Summary:
- Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman pledges full support to the caretaker government, emphasizing military readiness to make any sacrifices necessary for national interest.
- The military will continue providing law enforcement support until the caretaker government determines police forces can independently maintain order.
- General Waker-uz-Zaman stresses the importance of balancing power between the President and Prime Minister, suggesting armed forces could be placed under presidential authority.
- The Army Chief expresses optimism about political reconciliation, stating that politicians typically show cooperative attitudes during critical national transitions.
Bangladesh’s next general elections are set to take place in late 2025 or early 2026, interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced during a national address commemorating the country’s 53rd independence anniversary. The timing hinges on the completion of crucial electoral reforms and political consensus.
The announcement comes amid Bangladesh’s significant political transition following the August 2024 student-led uprising that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure. Hasina, 77, fled to India on August 5 as protesters overwhelmed her Dhaka residence.
Key Electoral Reform Priorities:
- Revision of voter registry to eliminate fraudulent entries
- Registration of new voters from the youth demographic
- Implementation of electoral safeguards
Political Landscape:
The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and other opposition groups are pushing for expedited elections. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has initiated several reform commissions and is working to restore democratic institutions.
Military’s Role:
General Waker-uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, has emphasized that the military must remain apolitical. He stated that the armed forces are “wholly by the side” of the caretaker administration and will support Yunus’s reform initiatives.
International Relations:
The political transition has affected Bangladesh’s relationship with India. General Waker-uz-Zaman recently stated that Bangladesh will maintain ties with India based on fairness and equality, while ensuring it doesn’t act against India’s strategic interests.
The last general elections in Bangladesh, held in January 2024, were widely criticized as neither free nor fair, with opposition parties boycotting the process amid a widespread crackdown. The interim government has also issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Hasina, who faces accusations of manipulating the judiciary and civil service during her 14-year tenure.
Source: Ittefaq
