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

[Saif]

Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/ouster-hasina-bnps-hafizuddin-commends-army-3679506

Ouster of Hasina: BNP's Hafizuddin commends army

Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed. File photo

BNP standing committee member Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed today congratulated the Bangladesh Army for its role in "removing" Sheikh Hasina from power.

He was appointed member of the BNP standing committee yesterday.

"I had lost hope, but at the momentous occasion, the Bangladesh Army took sufficient and proper action to remove Sheikh Hasina. I congratulate them for this," Hafizuddin said during a programme, organised by Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Muktijoddha Dal at Jatiya Press Club.

"There was a lot of anger against them [Bangladesh Army]. The army is a traditional force. The language of army members, especially senior officers, should be soldier-like. But for the last 14 years, I have seen them giving speeches like those of Chhatra League. What a shame… But in the end, they responded to the people's call and took the right action. They removed the dictator," he mentioned.

He also questioned police's use of military-grade weapons during the recent crackdown.

"They are the police. Who gave them LMG, MG, 7.62 rifles of the military? Hasina's government did. These weapons were not supposed to be with them," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Cantonments not sheltering any foreign mission personnel: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that no personnel from foreign missions are currently residing within any of the country's cantonments

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Cantonments not sheltering any foreign mission personnel: ISPR

Photo: Collected

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that no personnel from foreign missions are currently residing within any of the country's cantonments. This information was shared in a press release issued by the ISPR yesterday.

According to the press release, the recent political upheaval and the subsequent deterioration of law and order across the country led to a request for enhanced security for various foreign missions in Bangladesh. During this period, when other law enforcement agencies were not available, the army was asked to assist in providing their security. As a result, army personnel were deployed to secure diplomatic areas and embassies in Dhaka, a task that continues to this day.

The statement also mentioned that at the request of the Indian High Commission, only civilian members were provided shelter within the Dhaka Cantonment and other military cantonments. Additionally, some members stayed at their respective consulate buildings and various hotels, which were also secured by the army.

Furthermore, a few Russian experts working at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant were provided with security. The army has provided all relevant information to the concerned ministry regarding these matters.​

 

[Saif]

Army sues over 3,000 for attack on its convoy in Gopalganj

District Awami League president Mahbub Ali Khan, general secretary GM Sahab Uddin Azam were among 106 named accused.

en.prothomalo.com

Army sues over 3,000 for attack on its convoy in Gopalganj
UNB
Published: 22 Aug 2024, 22: 44

Protesters demanding Sheikh Hasina's return torch an army vehicle in Gopalganj on 10 August, 2024 Grabbed from video

A case has been filed in Gopalganj naming 106 people and over 3200 unidentified ones for assaulting army personnel, vandalizing vehicles, arson attack, and snatching weapons.

Lt Col Md Maksudul Alam, commander of the temporary camp of the Army in Gopalganj, filed the case at Gopalganj Sadar police station on Thursday, confirmed officer-in-charge of the police station Md Anisur Rahman.

Gopalganj district Awami League president Mahbub Ali Khan, general secretary GM Sahab Uddin Azam were among 106 named accused.

On 10 August, thousands of leaders and activists of the Awami League blocked the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Gopinathpur in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, protesting the “forced exile” of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and demanding her return to the country.

Based on information that vehicles could be vandalised and property damaged, two army patrol teams were dispatched to the scene. The army personnel tried to calm the protesters.

After this, the protesters became agitated and attacked the army personnel, vandalising and setting fire to army vehicles. Two weapons belonging to the army were snatched. Nine army personnel were injured during the incident.​

 

[Saif]

[H3]গণঅভ্যুত্থানে সেনাবাহিনীর ভূমিকা [/H3]

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh military decided to support Yunus government after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government instead of taking over control directly, which was a strategic and calculated decision. This action was viewed as a smart move and it effectively defused India's evil designs against Yunus government. The military's support has helped to stabilize the political situation in Bangladesh during this transitional period. By not taking over directly, the military has shown a commitment to democracy and has allowed for a smoother transition of power, which is crucial in maintaining public trust and order.

How the Bangladeshi Military Outsmarted Indian Schemes Against the Yunus Government.

 

[Saif]

Army must prevent any misuse of magistracy powers

Govt grants special powers to army officers to improve law and order

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Army must prevent any misuse of magistracy powers
Govt grants special powers to army officers to improve law and order

VISUAL: STAR

The interim government's decision to grant magistracy powers to commissioned army officers for 60 days is an extraordinary measure quite in keeping with these extraordinary times in the nation's life. As per the decision, effective immediately, army officers will act as executive magistrates across the country and be able to exercise the powers that come with this position. With police still largely absent on the streets and lingering concerns about various subversive and criminal activities, the army's involvement in day-to-day law enforcement may seem like a necessary step to restore order. However, it also brings with it critical responsibilities and potential risks that must be managed carefully.

The immediate backdrop to the decision is no secret. The wave of unrest that engulfed the whole country, including the police, following the mass uprising has mostly subsided by now, but concerns remain. We have earlier talked about how low morale within the police force and their diminished capacity are affecting police operations. The decision to grant magistracy powers to army officers aims to fill that gap. These powers, conferred under Section 12(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, will allow army officers to take steps in light of 16 sections of the CrPC, including arresting or ordering arrests of suspected offenders, conducting searches, dispersing unlawful assemblies, and so on. They can also use lethal force in extreme situations.

It is the wide scope of the powers and their potential misuse that have raised some concerns, however. True, granting the army this level of authority is not without precedent. Earlier, magistracy powers were granted during the Operation Clean Heart in 2002 and indirectly during the 2007-08 emergency rule. However, it is crucial to remember that such powers come with a heavy responsibility. We, therefore, urge utmost caution and vigilance in their execution. Going forward, the image and integrity of the armed forces, as well as citizens' trust in them, will largely hinge on the proper and judicious use of their new-found authority. Any misuse could erode public confidence and lead to unnecessary confrontations with civilians.

It is equally important to remember that this is, and must remain, a temporary measure. The deployment of the army with special powers must not be seen as a replacement for the police or civilian authorities, but as a stopgap measure to address an extraordinary situation. The longer the army is tasked with fulfilling these duties, the greater the risk of blurring the lines between military and civilian functions. So, it is vital that the police force be fully operationalised as quickly as possible so that we can return to normalcy.​

 

[Saif]

The Bangladesh army chief has told in an interview with Reuters that he would support the interim government to hold a free, fair and credible election within one and a half years.

 

[Saif]

Owners to meet RMG workers' demands across the board

Garment-factory owners on Tuesday agreed to meet all 18-point demands of protesting workers to restore normalcy in the industry as over 50 factories in the Ashulia and Gazipur hubs suspended their operations on the day. According to a tripartite agreement, the attendance bonus has been increased

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Army working professionally to improve law and order: Army chief
UNB
Published :
Sep 24, 2024 23:48
Updated :
Sep 24, 2024 23:49

General Waker-uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff, said on Tuesday that Bangladesh Army is working impartially and professionally to improve law and order, recover weapons in joint operations, prevent extrajudicial activities, and uphold the rule of law.

He reaffirmed that the army is a symbol of trust for the nation and its people, urging vigilance against ongoing rumors on social media, while emphasizing integrity, truthfulness, and fairness in duty.

The army chief made the remarks while addressing all ranks of army personnel stationed at Chattogram Cantonment, providing guidance and insights, said a media release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In his opening remarks, he offered prayers for the martyrdom of Lieutenant Tanjiim Sarwar Nirjan and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

He emphasized that the brave sacrifice of this young officer in service to the motherland would be deeply honored by the Bangladesh Army.

General Waker then shed light on the current security situation in the country and offered various directives regarding the army's operations.

Later, the army chief visited the Naniarchar Zone Headquarters in the Rangamati Region of the Hill Tracts. During this visit, he instructed maintaining stability, ensuring the safety of the local population, and assisting in their socio-economic development, while remaining prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty.

His visit to the remote hill army camps boosted the morale of the stationed personnel and other security forces.​

 

[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.

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Hasina oversaw July protest killings: UN