[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Army's role in ousting Sheikh Hasina from power

[Saif]

Unite to build a harmonious nation: army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today called for mutual cooperation to build a harmonious nation where people of all communities can live peacefully side by side

www.thedailystar.net

Unite to build a harmonious nation: army chief

Photo: Reuters

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today called for mutual cooperation to build a harmonious nation where people of all communities can live peacefully side by side.

He said Bangladesh Army is committed to take all necessary measures to ensure that each religious community can celebrate its festivals peacefully, maintaining communal harmony, said a press release by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Besides, he expressed his gratitude to the diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka for their significant contributions to Bangladesh's progress.

The army chief made these remarks as the chief guest at the National Buddhist Religious Conference 2024 and the auspicious Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony, held at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said the release.

In his speech, the army chief urged the residents of the hill tracts, including both indigenous and Bangalee communities, to work together towards peace and harmony in the region.

He extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone present for the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony and thanked the attendees who traveled from different parts of Bangladesh, including the hill tracts.

He highlighted the importance of developing the tourism industry in the hill tracts, while preserving local languages, culture, and diversity.

He voiced optimism that the establishment of more schools, colleges, and universities in these areas would empower local students to showcase their talents both domestically and internationally.

Concluding his address, he expressed sincere appreciation to the Buddhist Federation and law enforcement agencies for supporting the peaceful observance of Buddhist ceremonies across the country.

On October 10, a delegation from the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation paid a courtesy call on him at the Army Headquarters, during which he pledged financial and security support for the Prabarana Purnima and Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony in the three hill districts.

Following through on this commitment, he recently presented Tk 1 crore donation cheque on behalf of the Bangladesh Army to the Buddhist Federation, the release said.

This year, 266 Buddhist monasteries nationwide, including in the CHT, have celebrated the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony with due religious solemnity, it added.

During the visit, the chief of general staff of the Bangladesh Army and the GOC of the 9th Infantry Division were present.

Also in attendance were the event's chairman, Dharmapriya Mahathera, chief preacher S Lokajit Mahathera, monks from various monasteries, high-ranking government and private officials, diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka, members of the Buddhist community, and representatives from various media organisations, the release added.​

 

[Saif]

‘Together, we want to build a beautiful Bangladesh’

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday called for mutual cooperation to build a beautiful Bangladesh where people of all communities can live peacefully side by side.

www.thedailystar.net

‘Together, we want to build a beautiful Bangladesh’
Army chief tells Buddhist Federation event

Waker-Uz-Zaman

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday called for mutual cooperation to build a beautiful Bangladesh where people of all communities can live peacefully side by side.

He said Bangladesh Army is committed to take all necessary measures to ensure that each religious community can celebrate its festivals peacefully, maintaining communal harmony, said a press release by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Besides, he expressed his gratitude to the diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka for their significant contributions to Bangladesh's progress.

The army chief made these remarks as the chief guest at the National Buddhist Religious Conference 2024 and the auspicious Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony, held at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said the release.

In his speech, the army chief urged the residents of the hill tracts, including both indigenous and Bangalee communities, to work together towards peace and harmony in the region.

He extended his heartfelt congratulations to everyone present for the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony and thanked the attendees who traveled from different parts of Bangladesh, including the hill tracts.

He highlighted the importance of developing the tourism industry in the hill tracts, while preserving local languages, culture, and diversity.

He voiced optimism that the establishment of more schools, colleges, and universities in these areas would empower local students to showcase their talents both domestically and internationally.

Concluding his address, he expressed sincere appreciation to the Buddhist Federation and law enforcement agencies for supporting the peaceful observance of Buddhist ceremonies across the country.

On October 10, a delegation from the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation paid a courtesy c 2all on him at the Army Headquarters, during which he pledged financial and security support for the Prabarana Purnima and Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony in the three hill districts.

Following through on this commitment, he recently presented Tk 1 crore donation cheque on behalf of the Bangladesh Army to the Buddhist Federation, the release said.

This year, 266 Buddhist monasteries nationwide, including in the CHT, have celebrated the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony with due religious solemnity, it added.

During the visit, the chief of general staff of the Bangladesh Army and the GOC of the 9th Infantry Division were present.

Also in attendance were the event's chairman, Dharmapriya Mahathera, chief preacher S Lokajit Mahathera, monks from various monasteries, high-ranking government and private officials, diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka, members of the Buddhist community, and representatives from various media organisations, the release added.​

 

[Saif]

Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, all want to build a beautiful Bangladesh: Army chief

Waker-Uz-Zaman was addressing as the chief guest at the National Buddhist Grand Conference at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka.

en.prothomalo.com

Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, all want to build a beautiful Bangladesh: Army chief
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 09 Nov 2024, 08: 24

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman addresses the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka on 8 November 2024.Ashraful Alam

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Friday said people from all religions including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians want to build a beautiful Bangladesh

He said, “Together all religions, races and communities want to build a beautiful Bangladesh. We want to live in peace here and want the country and nation to prosper.”

Waker-Uz-Zaman was addressing the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference as the chief guest at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka.

The army chief said, “When the azan was coming from the mosque, they (Buddhist leaders) said let us start after a while, let us wait for azan to end. This religious understating, harmony and compassion that they have shown is remarkable. ”

Saying that Buddhist devotees from various places of the country congregated here, Waker-Uz-Zaman added, “We want to see you regularly observing your religious ceremonies. You will live in peace. We will do whatever we need to do. Previously, we provided security during Durga Puja and it has been celebrated beautifully. We thanked everyone concerned for this. Whatever help and cooperation you need, we will provide.”

Mentioning peace and harmony is main mantra of Buddhism, the army chief said, “We have been here for thousands of years and this is our tradition. Hinduism is the oldest religion here, then Buddhism came 2,500 years ago, then Christianity came and lastly, Islam came in our country. We want a very peaceful coexistence of these four major religions. We will help each other, show solidarity, and assist other when someone faces trouble. We want to build a country of harmony in this way. We want to live in peace and happiness altogether.”

Diplomats stationed at various foreign missions in Dhaka also attended the event. Addressing them, Waker-Uz-Zaman said it is good to see that diplomats of various countries also joined the event, especially the ambassador of Thailand since they financed the construction of many Buddhist temples in this country. The ambassador of Vietnam and the high commissioner of Australia are also here and they also contributed to peace and harmony of Bangladesh, he added.

About three Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) districts, the army chief said, “Since there is some lacking of peace and harmony in the CHT districts, we want to fill up it. We want to create a beautiful atmosphere so that Bengali and hill people can live together in the hills.”

Informing the audience that he also was posted in the CHT districts once, Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “I have my compassion and love for you. If I am told about what necessary for the peace in CHT districts, I will do it. My effort will continue so that Bengali and hill people, everyone can live in peace in CHT districts.”

“You (hill people) have your languages and cultures. We want to respect that. We want to protect this culture, language and life diversity. These are our resources. We will do whatever we have to do to conserve those,” the army chief said.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the CHT districts are full of natural scenic views and that can tourist destinations. There are many way to attract tourists. Besides, if schools, collages, medical colleges and universities are established, out hill brothers and sisters could study here and they them spread over various places at home and aboard with their skills.

Presided over by Bangladesh Buddhist Federation chief adviser professor Sukomal Barua, Thailand ambassador in Dhaka Makawadee Sumitmor, Vietnam ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong and Australian acting high commissioner in Dhaka Nardia Simpson were present.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina oversaw July protest killings: UN

Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina herself had ordered the killing of students and protesters during the July uprising, the United Nations Fact Finding Mission said, citing senior security officials.

www.thedailystar.net

Hasina oversaw July protest killings: UN

 

[Saif]

Discussion with army top brass is political interference: Hasnat

He emphasised that political matters should be determined by politicians, and said his Facebook post was made out of suspicion at this point.

en.prothomalo.com

Discussion with army top brass is political interference: Hasnat
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 22 Mar 2025, 11: 17

Hasnat Abdullah speaks at a press briefing in Dhaka on 21 March, 2025. Prothom Alo

The chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Hasnat Abdullah, has clarified that they are considering the senior army officials’ discussion with them an act of political interference.

“The discussion with us was initiated by senior army authorities, and we regard it as interference in political affairs,” he told the media in response to a query at a press briefing at the NCP headquarters in the capital’s Bangla Motor area on Friday.

The NCP leader emphasised that political matters should be determined by politicians, saying, “Political developments and the future course of politics should remain in the hands of politicians. Due to our doubt at this point, I had to post a status yesterday (Thursday).”

Hasnat Abdullah mentioned that he had clarified everything about their discussion with the army in the Facebook status. He wrote, “A plan is underway to introduce a new plot called ‘Refined Awami League.’ This plan is entirely orchestrated by India and is designed with Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh at the forefront.”

Hasnat claimed that the plan was presented to him at the cantonment on 11 March. “We were offered a seat-sharing deal in exchange for accepting this proposal. We were informed that several political parties had been offered the same proposal, and that they had already agreed to a conditional rehabilitation of Awami League. Having multiple opposition parties, including a weak Awami League, is better than a single opposition party.”

When asked about the reason behind his visit to the cantonment, Hasnat Abdullah said, “The army has been granted magistracy power, and many of us have questions about the law and order situation. We were invited to discuss these issues.”

Elaborating on his response, Hasnat further said, “Recently, the army chief, as you noticed, made a statement that many, including myself, considered inappropriate within the political sphere. The way the interim government chief was addressed and the indication of holding an inclusive election with Awami League… We went there as we were informed that discussions would take place regarding these broader issues.”

Asked whether he feels at risk, the NCP leader said, “Before 5 August, we waged a movement with students and the people. There was a force, as well as an agency, standing against fascism. The government was against us, but we repeatedly said the fight is going on… and it still is. As long as anti-fascist political parties remain united, I do not feel at risk.”

Regarding the demand to ban Awami League, he said, “Since 5 August, have you seen any instance where Awami League showed remorse? They have not even admitted to carrying out the massacre. Our stance is clear -- Awami League must first face trial as a party. They must acknowledge their crimes… Only then can further discussions take place. No talks can be held before that.”

Hasnat Abdullah reaffirmed their opposition to any efforts to rehabilitate Awami League. “After 5 August, we declared that the name, symbol, and ideology of Awami League are no longer relevant. If any foreign or local force or agency comes up with evil efforts, we, the students, are committed to the families of the oppressed and murdered to prevent the efforts to reform Awami League."​

 

[Saif]

We will always stand by you

Addressing the students injured during the July uprising, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday assured them that the army would always be by their side and advised them never to lose morale.

www.thedailystar.net

We will always stand by you
Army chief tells students injured in July uprising

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman shakes hands with one of the students injured during the July uprising at an iftar event held in their honour at the Sena Malancha in Dhaka Cantonment yesterday. Photo: ISPR

Addressing the students injured during the July uprising, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday assured them that the army would always be by their side and advised them never to lose morale.

The army chief made this remark while speaking at an iftar event organised by the Bangladesh Army at Sena Malancha in Dhaka Cantonment in honour of the students injured during the July uprising.

Waker exchanged greetings with the injured students and inquired about their well-being.

During his address, he emphasised that the primary purpose of the event was to remind the injured individuals that the army would always stand by them.

"Many of them are severely injured, some cannot move, and some have lost their eyesight. I assure you that we will always be by your side," said the army chief.

He further mentioned that financial aid and other forms of assistance would continue in the future.

"Today's iftar arrangement and financial support will not be a one-time initiative. Business entrepreneurs, bankers, and other contributors have come together to make this happen. The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Special Security Force (SSF), and banks have also provided financial contributions. The army has already spent significant funds on treatment, and to date, we have provided medical care to over 4,200 injured individuals," he said.

Waker reaffirmed efforts toward the rehabilitation of the injured.

"You are the nation's pride. You have sacrificed a lot for the country and the people. I congratulate you and assure you that we will always be there for you," he said.

Senior army officials, distinguished civilians, and directors of various government hospitals attended the event.

After the programme, Eid gifts were distributed to injured students on behalf of the army, according to a release from Inter-Services Public Relations.​

 

[Saif]

Army discloses list of 626 people sheltered in cantonment after July uprising

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has clarified the position of the Bangladesh Army regarding 626 individuals who took temporary refuge inside various military cantonments across the country following the mass uprising of July-August 2024. In a press statement issued on Thursd

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Army discloses list of 626 people sheltered in cantonment after July uprising
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 22, 2025 23:14
Updated :
May 23, 2025 00:36

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has clarified the position of the Bangladesh Army regarding 626 individuals who took temporary refuge inside various military cantonments across the country following the mass uprising of July-August 2024.

In a press statement issued on Thursday night, ISPR stated that after the fall of the previous government during the student-people-led uprising, the overall law and order situation in the country deteriorated significantly due to the activities of certain conspiratorial elements.

According to ISPR, the breakdown in security led to attacks on government offices and police stations, violence against political activists and supporters, arson, mob justice, theft, and looting. In this chaotic and volatile environment, many citizens feared for their lives.

As a result, individuals from various professional and political backgrounds sought shelter at cantonments in Dhaka and other parts of the country. “Given the sudden instability, priority was given to saving lives rather than verifying identities,” the statement read.

ISPR confirmed that the military provided refuge to:

24 political figures

5 judges

19 civil administration officers

515 police personnel

12 officials from various public universities and other backgrounds

51 accompanying family members (wives and children)

This brought the total number of people sheltered to 626.

ISPR emphasised the army’s actions were purely humanitarian, aiming to prevent unlawful killings. Most of the sheltered individuals left the cantonments within one or two days as the situation stabilized. Five individuals were handed over to law enforcement agencies through proper legal channels based on pending allegations or legal cases.

A previous statement from ISPR on August 18, 2024, had already disclosed these facts and sent a list of 193 individuals (excluding 432 police personnel and one NSI member) to the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirming the matter as resolved.

ISPR noted that temporary shelter was provided strictly from a humanitarian perspective, as there was a high risk to the lives of the individuals at that time. However, ISPR expressed concern that some vested interests are spreading misleading information to damage the reputation of the Bangladesh Army and create public distrust.

In response, ISPR has released a full list of the 626 individuals, including 432 regular police personnel and one National Security Intelligence (NSI) member, with this press statement.

The Bangladesh Army reiterated its commitment to professionalism, dedication, and national service while urging the public to remain vigilant against misleading propaganda.​