[🇧🇩-Land] Bangladesh Army News/Views

[Saif]

Army chief distributes NDC Capstone course certificate

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the Capstone fellows.

en.prothomalo.com

Army chief distributes NDC Capstone course certificate

UNB Dhaka
Published: 02 Aug 2025, 19: 25

Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh, received a certificate along with other distinguished fellows as the Capstone Course 2025/2 at the National Defence College (NDC) concluded with a ceremony highlighting strategic leadership and national development.

The intensive three-week programme held from 13 July to 31 July at Mirpur Cantonment brought together 45 distinguished 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.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the Capstone fellows.

In his address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman extended warm congratulations to the Fellows for completing the intellectually demanding course.

He highlighted the importance of strategic leadership in navigating the contemporary challenges of nation-building emphasising the need for dynamic, reform-minded leaders who can steer the country’s institutions toward greater efficiency and inclusivity.

Calling upon the Fellows to lead by example, he urged them to embrace their roles in shaping a prosperous and resilient Bangladesh, capable of meeting the hopes and aspirations of its people.

Reflecting on the objectives of the Capstone Course, the chief guest acknowledged the platform’s vital role in creating a convergence of ideas among the country’s rising thought leaders.

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

He noted that 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.​

 

[Saif]

Former Army Chief M Harun-ar-Rashid passes away

Former Chief of Army Staff M Harun-ar-Rashid has passed away. His body was recovered in the afternoon today, Monday from a residential room at the Chattogram Club.

en.prothomalo.com

Former Army Chief M Harun-ar-Rashid passes away
Staff Correspondent Chattogram
Published: 04 Aug 2025, 15: 52

M Harun-ar-Rashid Collected

Former Chief of Army Staff M Harun-ar-Rashid has passed away. His body was recovered in the afternoon today, Monday from a residential room at the Chittagong Club.

He had stayed in the room last night. As there was no response from him in the morning, the door was opened and he was found unconscious.

Ashraf Uddin, chief executive officer of Chittagong Club, confirmed the news to Prothom Alo. He said that the former army chief had been staying alone in a guest room of the club. As he did not come out of his room well into the day, club staff became concerned.

After 12:00 pm, the room was unlocked in the presence of police and members of the law enforcement agencies where he was found unconscious. Physicians believe he suffered a heart attack in the room during the night, leading to his death, added Ashraf Uddin.

Abdul Karim, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station, told Prothom Alo this afternoon that a medical team from Chattogram Combined Military Hospital (CMH) came to the club and examined the former army chief. They later declared him dead. Initially, they have stated that it appears to be a natural death.

Born in 1948, M Harun-ar-Rashid was a resident of Hathazari area in Chattogram. For his contribution to the Liberation War, he was honoured with the gallantry award Bir Protik.​

 

[Saif]

Maj Sadequl’s wife in custody over Bashundhara ‘secret’ meeting

Police say they have taken Sumaiya Zafrin, wife of Maj Sadequl Hoque, into the custody of the Detective Branch over an “conspiratorial secret meeting” in Dhaka’s Bashundhara. The Army has already formed a court of inquiry against Sadequl, accusing him of training members of the A

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Maj Sadequl’s wife in custody over Bashundhara ‘secret’ meeting

bdnews24.com
Published :
Aug 06, 2025 23:38
Updated :
Aug 06, 2025 23:38

Police say they have taken Sumaiya Zafrin, wife of Maj Sadequl Hoque, into the custody of the Detective Branch over an “conspiratorial secret meeting” in Dhaka’s Bashundhara.

The Army has already formed a court of inquiry against Sadequl, accusing him of training members of the Awami League.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed the detention in a statement on Wednesday.

Sumaiya’s name had recently surfaced on social media, with some posts claiming she held the rank of assistant superintendent of police (ASP).

On Aug 2, the Police Headquarters clarified that they had no ASP under that name.​

 

[Saif]

‘They are like our children, one day they will understand’: Army chief

The Bangladesh Army chief has urged his troops to remain patient in the face of critical comments circulating on social media, describing those who spread confusion about the military as “children who will one day understand”. General Waker-Uz-Zaman gave the advice on Tuesday morning d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

‘They are like our children, one day they will understand’: Army chief

Published :
Aug 19, 2025 22:37
Updated :
Aug 19, 2025 22:37

The Bangladesh Army chief has urged his troops to remain patient in the face of critical comments circulating on social media, describing those who spread confusion about the military as “children who will one day understand”.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman gave the advice on Tuesday morning during an Officers’ Address at Dhaka Cantonment, bdnews24.com reports.

Senior commanders attended in person, while officers posted outside the capital joined virtually.

One officer present told bdnews24.com, on condition of anonymity: “The Army chief spoke about the remarks appearing on social media. He said those who spread confusion about the Army in various ways will one day realise they were mistaken.

“And those who do this are like our children. We must not let ourselves be confused by such things,” he was quoted as saying by the officer.

General Waker also cautioned against attempts to damage the Army’s reputation through misinformation.

The Army chief instructed all personnel to carry out their duties with full professionalism in the general election, stressing that the troops would “assist the government” in ensuring a free, fair and impartial vote.

Referring to the Army’s deployment in aid of the civil administration with magistracy powers, he emphasised maintaining “good relations with everyone”.

General Waker addressed two ongoing investigations: one into allegations that an officer had links with a political party and another involving accusations of abuse against women and moral misconduct by a different officer.

He said, “The matter is under investigation. No Army officer has any scope to be politically involved. If evidence is found, action will be taken under the law.”

On the second case, he warned: “Everyone is strictly cautioned. If the allegations are proven, there will be no leniency.”

But General Waker also stressed the need for due process.

“If action is taken without sufficient evidence, there is a risk of error. That is why we must wait for proof through proper investigation.”

The Army chief called for stronger measures to prevent suicide among personnel, urged greater care for families, and warned all ranks against drugs.

After his remarks, he took questions from officers.

He told them, “The people of the country are now looking towards the Army. You are the future of the nation. Therefore you must be inspired by patriotism and uphold the chain of command.”​

 

[Bilal9]

The Bangladesh Army has adopted the CZ-BREN 2 rifle, rather than the AK-15

 

[Saif]

Chief of Army Staff Waker receives ‘Senabahini Padak’

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has received the “Senabahini Padak”. The medal was handed over by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus during the Armed Forces Day reception at Dhaka Cantonment on Friday, according to the Press Information Department. Bangladesh observes Armed Forces Day on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief of Army Staff Waker receives ‘Senabahini Padak’

bdnews24.com
Published :
Nov 21, 2025 20:28
Updated :
Nov 21, 2025 20:28

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has received the “Senabahini Padak”.

The medal was handed over by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus during the Armed Forces Day reception at Dhaka Cantonment on Friday, according to the Press Information Department.

Bangladesh observes Armed Forces Day on Nov 21 each year, marking the coordinated attack launched in 1971 by the Army, Navy and Air Force against Pakistani occupation forces.​

 

[Saif]

Army to stay free from influence if BNP forms govt: Tarique

Families of Pilkhana victims demand justice

www.thedailystar.net

Army to stay free from influence if BNP forms govt: Tarique

Families of Pilkhana victims demand justice

Photo: BNP media cell

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said if his party comes to power, the army will remain free from political influence and its dignity will be upheld.

“If the BNP is able to form the government through the people’s mandate, the army will under no circumstances be allowed to be used for political interests,” he said at a programme at a city hall last night.

He added, “I do not wish to say that the army’s lost glory will simply be restored. Glory cannot be handed back; it must be earned and upheld. The responsibility of preserving the army’s honour lies with the army itself. The army must remain vigilant and conscious of its own dignity and prestige.”

Tarique made the remarks at a meeting with retired military personnel and families of victims of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.

The BNP chief said the army should remain aware of politics but must not become absorbed into it. “Every officer and member of the army must be vigilant so that their professionalism is not overshadowed by politics.”

He stressed that the glory of the army has never been tarnished by the BNP -- neither in the past nor present -- and will not be in the future.

“...When the BNP is strong in the political arena, the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh remain strong, and the glory and dignity of the army are preserved.”

Tarique also announced that if the BNP comes to power, it would reinstate the name of the BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) to preserve its link to the Liberation War.

“After the 2009 massacre of army officers at Pilkhana, the fascist forces changed the name of the BDR, an institution steeped in the memory of the Liberation War. Even their uniforms were altered.

“I wish to share a personal sentiment with you: if the BNP is entrusted with governing the state through the people’s mandate, we will seek to reinstate the historic name of the BDR, tied to the memory of the Liberation War.”

He further said that after the Pilkhana massacre, the army was either unable or not permitted to properly observe the day and shared that the BNP plans to declare it a national day of mourning.

Tarique noted that he had received several recommendations from retired officers, including the formation of a National Security Council and revisions to certain provisions of military law.

“I personally consider these recommendations important. If the BNP wins the upcoming election, we plan to form a committee comprising both former and current army officers to implement these proposals,” said Tarique.

The BNP chief concluded by addressing a demand raised by former army officers and members: the implementation of “One Rank, One Pay”.

“I’m delighted to inform you that we have already included this in our party manifesto and publicly announced our commitment to implement it. God willing, if the BNP forms government after the February 12 election, we will move to implement this policy as swiftly as possible,” he said.

Retired military officers and family members of the soldiers killed in the Pilkhana massacre attended the meeting, where they demanded a fair trial for the incident of Pilkhana massacre.

In his welcome speech, Maj Gen (retired) Fazle Elahi Akbar said, "We seek only justice from Tarique Rahman, so that the children of the officers are not humiliated again. We want the army to regain its lost glory."

Rakin Ahmed, the son of the slain Major Shakil Ahmed, said, "The 57 families have one demand: a fair trial for the Pilkhana massacre. Officers and BCS officials who were unjustly dismissed under the previous government must be given justice. The previous government must ensure justice…."

Retired Major Mizanur Rahman said, "In the past 17 years, we have endured immense torture, which cannot be expressed in words. I have been arrested four times."

"We want a safe Bangladesh where any opinion, whether in favour or against, can be expressed."​