Army Chief Denies Any Statement on Indemnity: ISPR

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman

The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has clarified that Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman did not make any statement regarding the granting of indemnity to individuals accused of enforced disappearances, murder, or crimes against humanity.

In a statement issued on Sunday, ISPR said that certain dishonest and malicious groups, including individuals residing abroad, are deliberately twisting the army chief’s words and spreading misleading posts on social media.

“The purpose of this false campaign is to create division between the patriotic Bangladesh Army and the people of the country,” the ISPR stated.

It explained that on 30 September 2025, a research report was presented at a discussion event focused on improving the army’s support to the civil administration. During the session, participants reviewed how the army operates under existing laws and the challenges faced in that context.

At one point, the issue of granting “magistracy powers” to army personnel in specific situations was discussed. This led to a reference to indemnity under Section 132 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

The army chief, according to ISPR, spoke about how the CrPC provision—which provides legal protection to army personnel performing their duties—sometimes appears to conflict with the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 (Amended 2024).

Under the CrPC, members of the armed forces are authorised to assist the civil administration in dispersing illegal gatherings and maintaining public order. The ISPR statement stressed the importance of ensuring legal safeguards for army personnel engaged in such duties.

The Bangladesh Army has already informed the relevant government authorities about this matter, it added.

ISPR urged the public to remain cautious and not be misled by false and distorted information circulating on social media.