[🇧🇩-Land] Bangladesh Army News/Views

Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman named new army chief

Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, OSP, SGP, psc, Chief of General Staff (CGS) has been promoted to general and appointed as the Chief of Army Staff.

According to a press release from ISPR, he has been appointed as the Army chief for three years from June 23.

He will replace current army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed.

Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman assumed the duties of Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army on January 1, 2024.

An alumnus of Bangladesh Military Academy, the general was commissioned in the Corps of Infantry on December 20, 1985.

Having an illustrious and colourful career of more than three and half decades, Lieutenant General Waker brings with him an enormous amount of experience of holding key command, staff and instructional appointments.

In his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Waker commanded an Infantry Battalion, the only Independent Infantry Brigade of Bangladesh Army and an Infantry Division.

His key staff appointments include staff officer at an Infantry Brigade, School of Infantry and Tactics and Army Headquarters.

He was a distinguished instructor at 'School of Infantry and Tactics', 'Non-commissioned Officers' Academy' and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training'.

Lieutenant General Waker served as the military secretary in Army Headquarters.

Prior to joining as the CGS of Bangladesh Army, he performed as principal staff officer of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Armed Forces Division under Prime Minister's Office.

Lieutenant General Waker is an alumnus of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK.

He holds a master degree in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College, University of London.

As the head of the Armed Forces Division, he was directly involved with the UN Peacekeeping Affairs of Bangladesh Armed Forces.

He was also nominated as a Gender Champion and Gender Advocate of Bangladesh for UN Peacekeeping Affairs.

By virtue of his appointment as principal staff officer, he also headed the 'Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention' as chairman.

Under the Blue Helmet, Lieutenant General Waker completed two tours of duty as observer and staff in UNAVEM (Angola) and UNMIL (Liberia) respectively.

As the CGS of the Bangladesh Army, he is responsible for the military operations, military intelligence, UN peacekeeping affairs, budget, and many other affairs of the army.

Lieutenant General Waker had the rare privilege of commanding the National Victory Day Parade for three consecutive times.

He was awarded the coveted 'Army Medal of Glory (SGP)' and Extraordinary Service Medal (OSP) for his remarkable contributions in the modernization of the army.

He frequents as a keynote speaker in different seminars and symposiums both at home and abroad.

He enjoys games and sports. He is happily married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman and blessed with two daughters: Samiha Raisa Zaman and Shayeera Ibnat Zaman.​

ISPR protests misleading media report

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) yesterday protested a report published by various media outlets titled, "Army Chief faces anger by young army officers at a meeting that day."

In a rejoinder, ISPR said the news was published based merely on a report in the Indian newspaper "The Week", which was motivated and misleading. It is advisable to contact ISPR for an accurate presentation of any internal information related to army affairs, said an ISPR press release.

In fact, the meeting was a regular internal meeting of the Bangladesh Army, held in a very cordial and conducive atmosphere, and ended amicably. An attempt has been made to tarnish the glorious image of the Bangladesh Army before the public by spreading such news about the patriotic and professional army.

The Bangladesh Army, according to the ISPR release, always expects responsible and objective reporting from the media. Every member of the army performs their duties with strong loyalty and fidelity to the chain of command, which they have constantly demonstrated and continue to demonstrate.

In the future, the statement said, the Bangladesh Army expects the media to reflect the statements of all parties concerned in order to disseminate objective news.

A special request has been made not to create confusion in the public mind and unintentionally help spread rumours by reporting the news solely on the basis of misinformation spread by any foreign media, said the release.

The Bangladesh Army is determined to provide all-out cooperation to the news media in disseminating objective and constructive news.​

Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan appointed as Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division: ISPR
FE Online Desk
Published :
Aug 22, 2024 21:34
Updated :
Aug 22, 2024 21:34



Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan has assumed the duties of Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division as of Thursday (August 22, 2024).

The newly appointed Principal Staff Officer was awarded the Lieutenant General rank badge by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan at the State Guest House Jamuna, in the presence of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, according to an ISPR media release carried by UNB news agency.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan was present at the time.

Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan was commissioned in the Corps of Infantry in the Bangladesh Army on 22 December 1989.

He has held various important positions in the army, including Commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66th Infantry Division, and Area Commander of Rangpur Area, among others, the release also said.​

CA visits Army HQ for the first time
UNB
Published :
Sep 15, 2024 20:53
Updated :
Sep 15, 2024 20:53



Chief Advisor to the Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday visited the army headquarters for the first time where he was briefed on important issues of national security.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman welcomed the Chief Adviser on his arrival at the headquarters, according to a media release issued by ISPR.

Valuable directions given by the Chief Adviser during the visit will be very helpful in playing an effective role in every aspect of formulation and implementation of the future action plan collectively, ISPR said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tauhid Hossain, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd), Special Assistant to Chief Adviser on Defence Lt. Gen. Abdul Hafiz (retd.), Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain, Navy and Air Force Chiefs, among others, were present.​

Army officer stabbed to death by robbers in Cox’s Bazar

A lieutenant of the Bangladesh Army was killed during an operation by joint forces in Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar early today, police said.

The army officer, Lt Tanjim Sarwar Nirjon, was posted at Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar.

The operation was being conducted against criminals, including those who held illegal arms, reports our Cox's Bazar correspondent.

Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Rahmat Ullah confirmed that Lt Tanjim was killed by robbers in Dulahazra union during a joint forces' operation.

In a statement, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said a team of the Bangladesh army was responding to intelligence reports of robbery going on in Purba Maizpara village of Dulhazra union.

At around 4:00am, a group of seven or eight robbers, sensing the presence of the army patrol, tried to escape when Lt Tanzim Sarwar Nirjon gave chase after them.

The robbers attacked Lt Tanzim at this time and stabbed him in the neck, severely injuring him and leading to tremendous blood loss, the statement reads.

He was immediately rescued and taken to Malumghat Memorial Hospital, where the doctor on duty declared him dead, according to ISPR.

Hailing from Tangail, Lt Tanzim Sarwar Nirjon was a former student of Pabna Cadet College. He received his commission in the Army Service Corps (ASC) from Bangladesh Military Academy on June 8, 2022, after the completion of the 82nd Long Course.

ISPR also informed that three robbers were arrested from the location, with one locally made firearm, and six rounds of ammunition. Three others were apprehended on suspicion of robbery as well.​

Yunus mourns Lt Tanzim's death in the line of duty

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed his profound sorrow at the tragic death of Lieutenant Tanzim Sarwar Nirjon, who was attacked by assailants in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar while performing his duty.

"I pray for the peace of his departed soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. I also wish to convey my sympathies to all my colleagues in the Bangladesh Army," he said in a media release signed by the chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam last night.

Yunus is currently in the USA to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

This young and talented officer of the Bangladesh Army, a vigilant guardian of the nation's peace, order, and sovereignty, dedicated his life to protecting the people, Yunus said

His self-sacrifice stands as a testament to the ideal of patriotism, which the nation will forever honour, he said.

Lieutenant Nirjon's death comes at a time when the Bangladesh Army is tirelessly working day and night under the "Aid to Civil Power" initiative to ensure the safety of the public.

His untimely demise is an irreparable loss not only for the army but for the entire country, the Nobel laureate said.

"In the face of our beloved motherland's needs, Lieutenant Tanzim Sarwar Nirjon's great sacrifice will remain a source of inspiration for our commitment to building a happy and prosperous future for Bangladesh," he added.​

Plotters reveal true intentions with army officer's killing in Cox’s Bazar: Tarique


Photo: Collected/File

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday expressed deep concern over the barbaric killing of an army officer in Cox's Bazar by unidentified assailants.

In a statement, he said the miscreants attempting to put the interim government in trouble have revealed their true intentions through this incident.

Tarique called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and ensure exemplary punishment for them.

"Miscreants have persistently engaged in terrorist activities to destabilise the country. These conspiratorial elements are involved in various nefarious acts to place the interim government in a difficult position," he stated.

The BNP leader noted that the brutal murder of Lieutenant Tanjim Sarwar Nirjan while on duty on Monday night was part of this ongoing plot.

"The miscreants demonstrated their intent by killing a young army officer. If these individuals are not suppressed decisively, the safety of the nation will remain severely threatened," he observed.

Tarique warned that conspirators are lying in wait to exploit the situation and create chaos in the country.

In light of this, he urged people from all walks of life to unite in combating miscreants to ensure peace, stability and security, and establish democracy.

The BNP acting chairman strongly condemned and protested the murder of Tanjim Sarwar.

He also expressed deep sympathy for the family and relatives of the deceased and prayed for the salvation of the slain army officer's departed soul.

Lieutenant Tanjim Sarwar was reportedly attacked while pursuing a gang of robbers during an operation in the Maijpara area. His injuries were critical, and he was declared dead upon arrival at Malumghat Memorial Hospital.​

Lieutenant Tanzim killing: 6 directly involved detained, says ISPR
FE Online Desk
Published :
Sep 25, 2024 19:01
Updated :
Sep 25, 2024 19:01



The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate of the Bangladesh Armed Forces has confirmed the detention of six individuals directly involved in the killing of Lieutenant Tanzim Sarwar of the Bangladesh Army.

This announcement comes in the wake of the tragic incident that occurred during an operation to prevent robbery, UNB reports.

Lieutenant Tanzim, aged 23, was martyred around 3 am on Tuesday, while conducting a mission based on intelligence information in a remote area of Chakaria of Cox's Bazar.

Following the incident, the Bangladesh Army conducted a combing operation in the area, resulting in the arrest of six suspects associated with the killing. The authorities recovered significant evidence from the detainees, including two locally-made firearms, 11 rounds of various types of ammunition, a knife believed to have been used in the murder, a pickup truck, and a motorcycle.

Preliminary interrogations revealed that four of the detainees were directly involved in the crime, while the remaining two assisted by providing critical information. The suspects have been identified as Md Babul Prakash (44), Md Helal Uddin (34), Md Anwar Hakim (28), Md Arif Ullah (25), Md Ziabul Karim (45), and Md. Hossain (39).

Among them, Md Babul Prakash has been identified as the main financier of the operation and has provided a preliminary confession, admitting that he fatally stabbed Lieutenant Tanzim.

In addition, the second-in-command of the robber gang, Md Helal Uddin, along with driver Md Anwar Hakim, armed member Md Arif Ullah, and informants Md. Ziabul Karim and Md. Hossain, have all admitted to their direct involvement in the incident. The Bangladesh Army's operation to apprehend other involved members of the robber gang is ongoing.

The six detained individuals have been handed over to the Chakaria Police Station, and the process of filing a case at the police station by the army personnel is currently underway.​

Yunus orders promotion of army officers irrespective of ideology
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 06 October, 2024, 23:46



Interim government’s chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus directed the army selection board to promote those officers who have succeeded in providing competent leadership, irrespective of political ideology.

The CA said this while inaugurating the ‘Army Headquarters Selection Board-2024’ at the Army Headquarters in the capital on Sunday.

In the 1st phase under this promotion board, eligible officers for the ranks of colonel and lieutenant colonel in Bangladesh Army will be considered for promotion, an ISPR press release said.

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, the Chief Adviser welcomed all to the new Bangladesh achieved through the student-people revolution.

He remembered with deep respect all who were killed in the anti-discrimination student movement in July-August. He also recalled all the brave soldiers of the armed forces, including Bangladesh Army, who participated in the Great War of Liberation.

The nation will always remember with respect the self-sacrifice of martyrs of the armed forces, the Chief Adviser said.

He directed the members of the Selection Board to give emphasis on professional competence, leadership qualities, standards of discipline, honesty, trustworthiness and loyalty, and the overall suitability of the officers for their promotion.

The officers with honesty, integrity and other leadership qualities deserve higher promotion, he said.

Highlighting the contribution of Bangladesh Army, he said the Army stood by the country’s people at the time of crisis and saved the country from an unstable situation by expediting the process of forming an interim government.

As a result, the chief adviser said, Bangladesh Army has once again been recognised as a symbol of trust by the people of the country.

On arrival at the venue, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was welcomed by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief adviser’s special assistant on defense and national solidarity, and the Chief of General Staff and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

The Chief of Army Staff expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser for inaugurating the selection board despite his busy schedule.

The defense secretary and senior officers of the army were present at the inauguration ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus participated in a photo session with the army officers and wrote his comments on the visitors’ book.​