The Crime Desk: Army Chief General Waqar-uz- Zaman believes that national elections should be held by December. Regarding the elections, he said that his position on this issue is the same as before. An elected government has the right to determine the future path of the country.
The army chief mentioned several topics in his officers’ address at the army premises of Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday. Apart from the elections, various contemporary issues, including corridors, ports, mob violence, and reforms, were raised at the event. This information was learned after talking to several officers from different levels of the army present there.
According to sources, the army chief said that a sensitive and high-risk decision like establishing a humanitarian corridor for Myanmar’s Rakhine State should come from the elected government. National interests should be seen here. Whatever is done should be done in the interests of the nation. Whatever is done should be done through political consensus. The army will never be involved in any act that undermines national sovereignty and will not allow others to do so.
In his inaugural address at 10:30 am yesterday, General Waqar praised the service and commitment of the armed forces in maintaining national stability. However, he expressed concern that despite the continuous efforts of the army since August 5, some quarters have unfairly targeted both him and the force.
General Waqar-uz-Zaman also gave a strong message against ‘mob violence’ or organized chaos or attacks by unruly people. He said that the army is now taking a tougher stance on the law and order situation. Chaos or violence in the name of organized mobs will no longer be tolerated.
The army chief also spoke about the recent discussions and debates on handing over the responsibility of operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of the Chittagong port to foreigners. Responding to a question in this regard, he said that the opinion of the local people and political leaders will be needed here. Such decisions should be taken through a political government.
Regarding the reforms, the army chief said that he had no idea what reforms were being done and how they were being done. No consultation or discussion was held with him on this matter.
Eid-ul-Azha is ahead. General Waqar-uz-Zaman has asked for cooperation so that people can celebrate Eid in a safe and festive atmosphere. The army chief ordered all levels of army personnel to remain neutral and to discharge their electoral duties with honesty and integrity in the future. He thanked everyone for discharging their duties in the changed circumstances. He also said, ‘We are cooperating with the interim government. We will continue to cooperate.’
Referring to national heritage, the army chief said that any attempt to tarnish the dignity of the 1971 Liberation War or any attempt to make derogatory comments about our national heritage will be given a stern response. The armed forces will not remain silent. Reiterating the importance of unity, General Waqar called for unity among the army, navy, and air force.
He said, We are a disciplined force. This unity must be maintained in all situations.
Officers from different levels of the army stationed in Dhaka participated in the officers’ address. Many officers working outside Dhaka joined virtually. In addition, officials working in peacekeeping missions also joined virtually.
