Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged that Bangladesh’s next general election be held “as early as possible,” proposing December as a target to restore political stability and ensure governance by a duly elected administration. He emphasized that only an elected government—not unelected entities—can effectively lead the nation and navigate its critical issues.
The Army Chief made these remarks during a high-level address to officers at Senaprangon in Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday. Officers from outside Dhaka joined the session virtually, including personnel deployed abroad with UN missions. All attendees were in full combat dress, underscoring the gravity of the occasion.
In his 30-minute speech, General Waker praised the military’s unwavering dedication to protecting the country’s sovereignty and national interests, particularly since the mass political unrest in August 2024. However, he expressed concern over growing criticism aimed at him and the Armed Forces, alleging that certain internal and foreign actors are deliberately seeking to destabilize Bangladesh.
He firmly stated that contentious matters—such as any humanitarian access into Myanmar’s Rakhine State, foreign operation of Chattogram Port, or the approval of Starlink services—must be decided by a government with an electoral mandate. “There will be no corridor,” he said firmly, declaring that national sovereignty is not up for negotiation.
The Army Chief also cautioned against prolonged military deployment in civil affairs, noting it could weaken defense preparedness amid rising geopolitical tensions. “Once an elected government is in place, the army must promptly return to the barracks,” he said, stressing the risks of keeping the military in internal security roles for too long.
During an extended Q&A session, General Waker responded to officers’ concerns about revealing offenses by dismissed personnel. He stated that while Islamic ethics discourage public shaming, exceptions could be made if circumstances demand transparency.
He also condemned attempts to malign the army, claiming that vested groups were spreading falsehoods to erode public trust. “Such efforts will fail—the army stands by the people and for the nation,” he declared confidently.
Officers raised a wide range of issues, including the nation’s law and order situation, the July-August violence probe, progress on interim government reforms, and security threats tied to regional instability. General Waker concluded by calling on all personnel to maintain discipline, uphold constitutional duties, and act as guardians of the oppressed.
His address comes amid growing public anticipation for an election timeline and rising scrutiny over sensitive national decisions during the interim period.
