Junta chief calls on military to enhance prestige amid ongoing nationwide turmoil

By Admin 14 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 March 2026, Nay Pyi Taw

While Myanmar’s military continues to carry out airstrikes across the country that have resulted in civilian casualties, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has urged the armed forces to “enhance the prestige” of the military.

During a guidance session on March 13 reviewing the military’s modernization efforts from 2011 to 2025, the junta leader told senior officers that during his tenure as commander-in-chief from 2011 to January 31, 2021, he made 53 visits to 24 countries. He said the trips allowed him to study the development of modern militaries and apply lessons to upgrades within Myanmar’s armed forces.

At the meeting, he also outlined military developments under his leadership, claiming that successive leaders had established long-term plans to strengthen the armed forces.

“It is necessary to preserve this noble legacy and continue to enhance the prestige of the Tatmadaw and the nation,” Min Aung Hlaing said.

He also remarked that while political governments change through elections, the military remains constant, passing responsibilities from one generation to the next.

The remarks drew criticism from members of the public. An Arakanese youth currently in Yangon said the military has carried out airstrikes on internally displaced persons camps, towns, villages, schools and hospitals since the coup.

“Since the coup, the military has been bombing IDP camps, towns, villages, schools and hospitals across the country, committing mass killings. This is the hallmark of a completely degraded military. To talk about enhancing ‘prestige’ now makes us wonder if he plans to continue killing and oppressing people. The country is in total chaos because of the junta’s actions,” he said.

At the “New Face of Myanmar Forum” held on the same day, Min Aung Hlaing said a “new dawn” would emerge for the country with the government formed by lawmakers elected in the junta-organized poll.

Welcoming the incoming representatives, he said the election was free, fair and genuine, and described the winners as true representatives of the people. He urged them to prioritize economic development, social welfare and the preservation of the country’s democratic system.

Political analysts say the speeches suggest Min Aung Hlaing may be preparing to step down from his military roles and assume a senior civilian position in the new parliament.

“Looking at his two meetings yesterday, it appears to be a strategic move. First, he spoke with politicians about a new political landscape, and then he addressed the military about preserving its legacy. This suggests he may be preparing to take a top civilian role in the government expected to be formed in late March,” a veteran politician said.

Min Aung Hlaing also commented on federalism, saying Myanmar practices a multi-party democratic system based on federal principles that rely on geographic divisions rather than ethnicity or individuals.

He blamed the country’s current conflicts, economic difficulties and social decline on alleged fraud in the 2020 general election.

The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), made up largely of former military officers, reportedly won the majority of seats in the junta-held election and has been granted the right to form the next government.