leadership.

The fellows' active, thoughtful, and respectful engagement throughout the course has broadened strategic understanding and strengthened a national network of cross-sectoral leadership.

The Capstone Course, one of the flagship programmes of the National Defence College, is designed to build strategic awareness, foster critical thinking, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, and develop a shared understanding of national security and development issues across various spheres of leadership in Bangladesh.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior military and civil officials, faculty and staff from National Defence College and dignitaries from the Armed Forces and other national institutions.