[🇧🇩-Land] Bangladesh Army News/Views

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ISPR protests Indian media’s report on ‘Military Operations Zone’ in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Army has protested an article titled “Bangladesh to declare Cox’s Bazar to Bandarban area as a military operations zone” by Northeast News

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ISPR protests Indian media’s report on ‘Military Operations Zone’ in Bangladesh
Prothom Alo English Desk Dhaka
Updated: 01 Jun 2025, 21: 37

Bangladesh Army has protested an article titled “Bangladesh to declare Cox’s Bazar to Bandarban area as a military operations zone” by Northeast News, an Indian news outlet.

The article by Northeast News is a clear example of deliberate disinformation propagated by segments of the Indian media seeking to destabilise Bangladesh’s internal cohesion and undermine its armed forces, says a press release of Inter Services Public Relations.

“The insinuation that the Bangladesh Army supports insurgent actors, is not only baseless but malicious. Such speculative reporting, devoid of evidence, reflects a broader agenda to sow discord and mislead the public,” says the ISPR.

“The Bangladesh Army has always upheld the highest standards of professionalism and remains resolutely committed to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, integrity, and constitutional order. There will be no compromise on national interest—now or ever. This narrative is not journalism; it is part of a sustained smear campaign. Bangladesh stands united and aligned firmly in defence of its people and its territory,” it added.​

 

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Bangladesh NSA Khalilur Rahman to be in China as Gen Waker-uz-Zaman’s June-end Beijing visit stands cancelled

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman and Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus’ Principal Secretary Mohammad Siraz Uddin Miah will visit

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Bangladesh NSA Khalilur Rahman to be in China as Gen Waker-uz-Zaman’s June-end Beijing visit stands cancelled​

Khalilur Rahman will be accompanied by Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus. The duo will be in China between June 27 and 29, once the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit ends.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Khalilur Rahman and Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus’ Principal Secretary Mohammad Siraz Uddin Miah will visit China on June 27, the very day that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s meeting at Qingdao ends, Northeast News has reliably learnt.

Khalilur Rahman, who is currently in the United States, will be in China till June 29 and is expected to have “consultations” on Dhaka-Beijing cooperation.

What is, however, surprising is that Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman’s visit to Beijing now stands cancelled. Gen Zaman was invited to visit China by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) top brass.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath and NSA Ajit Doval will reach Qingdao on June 25 to attend the SCO defence ministers’ meeting, which will be attended by his Pakistani counterpart, Khwaja Asif. However, it is unlikely that Singh and Asif will meet, considering the level of hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.

Singh may meet China’s Defence Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

There is no official word on whether the Indian and Bangladeshi NSAs will meet before the departure of the former to New Delhi.

However, Khalilur Rahman’s visit is being seen by Bangladeshi strategic analysts as important as he is expected to discuss the now-aborted “humanitarian corridor” issue. Conceived by the United Nations, the “humanitarian corridor” was to be close to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Khalilur Rahman, who has been maintaining clandestine ties with the Arakan Army leadership, had earlier strongly advocated the use of the “humanitarian corridor” supposedly for sending humanitarian assistance to the Rakhine State. But he had to abandon the proposed “humanitarian corridor” plan in the face of strong objections and disapproval by the Bangladesh Army in general and Gen Waker-uz-Zaman in particular.​

 

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ISPR issues clarification on Army letter regarding alleged police harassment

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) today (Saturday) issued a clarification regarding an administrative letter from the Army Headquarters that was recently circulated on social media, noting that the content of the letter has been misinterpreted. The press release noted that the lette

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ISPR issues clarification on Army letter regarding alleged police harassment

Published :
Jul 12, 2025 21:24
Updated :
Jul 12, 2025 21:24

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) today (Saturday) issued a clarification regarding an administrative letter from the Army Headquarters that was recently circulated on social media, noting that the content of the letter has been misinterpreted.

The press release noted that the letter was issued solely in response to a request from the National Independent Investigation Commission formed to probe the brutal killings during the 2009 Pilkhana BDR mutiny which called for compiling a list of alleged harassments of military personnel by police at different times, BSS reports.

It further added that the letter was immediately withdrawn by Army Headquarters to prevent any kind of misinterpretation or unintended reactions.

Clarifying the matter, the ISPR said the letter being misinterpreted by a vested quarter in an attempt to create misunderstanding and mistrust between the Bangladesh Army and the Bangladesh Police.

Both the Bangladesh Army and Police have long been working together with mutual respect, coordination, and professional camaraderie to ensure national security and law enforcement, the letter says.

ISPR urged all concerned to refrain from spreading misleading or motivated information on social media or in the media regarding this issue.​

 

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What Bangladesh Army says about Gopalganj violence

As the situation rapidly deteriorated, members of the Bangladesh Army and local police intervened promptly and managed to bring the situation under control, said the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) in a press release on Thursday.

en.prothomalo.com

What Bangladesh Army says about Gopalganj violence
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 17 Jul 2025, 19: 17


A group of unruly people carried out organised acts of violence in Gopalganj sadar upazila on Wednesday, centering a rally called by a political party as part of its "July March" programme. Initially, several police officers and journalists were injured in the incident. Important infrastructure and government vehicles were also attacked and set on fire.

As the situation rapidly deteriorated, members of the Bangladesh Army and local police intervened promptly and managed to bring the situation under control, said the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) in a press release on Thursday.

According to the statement, a further attack was carried out at the stage during the rally. At the same time, the district prison was vandalised extensively. In response, the army used loudspeakers to repeatedly call for calm and urged the attackers to stop. However, the attackers hurled crude bombs and bricks at army personnel. The army was eventually compelled to use force in self-defense.

Later, a joint operation by the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police dispersed the unruly people. Those who had taken shelter at the office of the superintendent of police were later relocated to Khulna under the supervision of the army.

The law enforcement agencies, with professionalism and restraint, managed to bring the situation under control and ensure public safety, the statement added.

The ISPR further said the overall security situation in Gopalganj is now normal, and a curfew imposed by the local administration remains in place. Army, BGB, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other agencies are working in close coordination.

It also praised the local residents for showing patience and cooperating with the army during the violence since Wednesday morning.

The ISPR urged the people not to be misled by rumours or misinformation and called for patience and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. It reiterated that the Bangladesh Army remains firmly committed to upholding the country’s sovereignty and ensuring public safety.​

 

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Army refutes false claims of political transport support

The Bangladesh Army has strongly refuted recent claims circulating on social media alleging that the military provided buses to transport for members of a political party for its programme.

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Army refutes false claims of political transport support

UNB Dhaka
Published: 19 Jul 2025, 22: 07

The Bangladesh Army has strongly refuted recent claims circulating on social media alleging that the military provided buses to transport for members of a political party for its programme.

Terming the post “completely false, misleading, and ill-intentioned,” the Army clarified that it is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the force.

According to an ISPR release, the army occasionally hires private buses to facilitate the transportation of students from army-run educational institutions. In some instances, these hired buses may temporarily carry signage or stickers bearing the words "Bangladesh Army" or the army logo.

However, it noted that certain buses continue to display the army’s name or insignia even after their contracts with the military have ended. This is done illegally by transport operators seeking to gain undue advantage on the roads.

The Army said such acts are unauthorised and violate legal protocols. It further alleged that a vested quarter is intentionally trying to drag the military into controversy.

The Bangladesh Army urged the public not to be misled by misinformation and to refrain from sharing unverified content.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution, national security, and professionalism, the army emphasised its apolitical stance and dedication to serving the country with integrity.​

 

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Bangladesh Army continues to make important contributions, says Yunus

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for its sacrifices in meeting the country’s needs. Launching the Army Chief Election Board-2025 at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday, he said: “In addition to fulfilling its responsibilities to protect the country

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh Army continues to make important contributions, says Yunus

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 20, 2025 19:14
Updated :
Jul 20, 2025 19:14

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for its sacrifices in meeting the country’s needs.

Launching the Army Chief Election Board-2025 at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday, he said: “In addition to fulfilling its responsibilities to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, the Bangladesh Army is also making an important contribution in supporting the civil administration in maintaining internal peace, order, stability, and dealing with disasters.

“Currently, army members have been fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to them for some time to support the civil administration.”

According to the state-run news agency BSS, the first phase of the promotion board will consider officers holding the rank of colonel and lieutenant colonel for promotion.

The chief advisor directed board members to prioritise professional skills, leadership qualities, discipline, honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty when evaluating candidates.

He also said that only officers who demonstrate honesty, ethical standards, professionalism, and leadership should be promoted.

BSS reported that Yunus instructed the board to favour officers who have shown capable leadership throughout their military careers, regardless of political ideology.

Upon his arrival at the venue, Yunus was received by Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, retired lt gen Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to the chief advisor, and Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shamim.

The army chief thanked Yunus for inaugurating the board, BSS reported. Senior military and civilian officials were also in attendance.

Following the ceremony, the chief advisor joined a photo session with army officials and signed the inspection book.​

 

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Cost of politicising army

SUN Tzu’s The Art of War outlines three ways a ruler can bring misfortune upon the army (the word ‘army’ in modern context implies the military forces...

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Cost of politicising army
Mohammad Abdur Razzak 27 July, 2025, 00:00

Painting of a battle between Chinese and Vietnamese forces during the Qing invasion of Vietnam in 1788. | History/Getty Images/Universal Images Group

SUN Tzu’s The Art of War outlines three ways a ruler can bring misfortune upon the army (the word ‘army’ in modern context implies the military forces.

First, ‘By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army.’ This means the ruler issues unexecutable orders, which paralyse the army.

Second, ‘By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom [a country in today’s context], being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldiers’ minds.’ This implies that the ruler governs the military as if it were a civilian administration, creating confusion among soldiers.

Third, ‘By employing the officers of his [or her] army without discrimination so that the government is not careful to use or employ the right man in the right place.’ Here, the ruler appoints officers based on political favouritism rather than merit.

The first two points highlight the dangers of political interference in an army while the third reveals the corrosive effects of politicisation. The principles align with Sun Tzu’s broader philosophy that true excellence in war lies in subduing the enemy without battle. The application of this three principles serves as tools to subdue an opposing army without fighting — the worst possible cost of politicising an army which is not measurable in any financial yardstick,

The first principle that ‘hobbling the army’ warns against rulers micromanaging military operations without understanding battlefield realities. Sun Tzu asserts, ‘A kingdom should not be governed from without, an army should not be directed from within.’ This means that a nation must be ruled based on its own principles, not by external pressure, while battlefield tactics should be left to generals who grasp real-time conditions.

War is fundamentally an extension of politics by other means, requiring political leaders to maintain strategic oversight while military commanders handle operational and tactical execution. The most successful conflicts achieve perfect alignment between battlefield operations and political objectives, creating conditions for swift victory. A prime example occurred in 2008 when Bangladesh’s coordinated use of naval deployment and political diplomacy compelled Myanmar to withdraw its drilling rig from disputed Bay of Bengal waters, demonstrating how synchronised military and political diplomacy can achieve objectives without escalation.

Another stark modern illustration occurred during the India-Pakistan conflict of May 7–10, where political restrictions imposed on the Indian air force led to avoidable losses. Despite possessing advanced aircraft like the Rafale and Sukhoi-30, Indian pilots were barred from striking Pakistani military installations or air defences, as Indian military officials claimed. On the other hand, the perfectly aligned Pakistan’s political and military leadership caught Indian air force by surprise, resulting in the shooting down of five Indian fighter jets and degrading critical air defence assets such as S-400 launchers.

The second principle emphasises that armies and governments operate under fundamentally different rules. While states thrive on order and bureaucracy, armies require flexibility and adaptability. Injecting elements of political ideology into military affairs, bureaucracy or democratic theories and habit, demoralises troops and undermines effectiveness. The Vietnam war exemplifies ‘military and governance’ where US political leaders handpicked bombing targets from Washington, ignoring generals’ advice, leading to prolonged conflict and mor ethan 58,000 American deaths. The Johnson administration, fearing Chinese or Soviet intervention, restricted the bombing of key North Vietnamese infrastructure such as Haiphong Harbour, airfields, etc. Military leaders such as General Curtis LeMay and General William Westmoreland advocated more aggressive campaigns but were overruled. This micromanagement contributed to a protracted war with high casualties.

The third and the vital principle concerns selecting military leadership. Sun Tzu warns that rulers invite disaster by promoting and appointing officers based on personal or political loyalty rather than merit, mismatching skills to roles and disrupting the chain of command.

The Iraq war (2003–2011) demonstrated this when US leaders dismissed military advice, deployed insufficient troops and disbanded the Iraqi army, geopolitical instability in the region and contributing to thousands of deaths and bloody civil wars in Syria and Libya. The ‘Generals’ Revolt’ in 2006 saw retired commanders publicly criticise Rumsfeld’s Iraq war micromanagement. Russia’s war in Ukraine has been marred by the appointment loyalists like Sergei Shoigu, corruption and political meddling, resulting in high casualties and mutinies. These cases demonstrate that politicisation erodes an army’s strength. After the losses in the 2025 Indian-Pakistan clash, Pravin Sawhney, a former Indian army officer and defence analyst, accused India’s political leadership of politicising the military. He argued that such politicisation was a key reason for the Indian forces’ ill-preparedness for a war against Pakistan.

Politicisation, besides weakening an army’s professionalism, promotes internal corruption, too. Politicisation and corruption in an army adversely impact its war-making capability and gradually foster a compromising culture.

Corruption is a dangerous disease in an army and a reversal gets tough. It erodes meritocracy, sidelines skilled officers and weakens leadership ladder. Resource management falls into disarray with a short term vision draining budgets meant for sustainable modernisation. Most alarmingly, the army dips into morale decline. Soldiers lose trust in politicised commanders, undermining cohesion.

This politicisation overreach risks a force’s readiness. When promotions hinge on personal likes and dislikes or political loyalty rather than competence, individuals compete to demonstrate allegiance to get noticed. Consequently, morale and discipline suffer. Excessive commercial engagement diverts focus from core defence duties and corruption undermines trust in leadership. History shows while armies were politicised for short-term domestic political gains, nation paid a long-term price with diminished cohesion, weakened effectiveness, and vulnerability in crises.

For an army, reversing the moral decline is critical to recovering from the adverse effects of politicisation and maintaining a force capable of defending national interests. The military leadership must withstand political interference and prioritise and practice meritocracy to retain effectiveness. Sun Tzu’s wisdom remains relevant that an army’s strength lies not in its size but in the quality of its leaders and their freedom from political interference.

Mohammad Abdur Razzak, a retired commodore of the Bangladesh navy, is a security analyst.​

 

[Saif]

Inquiry court formed against army officer: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has stated that a Bangladesh Army officer accused of political involvement has been detained and taken into military custody from Uttara area in Dhaka.

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Allegation of political involvement
Inquiry court formed against army officer: ISPR
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 01 Aug 2025, 14: 46

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has stated that a Bangladesh Army officer accused of political involvement has been detained and taken into military custody from Uttara area in Dhaka.

Reportedly the officer was detained on 17 July. An inquiry court has been formed in connection to the incident, and initial investigation has found the allegations to be true. The ISPR confirmed the news in a press release today, Friday.

The ISPR stated that a complaint was recently received through law enforcement agencies alleging political affiliations of a member of the Bangladesh Army. The Bangladesh Army has treated the matter with utmost seriousness.

The ISPR stated that allegations concerning political involvement of a certain Bangladesh Army officer were received recently through the law enforcement agencies. The Bangladesh Army has considered the matter with the utmost seriousness.

Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the officer under the existing military laws and regulations, ISPR confirmed. Coordination with the police and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing in this regard.

A separate investigation tribunal has also been formed concerning that officer’s unauthorised absence from his assigned post. Once the investigation is complete, legal action will be taken as per the tribunal’s recommendations and the military law.

Earlier, police arrested 22 leaders and activists from banned political organisations, including the outlawed Chhatra League and other affiliated groups of the Awami League, during a ‘secret meeting’ held at a convention centre near Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital.

Allegedly, a senior army officer of the major rank was linked to the meeting. Military officials shared this information in response to journalists’ question in a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters on Thursday. ISPR has now issued a formal press release elaborating on the matter.

Police have filed a case regarding the incident with Vatara police station in the capital. According to the case statement, the banned Chhatra League organised a secret meeting at the KB Convention Centre adjacent to Bashundhara Residential Area on 8 July.

Around 300-400 people, including members of the banned Chhatra League, Awami League, and retired government officials, attended the meeting that started at 10:00 am and continued until evening. Reportedly, they chanted slogans against the current government there.

It was planned at the meeting that, upon receiving instructions from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her supporters from across the country would gather in Dhaka. They intended to occupy the Shahbagh intersection to create unrest and panic among the public, ultimately forcing the return of Sheikh Hasina to power. They were brewing these conspiracies there, it added.​