Bangladesh Army Chief warns against infighting, calls for elections by year-end
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Dhaka: Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has cautioned against internal divisions, attributing the deteriorating law and order situation to infighting. Speaking at an army memorial event marking the anniversary of the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny on Tuesday, Zaman emphasised that the ongoing unrest was "manufactured by us" and warned that the country’s progress could be jeopardised if political conflicts persist.
Zaman urged all sections of society to set aside their differences and work towards national unity. "Forget all differences, all evil thoughts, and work towards the upliftment of the country and national integration," he said in Bangla. "If you can’t move beyond your differences and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk."
His remarks come in the wake of escalating tensions between student unions affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both of whom have accused each other of fuelling the ongoing violence.
Calls for stability amid political unrest
Zaman warned that the political infighting was creating opportunities for criminal elements to operate with impunity. "Since stakeholders are busy mudslinging at each other, miscreants find the situation favourable. They believe they can get away with anything," he said, though he refrained from naming any specific groups.
The army chief also acknowledged the prolonged nature of the military's role in stabilising the country. "I thought my work was done, but it would take me longer to sort this out," he remarked, adding, "…And then I will take a vacation."
Elections should be held by December, says Zaman
Zaman underscored the need for holding free and fair elections by December, aligning with the broader political narrative following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. The interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, had earlier indicated that elections might be delayed until late 2025 or early 2026.
Bangladesh has been witnessing violent protests and clashes between student factions, with attacks on properties linked to Hasina’s family. The security situation has worsened since the launch of "Operation Devil Hunt" on 8 February, aimed at dismantling criminal networks accused of destabilising the country.
Meanwhile, student protest leader Nahid Islam resigned as the head of the telecom and information technology ministry on Tuesday, reportedly in preparation for the formation of a new political party.
Support for Yunus’ leadership
Zaman called on the public to back Yunus in his efforts to restore stability and steer Bangladesh towards a peaceful democratic transition. "Let’s collectively ensure that Dr Yunus is able to do his job and put our faith in him," he said, adding that he would return to his barracks once the country achieves stability.
The army, under Zaman’s leadership, had refrained from intervening in early August when student-led protests led to Hasina’s ouster after 15 years in power. Following her departure from Bangladesh, Zaman pledged full support for the interim government to implement essential reforms and hold elections within 18 months.
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PM Modi to flag off Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train on Feb 22
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will visit Meerut and flag off the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat station in the western Uttar Pradesh town.
From there, the prime minister will undertake a metro ride till Meerut South station and at around 1 pm, he will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects worth around Rs 12,930 crore in Meerut.
Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
The prime minister will dedicate to the nation the entire 82 Km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. He will inaugurate the remaining sections of India's first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which include the 5 km section between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh.
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With a design speed of 180 km per hour, Namo Bharat is India's first regional rapid transit system. It will connect major urban centres such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut with Delhi at a faster pace, the statement said.
The Sarai Kale Khan, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations to be commissioned with this inauguration.
It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, Delhi Metro's pink line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the ring road. The other three Namo Bharat stations, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, being commissioned are in Meerut.
The prime minister will also inaugurate the Meerut Metro services between Meerut South and Modipuram, operating on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
The Meerut Metro will be India's fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. The metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all scheduled stoppages en route.
This seamless integration of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro on the same infrastructure will ensure high-speed intercity travel and swift intra-city movement, setting a benchmark for integrated urban and regional transit in India. It will decongest road traffic and consequently lead to a significant reduction in vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.
These projects will provide further impetus to the prime minister's vision of transforming urban mobility and ensuring seamless, efficient, modern and sustainable public transport systems that improve ease of living for citizens, the statement said.
