Bangladesh Army Chief warns against infighting, calls for elections by year-end
_vb_66.jpeg)
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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man beaten to death in Bengaluru over minor argument
Bengaluru (PTI): A 45-year-old mechanic was allegedly beaten to death in front of his children following a quarrel over a trivial issue here, police said on Monday.
The deceased was identified as Rasheed, who worked at a garage in the Wilson Garden area of the city, they said.
Seven people, including the main accused Parvez, have been arrested in connection with the murder that occurred on Sunday evening.
A video of the alleged attack was widely circulated on social media platforms.
According to police, Rasheed and Parvez allegedly argued over some work related to construction. During the altercation, Parvez allegedly hit Ahmed on the leg with a bat. Ahmed fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in his death.
"A case has been registered in connection with the incident that occurred under the jurisdiction of Wilson Garden police station. Based on the complaint, statements of the complainant, eyewitness accounts, information from locals and other evidence, police have so far arrested seven accused," a senior police officer said.
Inquiry is on to ascertain the exact motive, but prima facia, it appears that the quarrel escalated over the construction of a concrete roof for the garage shop where he worked, he said.
Asked if it was related to demands for protection money, the officer said, "We have noticed certain claims appearing in some places, but we need time to confirm whether they are true or not. The verification process is ongoing," he said.
