Ensuring BD's Stability is My Priority Before Returning to Cantonment

"My sole desire is to make the country and the nation stable, and only then do I wish to return to the cantonment. I have no other ambitions," General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated.

Speaking on the upcoming election, the Army Chief expressed confidence that the nation is moving toward the polls. He emphasized the importance of holding a free, fair, and inclusive election within the timeframe of December or by the 18-month period previously discussed with Dr. Yunus.

He also called for national unity, stressing that conflicts and infighting must be set aside for the greater good of the country. "We must prioritize the nation’s interests over personal disputes. Engaging in mudslinging puts the country's independence and sovereignty at risk. Consider this a warning—you cannot claim later that you were not cautioned," he warned.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman pointed out the current chaotic situation, where criminals are taking advantage of the unrest. He explained, "The law-and-order situation has worsened because of internal conflicts. Criminals know that during such times, they can easily escape justice. Only through unity can we confront and overcome these challenges."

Regarding the role of law enforcement agencies, the Army Chief acknowledged both positive contributions and controversial actions by agencies such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and National Security Intelligence (NSI). He stated, "The stability the country has enjoyed for years is due to the collective efforts of the armed forces and civilians, keeping these institutions effective."

However, he cautioned that accountability must be ensured for those involved in criminal activities to prevent a recurrence. "We must hold criminals accountable, but without undermining the institutions that maintain national security," he emphasized.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, citing the hesitation of police officers to perform their duties due to ongoing legal cases and the state of panic within agencies like RAB, BGB, DGFI, and NSI due to investigations into alleged human rights abuses. "Investigations must proceed, and justice must be served, but we cannot weaken these agencies in the process," he added.

Addressing the role of the army in maintaining law and order, the Army Chief stressed that the army alone cannot shoulder this responsibility. "There are 200,000 police personnel, along with BGB, RAB, and Ansar-VDP. The army has only 30,000 troops. We rotate our forces, but if actions continue to reverse, peace and stability will never be restored," he concluded.