New Delhi: Bangladesh army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has warned against internal divisions in the country, blaming infighting for deteriorating law and order. Zaman said that the ongoing unrest is “manufactured by us”.
Speaking at an army memorial event on the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles Mutiny (BDR) event Tuesday, Zaman cautioned that the gains from the student-led uprising that led to the ouster of the previous government last August could be at risk if the country remains mired in political conflict, according to local media reports.
“Forget all differences, all evil thoughts, work towards the upliftment of the country and national integration,” he said in his address in Bangla. “If you can’t move beyond your differences, and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk.”
The comments come after the student unions of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami waged a war of words against each other Sunday with both sides blaming each other for the violence gripping the country.
Zaman added that the ongoing infighting was allowing miscreants to thrive, with some believing they could act with impunity amid the chaos. “Since stakeholders are busy mudslinging at each other, miscreants find the situation favourable. They believe they can get away with anything,” he said. He, however, did not name any groups.
He further stressed the need for patience and dedication in fulfilling professional responsibilities, mentioning that the army’s task had taken longer than expected but remained critical to the nation’s stability. “I thought my work was done, but it would take me longer to sort this out,” he said. “…And then I will take a vacation.”
Also Read: Why student unions of long-standing allies BNP & Jamaat are at war in Bangladesh
‘Let’s put our faith in Dr Yunus’
The Bangladesh army chief also emphasised that free and fair elections should be held by December, aligning with the broader political narratives post Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had previously hinted that the general elections may be delayed until the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Bangladesh has been rocked by violent protests and student faction clashes, with groups attacking properties linked to Hasina’s family. The country has seen a dramatic rise in arrests since the launch of “Operation Devil Hunt” on 8 February, aimed at dismantling gangs accused of destabilising the nation.
Meanwhile, student protest leader Nahid Islam resigned from the government cabinet Tuesday, ahead of the expected formation of a new political party. Islam served as the head of the telecom and information technology ministry.
Zaman called on the public to support Yunus in his efforts to stabilise the country and guide it toward a peaceful and democratic future. “Let’s collectively ensure that Dr Yunus is able to do his job and put our faith in him.”
He added, “I’ll return to my barracks once this country is stable.”
Zaman and his forces had refrained from intervention in early August during the student-led protests against then prime minister, Hasina, leading to her ouster after 15 years in power.
After Hasina fled Bangladesh, Zaman had pledged unwavering support for the country’s interim government to ensure that it carried out essential reforms, regardless of the circumstances, in order to hold elections within the next 18 months.
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
Also Read: Nahid Islam, face of anti-Hasina stir, quits Yunus-led Bangladesh govt to float political party
Bangladesh has become a theatre of the absurd.
Who is the Bangladesh Army Chief to warn political leaders? What gives him such authority?
Or does he think of himself as a Pakistan Army chief – one who can install puppet governments and jail popular politicians as per his convenience?
It’s unfortunate but it does seem like Bangladesh is going down Pakistan’s way.