Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has reportedly called for arranging the next parliamentary elections “as soon as possible,” indicating December as a possible deadline.
He made the remarks during an “Officers’ Address” at Senaprangon in Dhaka Cantonment, according to sources related to the programme.
Officers stationed in Dhaka, except those deployed in aid of civil administration, gathered at the programme. Army personnel based in other garrisons joined the programme virtually, while those serving in UN missions also attended.
All officers were in full combat uniform, according to sources.
In his opening speech, the army chief praised the Armed Forces for their tireless service and commitment to national stability.
However, he also expressed concern that despite the army’s continued efforts since 5 August, both he and the force are being unfairly targeted by vested quarters, said a senior officer present at the meeting.
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated that the Bangladesh Army would never engage in any action damaging national sovereignty.
He instructed all ranks to remain neutral and carry out their electoral duties with honesty.
However, he also voiced concern that extended army deployment for internal security could undermine national defense readiness.
His opening remarks were followed by a question-answer session.
When an officer proposed that the army disclose offenses committed by dismissed personnel via the ISPR, General Waker replied that Islamic values discourage publicising an individual’s misdeeds.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that if such cases exceed acceptable limits, disclosure might become necessary.
Other topics discussed by the officers included mob violence, the current law and order situation, the UN fact-finding report on July–August killings, interim government’s ongoing reforms, own training, and issues related to the Chattogram port.
Corridor Issue
Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman also addressed the matter of a humanitarian corridor in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. In response to a related question, he said any decision regarding the corridor must come from an elected government and follow a legitimate process. “We must prioritize the national interest. Whatever is done, it must be done in a way that safeguards our national interest. And above all, it must be based on political consensus,” he added.
‘Mob Violence’
General Waker-uz-Zaman issued a stern warning against mob violence or disorder caused by unruly crowds. “The army is now adopting a stricter stance on law and order. No more tolerance for chaos or violence in the name of collective public actions,” he said.
Chattogram Port Operations
The Army Chief also commented on recent debates surrounding the potential handover of Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) operations to foreign entities. Responding to a question, he said, “Local communities and political leaders’ opinions are essential in this matter. Such decisions should come through a political government.”
On the issue of reforms, General Waker-uz-Zaman stated that he had no knowledge of what reforms were taking place or how they were being implemented. He said no consultation had been held with him on the matter.
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, the Army Chief called for cooperation to ensure that people can celebrate the festival safely and in a festive atmosphere.
He emphasized that the Bangladesh Army will never engage in any activities that would undermine the country’s sovereignty. He instructed all army personnel to remain neutral and to perform any future election duties with integrity and dedication.
He thanked all members of the force for carrying out their responsibilities under the changed circumstances and added, “We are cooperating with the interim government, and we will continue to do so.”
