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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3 killed in landslide during road widening at Hulikal ghats in K'taka, CM announces ex-gratia
Shivamogga (Karnataka) (PTI): Three labourers were killed and four others injured after a landslide struck a road construction site at Hulikal Ghat in this district, police said on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as Raghavendra (37), Raju (30), and Shabbir (40), all engaged in wall construction work at the site, they said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the families of the deceased.
The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon at a hairpin bend in Hulikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk, they said.
According to officials, a massive landslide of soil and rocks from the hillside buried the workers.
A total of seven workers were caught in the landslip. Three labourers died on the spot after being trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams managed to pull out four injured workers and shift them to hospitals in nearby areas, including Kundapura and Udupi, for treatment, they said.
The mishap took place during ongoing efforts to build a retaining wall aimed at ensuring the safety of vehicles navigating the ghat section, which is known for its steep curves and landslide-prone terrain.
An SDRF team from Mangaluru reached the place early Friday morning and took up relief work.
Police, fire and emergency personnel rushed to the spot soon after the incident and launched rescue operations.
Authorities said the sudden collapse of loose soil and rocks from the upper slope is suspected to have triggered the landslip.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain whether adequate safety measures were in place at the worksite.
Taking to 'X', CM Siddaramaiah said that regarding the incident, I have spoken with District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa and obtained information.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news that three workers lost their lives when soil collapsed during the construction of a road barrier at a bend in Hulikal Ghat, in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district. I pray that the souls of the deceased unfortunate workers attain eternal peace, and that their family members find the strength to bear this sorrow," he said.
These breadwinning lives, which were the support of their families, have been lost in this tragedy, and on humanitarian grounds, a compensation of Rs five lakh each will be provided to the families of the deceased workers, the chief minister added.
