Summary:
- Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman warns that internal conflicts, political mudslinging, and violence threaten the nation’s sovereignty, urging unity to counter destabilization.
- He highlights systemic challenges in law enforcement agencies (police, RAB, BGB) due to ongoing investigations and arrests, stressing the need to avoid undermining these institutions.
- The General expresses confidence in the government’s progress toward free, fair elections by December 2025 and praises Dr. Yunus’s efforts to unite the nation.
- Zaman condemns unwarranted criticism of the military, emphasizing its nonpartisan role and urging public support instead of hostility.
Dhaka, Bangladesh | February 25, 2025 — Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman issued a stark warning Tuesday, stating that internal divisions, mudslinging, and violence among citizens and institutions risk endangering the nation’s independence and sovereignty. Speaking at a National Martyred Army Day event in Dhaka’s Rawa Convention Hall, the military leader emphasized unity while addressing systemic challenges in law enforcement and upcoming elections.
“If we cannot set aside our differences and work together—if we engage in infighting, blame games, or violence—the independence and sovereignty of this nation will be jeopardized,” General Zaman declared. “I am warning you now so no one can claim later they weren’t alerted.” He stressed that chaos created by internal strife provides opportunities for criminal elements to exploit instability, urging collective responsibility to maintain order.
Law Enforcement Challenges and Institutional Stability
The Army Chief acknowledged struggles within security forces, including ongoing investigations into police, RAB, BGB, DGFI, and NSI personnel. “Many law enforcement members are detained or facing cases, leaving these organizations panicked and undermined,” he said, while defending their overall contributions to national stability. “If these institutions are weakened, peace cannot endure. Investigations must proceed, but we must ensure these organizations aren’t crippled.”
Zaman highlighted resource constraints, noting the army’s 30,000 active-duty troops cannot single-handedly manage public security amid a void left by other forces. “Disorder arises from our own actions. We manufactured this chaos,” he admitted, calling for coordinated efforts among police, BGB, RAB, and Ansar-VDP to address challenges.
Elections and National Unity
On elections, the Army Chief expressed confidence in the government’s trajectory toward “a free, fair, and inclusive election within December or close to it,” aligning with his earlier recommendation for polls within 18 months. He praised Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s efforts to unite the nation, stating, “We must support him to succeed.”
Appeal Against Military Criticism
General Zaman rebuked unwarranted hostility toward the armed forces, emphasizing their role as a nonpartisan institution. “We stand on the frontlines for the people. Attack us not—advise us instead,” he urged, dismissing baseless animosity toward military leadership.
Final Warning and Call to Action
Reiterating his caution, Zaman appealed for citizens to prioritize national interests over ideological divides. “Disagreements may exist, but by day’s end, we must unite for the country. Otherwise, we’ll plunge into deeper crisis.” His remarks concluded with a plea: “Let us avoid infighting and ensure Bangladesh progresses peacefully.”
The speech underscores mounting tensions ahead of elections and reflects the military’s rare public intervention in national discourse amid escalating political and social fractures.
