[🇧🇩] Army Chief's Contribution to Creating New Bangladesh

[Saif]

Date of Event: Feb 26, 2025 Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/reforms-vital-the-election-held-3712991

Reforms vital before the election is held
No specific timeframe was proposed by anyone in the government until now

VISUAL: STAR

For some time now, we have observed our head of government, politicians, and high-ranking officials often favouring foreign media outlets for interviews instead of engaging with national media. As a result, Bangladeshi citizens are often forced to rely on international sources for information that should be readily available domestically. This practice, we believe, should change as we work toward building a new and different kind of Bangladesh.

Continuing this trend, Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman recently gave an interview to Reuters, where he stated that he fully supports the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in its mission to implement key reforms following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is encouraging news, as the country is clearly in desperate need of reforms that can hopefully prevent the brutal authoritarianism of the former government from being repeated. However, the army chief also mentioned that he believes these reforms should lead to elections within the next 18 months.

Previously, politicians, advisers to the interim government, and others have spoken about the need for reforms before elections are held, but no specific timeframe was proposed by anyone in the government until now. This, of course, raises the question whether the government will face any limitations regarding how much time they will be given to implement these reforms.

Given the questions that could arise as a result of the army chief's statement, we must ask, wouldn't it have been more appropriate for the chief adviser himself to address the issue of the interim government's timeframe? Since the government has not officially announced a specific timeline, the army chief's remarks could create confusion. In light of this, we believe that such a statement should have been avoided until the chief adviser directly addressed the matter.

The army chief also proposed placing the defence ministry under the office of the president. We assume he suggested this since politicians have previously tried to use the army for political reasons, a practice that, as he himself admitted, risks politicising the defence force. Such politicisation can only harm the professionalism of the army as well as our national interests. Therefore, we fully agree with him that the army must remain a professional force, free of political influence. We believe the same must be done with the DGFI, which has also been subject to political misuse. Another encouraging statement by the army chief was his commitment to ensuring that any army personnel found guilty of human rights violations would be held accountable. This would help ensure that our army remains a force the people can trust and respect.

Finally, we commend the army for supporting the interim government and for preventing further bloodshed during the final days of the brutal Hasina-led government. This really proved its pro-people stance, for which it deserves our appreciation. We hope that the army will always stand by the people of Bangladesh and safeguard our national interests, and never be used as a political weapon under any circumstances.​

 

[Saif]

Army chief’s remark on democratic transition: Political parties give cautious, mixed reaction

Emphasising the importance of patience, politicians have expressed mixed reactions to the remark by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman that the transition to democracy should occur between one and one and a half years.

www.thedailystar.net

Army chief’s remark on democratic transition: Political parties give cautious, mixed reaction

Photo: Reuters

Emphasising the importance of patience, politicians have expressed mixed reactions to the remark by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman that the transition to democracy should occur between one and one and a half years.

They, however, viewed the army chief's pledge to support the interim government in any situation as a positive sign.

Waker made the comments in an interview with Reuters, published on Tuesday.

BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the army chief talked about democratic transition within 18 months, but this could be done in a shorter time.

He said that his party has given time to the interim government to implement reforms, including restoring people's voting right.

"We believe that if the interim government is sincere, they can do it promptly. So, we don't want to set any specific time frame for the government."

About the chief of army staff's commitment to stand by the interim government, Mosharraf said the army stood by the mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

"The army played a role in establishing the interim government. That's why I believe the army has been supporting the government from the very beginning and it will continue to do so," he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad refused to comment on the army chief's statements.

"We want an election after the implementation of necessary reforms. The goal [of the interim government] should be transferring power to an elected government following a democratic process. This should be done in line with the expectations of the people who brought about a massive change.

"The job should be done within a reasonable time. You can't hurry on this or delay it."

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader said that the army chief made the remarks about the period of democratic transition based on his own assessment of the situation.

"People have different opinions about the reasonable time for the democratic transition -- it could be one and a half years, two years or two and a half years. The army chief has made his own assessment."

He said that it is quite difficult to make a prediction about the timing of the next general election as many reform initiatives are still at the primary stage. "It is tough to say when all these works will be complete."

About Waker's assurance that the army will back the interim government in any situation, Quader said this is only normal.

"The army wanted stability in the country. They provided support to the interim government to take office. They think that some reforms will be carried out to fulfill the desire of the people. I think people also expect that the army will stand up for the interim government in any situation," he said.

Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said the army chief's statement on the time frame for democratic transition will play a role in this regard.

"Although we all want to know about the roadmap for democratic transition, the interim government is yet to announce it.

"From the army chief's interview, we have come to know two things -- he talks with the chief adviser once a week and the army's attitude towards the democratic transition," he said.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, senior joint secretary general of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, appreciated Waker's comment on the time frame for a democratic transition.

"There was a confusion over the timing of the next parliamentary polls. He [army chief] has cleared the confusion," said Ataur, also the spokesperson of the party.

He said that it would have been better if the chief adviser clarified the issue.

The Islami Andolan leader said the interim government was formed as per the people's wishes.

"It is the army's duty to assist the incumbent government. It is also quite normal that the army will stand by the government."​

 

[Saif]

Army chief meets Chief Adviser Dr Yunus

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Tuesday.

en.prothomalo.com

Army chief meets Chief Adviser Dr Yunus
BSS
Dhaka
Updated: 01 Oct 2024, 17: 36

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman meets Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on 1 October 2024. BSS

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Tuesday.

"Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today,” said CA’s press wing.​

 

[Saif]

Work together, or our sovereignty will be at stake

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday said that Bangladesh’s sovereignty will be in jeopardy if people do not set aside their differences and stop slinging mud at each other.

www.thedailystar.net

Work together, or our sovereignty will be at stake
Cautions army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday said that Bangladesh's sovereignty will be in jeopardy if people do not set aside their differences and stop slinging mud at each other.

"I am warning you. If you cannot forget your differences and work together, if you engage in mudslinging and fighting, the independence and sovereignty of this country and nation will be at stake," he said.

"I am telling you today, otherwise you would say that I did not warn you. This country belongs to all of us. We all want to live in peace and harmony. We do not want conflicts or fights. We are working towards that goal," he added.

The army chief was speaking at an event at Raowa Club in the capital, marking the National Martyred Army Day. The day was observed commemorating the sacrifice of army officers who were brutally killed during the carnage at the Pilkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles in 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, General Waker stressed the need for remaining united despite differences in opinion or ideology.

"At the end of the day, we need to stay united keeping in mind the welfare of our country and nation. Only then, the country would progress and go in the right direction. Otherwise, we will plunge into more problems. We don't want to head in that direction," he said.

"I have no other desire. My only desire is that I want to see this country in a beautiful place and then return to my work. I have had enough in the last seven-eight months."

Speaking about "hostility towards the army," he said, "Do not attack our army. I see a common trend of hostility of some people towards the army and the army chief. I did not find any reason for this. We are the only force that has been working for you. Of course, the air force and navy are also here -- we all are. Do not attack us."

The four-star general sought constructive advice and said, "Inspire us, give us advice. We will certainly embrace good advice."

The army chief touched upon various issues, including the current law and order, national election, and the BDR carnage trial, in his speech.

Speaking about the upcoming national polls, he said the country is heading for a free, fair, and inclusive election, and the government will certainly help with the reforms before holding the polls.

"Every time I spoke with Dr Yunus, I completely agreed with him that there should be a free, fair, and inclusive election and that the election should be held within December or close to that, which I initially mentioned about an election within 18 months. I believe the government is heading in that direction."

He further said Chief Adviser Prof Yunus is trying his best, working to keep this country united. "We need to help him succeed. We will all make our efforts and work together towards that goal."

OPPORTUNITY FOR CRIMINALS

The army chief said there are several reasons behind the deteriorating law and order.

"The first reason is that we are busy fighting ourselves. We are busy slandering each other. This is a perfect opportunity for criminals. As we are in a state of anarchy, they know it well if they commit the crimes this time, they will be able to get away… We can definitely deal with this situation only if we stay united," he said.

General Waker noted that many police officers are not performing their duties because cases have been filed against them while some are in jail. The forces -- Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and National Security Intelligence -- are jittery as investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings against some of their officials are underway.

"Investigations must continue and those responsible must be brought to justice. However, this should be done in a way that does not undermine these organisations. If you think peace and order can be restored by undermining these institutions, that will not happen; it is not possible," he added.

The army chief further said despite some misdeeds in the past, law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the police, Rab, BGB, DGFI, and NSI have done countless important work for the country.

"The reason the country has remained stable for so many years is that members of the armed forces and civilians collectively kept these organisations effective."

He said those who committed crimes will be punished, otherwise such incidents will recur. "We want to stop it permanently."

Noting that maintaining law and order is not the responsibility of the army alone, General Waker said apart from 200,000 police personnel, there are BGB, Rab, and Ansar-VDP members. But the army has only 30,000 troops deployed.

"How can I fill this void with just 30,000 soldiers? Troops [30,000] are deployed in rotation -- one group goes to the cantonment while another returns. We are working tirelessly.

"The disorders that have happened here are of our own making…. We have created these ourselves. We have to keep in mind that if we continue the contrary actions, peace and order will never be restored."

DON'T UNDERMINE JUDICIAL PROCESS

Terming February 25 a day of deep sorrow, the army chief recalled the tragic loss of 57 army officers and their family members in the 2009 carnage.

He said that the atrocity was committed solely by the then-BDR personnel, not by any member of the armed forces.

"It was committed completely by the then BDR men. Full stop. There are no 'ifs' and 'buts' here. If you raise question, the judicial process that has been going on for the last 16 years will be disrupted.

"We need to keep this in mind very clearly. Do not undermine the judicial process. The convicted members who have been punished deserve punishment."

He said that an independent commission was formed to investigate whether any political leaders or any foreign entities were involved. The commission will find it out and their findings will be shared, he said.

"The bottom line is that our brave soldiers who lost their lives were killed by the bullets of the then BDR members," he asserted.

The army chief said that a certain quarter is trying to divert the issues in different directions, which will not benefit anyone. "Let us not create divisions among ourselves… If there are any problems, deviations, or grievances among us, we will resolve them through discussion."

Regarding the claims of some members of the then BDR to have been unfairly punished, General Waker said that a board with a lieutenant general as its member has been formed to review such cases.

"In the first phase, recommendations for 51 members have been submitted to me. I approved most of the recommendations. I even provided some more recommendations," he added.

The army chief also said that the navy and air force are conducting similar review processes. However, he made it clear that any proven offenders would receive no leniency.

"It is a disciplined force, and let the force be disciplined," he said, adding, "Today, at this critical juncture for the country, all forces and organisations have collapsed. Only the army, air force and navy remain properly functional, thanks to their discipline."

Reiterating his call for unity, General Waker said, "Let's work together. Let's take our country to a beautiful place where our children can live peacefully. Let's not leave them a country for conflicts. Otherwise, our next generation will not be able to live here."​

 

[Saif]

ভেদাভেদ ভুলে এক না হলে এই দেশ ও জাতির স্বাধীনতা এবং সার্বভৌমত্ব বিপন্ন হবে: সেনাপ্রধান

 

[Saif]

Work together, or our sovereignty will be at stake

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday said that Bangladesh’s sovereignty will be in jeopardy if people do not set aside their differences and stop slinging mud at each other.

www.thedailystar.net

Work together, or our sovereignty will be at stake
Cautions army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday said that Bangladesh's sovereignty will be in jeopardy if people do not set aside their differences and stop slinging mud at each other.

"I am warning you. If you cannot forget your differences and work together, if you engage in mudslinging and fighting, the independence and sovereignty of this country and nation will be at stake," he said.

"I am telling you today, otherwise you would say that I did not warn you. This country belongs to all of us. We all want to live in peace and harmony. We do not want conflicts or fights. We are working towards that goal," he added.

The army chief was speaking at an event at Raowa Club in the capital, marking the National Martyred Army Day. The day was observed commemorating the sacrifice of army officers who were brutally killed during the carnage at the Pilkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles in 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, General Waker stressed the need for remaining united despite differences in opinion or ideology.

"At the end of the day, we need to stay united keeping in mind the welfare of our country and nation. Only then, the country would progress and go in the right direction. Otherwise, we will plunge into more problems. We don't want to head in that direction," he said.

"I have no other desire. My only desire is that I want to see this country in a beautiful place and then return to my work. I have had enough in the last seven-eight months."

Speaking about "hostility towards the army," he said, "Do not attack our army. I see a common trend of hostility of some people towards the army and the army chief. I did not find any reason for this. We are the only force that has been working for you. Of course, the air force and navy are also here -- we all are. Do not attack us."

The four-star general sought constructive advice and said, "Inspire us, give us advice. We will certainly embrace good advice."

The army chief touched upon various issues, including the current law and order, national election, and the BDR carnage trial, in his speech.

Speaking about the upcoming national polls, he said the country is heading for a free, fair, and inclusive election, and the government will certainly help with the reforms before holding the polls.

"Every time I spoke with Dr Yunus, I completely agreed with him that there should be a free, fair, and inclusive election and that the election should be held within December or close to that, which I initially mentioned about an election within 18 months. I believe the government is heading in that direction."

He further said Chief Adviser Prof Yunus is trying his best, working to keep this country united. "We need to help him succeed. We will all make our efforts and work together towards that goal."

OPPORTUNITY FOR CRIMINALS

The army chief said there are several reasons behind the deteriorating law and order.

"The first reason is that we are busy fighting ourselves. We are busy slandering each other. This is a perfect opportunity for criminals. As we are in a state of anarchy, they know it well if they commit the crimes this time, they will be able to get away… We can definitely deal with this situation only if we stay united," he said.

General Waker noted that many police officers are not performing their duties because cases have been filed against them while some are in jail. The forces -- Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and National Security Intelligence -- are jittery as investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings against some of their officials are underway.

"Investigations must continue and those responsible must be brought to justice. However, this should be done in a way that does not undermine these organisations. If you think peace and order can be restored by undermining these institutions, that will not happen; it is not possible," he added.

The army chief further said despite some misdeeds in the past, law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the police, Rab, BGB, DGFI, and NSI have done countless important work for the country.

"The reason the country has remained stable for so many years is that members of the armed forces and civilians collectively kept these organisations effective."

He said those who committed crimes will be punished, otherwise such incidents will recur. "We want to stop it permanently."

Noting that maintaining law and order is not the responsibility of the army alone, General Waker said apart from 200,000 police personnel, there are BGB, Rab, and Ansar-VDP members. But the army has only 30,000 troops deployed.

"How can I fill this void with just 30,000 soldiers? Troops [30,000] are deployed in rotation -- one group goes to the cantonment while another returns. We are working tirelessly.

"The disorders that have happened here are of our own making…. We have created these ourselves. We have to keep in mind that if we continue the contrary actions, peace and order will never be restored."

DON'T UNDERMINE JUDICIAL PROCESS

Terming February 25 a day of deep sorrow, the army chief recalled the tragic loss of 57 army officers and their family members in the 2009 carnage.

He said that the atrocity was committed solely by the then-BDR personnel, not by any member of the armed forces.

"It was committed completely by the then BDR men. Full stop. There are no 'ifs' and 'buts' here. If you raise question, the judicial process that has been going on for the last 16 years will be disrupted.

"We need to keep this in mind very clearly. Do not undermine the judicial process. The convicted members who have been punished deserve punishment."

He said that an independent commission was formed to investigate whether any political leaders or any foreign entities were involved. The commission will find it out and their findings will be shared, he said.

"The bottom line is that our brave soldiers who lost their lives were killed by the bullets of the then BDR members," he asserted.

The army chief said that a certain quarter is trying to divert the issues in different directions, which will not benefit anyone. "Let us not create divisions among ourselves… If there are any problems, deviations, or grievances among us, we will resolve them through discussion."

Regarding the claims of some members of the then BDR to have been unfairly punished, General Waker said that a board with a lieutenant general as its member has been formed to review such cases.

"In the first phase, recommendations for 51 members have been submitted to me. I approved most of the recommendations. I even provided some more recommendations," he added.

The army chief also said that the navy and air force are conducting similar review processes. However, he made it clear that any proven offenders would receive no leniency.

"It is a disciplined force, and let the force be disciplined," he said, adding, "Today, at this critical juncture for the country, all forces and organisations have collapsed. Only the army, air force and navy remain properly functional, thanks to their discipline."

Reiterating his call for unity, General Waker said, "Let's work together. Let's take our country to a beautiful place where our children can live peacefully. Let's not leave them a country for conflicts. Otherwise, our next generation will not be able to live here."​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Army to maintain law, order until elected govt takes over: General Waker

Chief of army staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday said that the army had to continue working to maintain law and order until Bangladesh got an elected government.

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh Army to maintain law, order until elected govt takes over: General Waker
United News of Bangladesh . Savar 25 February, 2025, 01:00

Chief of army staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday said that the army had to continue working to maintain law and order until Bangladesh got an elected government.

‘We initially thought the task would be completed quickly, allowing us to return to the cantonment. However, now we have been working for a long period. We must exercise patience and fulfil our professional responsibilities with dedication,’ he said at the prize distribution ceremony of a firing competition at Savar Cantonment.

‘It is imperative that we perform our duties without engaging in any unruly behaviour. While performing duties we must avoid the use of force, it may be applied only when absolutely necessary,’ the army chief said.

‘The Bangladesh Army remained committed to its duty to uphold peace and order in the country,’ he added.

During the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman himself participated in the firing competition. Major General Moin Khan, general officer commanding of the 9th infantry division in Savar, were, among other senior army officials, present.

In the competition, the 33rd infantry division secured first place, while the 7th brigade division was the runner-up.​