National Defence College (NDC)

National Defence College (NDC) a tri-service organisation modeled on the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. It is a top-level institute to train the senior officers of the defence and civil services for high responsibility in defence and national security. The NDC was formed following a decision of the Governing Body of the defence services command and staff college (DSCSC) on 7 December 1996. The first two courses were conducted at the facilities of DSCSC, starting in 1999, and now the NDC has moved to its purpose-built building at the former site of the Military Museum in Mirpur Cantonment.
The aim of NDC is to prepare selected senior officers of the Armed Forces and the Civil Services for high responsibility in the direction and management of defence and national security. The course motto is 'Security through knowledge'. The objectives are: (a) to increase the members' knowledge of high level defence and national security issues and the wider matters affecting national policy; (b) to develop the intellectual capacity and strategic vision of the officers; and (c) to improve the personal qualities and individual skills of the officers.
It is a 44-week course which aims at developing a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh society and the contemporary world. It focuses on many of the key issues, both national and global, that may affect the Bangladesh national security. Political, economic and social issues are studied alongside an in-depth evaluation of the scientific and technological factors affecting business, the environment and the national development. NDC is designed to accommodate twenty officers of the rank of brigadier general or colonel and equivalent, and their counterparts in the civil services. The officers are expected to bring together considerable depth of experience, differing viewpoints and knowledge to add to the discussions.
Programme of study The course has five studies of 5 to 12 weeks. These are: socio-political environment of Bangladesh; its economy and development; global issues and perception; international politics; and the national security. The themes move from Bangladesh on to global issues and international relations before closing with an in-depth analysis of the country's security and a look into the future. The officers are required to complete an individual research project, leading to the production of a research paper on a subject of their own choice.
Faculty and staff The NDC is headed by a serving military officer of the rank of major general who has the overall responsibility for developing the curriculum and management of the course. A small but experienced team of senior directing staff (in the rank of brigadier or equivalent) and junior directing staff (at lieutenant colonel level) supports the commandant in his daily affairs. A training support group under GSO-1 (Training) is responsible for all training support and coordination matters, and an administrative support group under GSO-1 (Administration) is responsible for all general administration matters such as transport, accounts and housing.