Bangladesh Army has firmly denied having any discord with the government, saying that both the institutions are working together to safeguard the national interests and sovereignty of the country.
Speaking at a press briefing at Dhaka Cantonment on Monday, senior army officers dismissed the media reports that a rift has developed between the interim government and the Bangladesh Army.
Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, Director of the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, said the army is carrying out its responsibilities to uphold the country’s sovereignty, ensure stability and security. “We share a strong working relationship with the government and are working in full coordination,” he added.
He also reiterated Bangladesh Army’s unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, stressing that their key mission is to protect the country in collaboration with the government.
Asked about the port corridor issue, he said the army would never get involved in any matter that compromises with national security. “The army does not take make decision that goes against the interests of the country.”
He also said the corridor is a sensitive issue. The country’s interest is of paramount importance to the army. Therefore, no compromise when it comes to the country’s independence, security, and sovereignty. The current border situation with Myanmar is more sensitive than ever, and the army is on highest alert.
Regarding the allegation that 30,000 uniforms are being made for the KNF (Kuki-Chin National Front) in Chattogram, Brigadier General Nazim said, “The KNF represents Kuki ethnic group, which has a population of around 12,000—then why 30,000 uniforms are being made? What is the truth and what lies behind this? The army is investigating all aspects very seriously.”
About the ‘push-in’ of citizens from India across the border, Brigadier General Nazim said, “This is absolutely unacceptable. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is tackling the situation effectively. However, if needed or ordered by the government, the army will also act. Still, it is undesirable in every way.”
In response to a question from journalists about the next national election, Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam said, “There is no basis of the media report that the army will take power if elections are not held by December. The army has no intention of taking power, and there have been no internal discussions on this matter.”
Colonel Shafiqul added, “On issues like the corridor, national security, and sovereignty, the army remains uncompromising. Since August 5, the army has been working in coordination with all stakeholders for the country’s interests.”
Issuing warning against attempts to create unrest in the country, he said, “If anyone tries to gather mobs to create chaos, the army will take strict action.”
Earlier at the briefing, Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam presented an overview of the Bangladesh Army’s operations over the past 40 days.
He said, “The army will take strict action against mob violence and those who will try to disrupt social security. Country’s law and order situation in many areas is now more stable or has even improved compared to any time in the recent past. However, maintaining law and order is not solely the army’s responsibility. Law enforcement and other agencies need to jointly work on it.”
He mentioned that over the past 40 days, the army had recovered 241 illegal firearms and arrested 4,400 drug traffickers.
It is also disclosed in the briefing that in the last 40 days, the army recovered 241 illegal firearms, 709 rounds of ammunition, and since August, a total of 9,611 illegal firearms and 285,761 rounds of ammunition recovered.
A total of 1,969 individuals involved in various crimes were arrested in the last month, bringing the total to 14,266 so far. The arrestees include members of teen gangs, listed criminals, kidnappers, smugglers, fraudsters, extortionists, robbers and muggers.
On May 20, during a special operation in the capital’s Bhashantek area, four foreign pistols and 28 rounds of bullets were recovered, and notorious gangster Hitlu Babu along with 10 members of his gang were arrested.
Besides, in the last 40 days, 487 drug dealers were arrested in joint operations, bringing the total to 4,400 drug-related arrests since August.
Significant quantities of illegal substances, including yaba tablets, phensedyl, cannabis, and illegal alcohol, were seized, which have create a sense of security among local communities.
The briefing also stated that since August 5, the army has been working relentlessly to ensure overall security in industrial areas.
In the past month, the army has also led mobile court operations in various parts of the country to ensure food safety, taking legal action against companies and individuals involved in producing, marketing and selling adulterated baby food.
Special operations in Jashore and Satkhira districts led to the seizure of jelly-injected shrimp and arrests of syndicate members.
On the occasion of upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the army has launched a two-week special programme to ensure maximum safety and hassle-free journey of home-bound people.
As part of the programme, continuous patrols will be conducted in major highways, bus terminals, rail stations, and launch terminals, including Dhaka. Checkpoints will be set up at sensitive spots to check rash driving of vehicles.
The army will play an active role in ensuring public safety and helping people reach their destinations safely to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones.
