Sometimes, in moments of extreme hardship, even a single word of reassurance can feel divine. Such words keep people alive, inspired, and hopeful. When a nation is drowning in despair, a voice of assurance can ignite light in the darkness. One such moment came last Wednesday, when Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed army officers at the cantonment. His statement brought immense relief and courage to the public. An anxious Bangladesh seemed to have found a glimmer of light in a dark tunnel.
Our army is a symbol of national unity, a guardian of sovereignty. In times of crisis and disaster, the military has consistently stood by the people, supporting them in every way. Whether during natural calamities or other adversities, the army has always been our pillar of trust. Once again, that very institution has reassured the nation. During the July uprising, it was our armed forces that saved Bangladesh from plunging into inevitable civil war. The fall of a tyrannical, fascist regime was only possible due to the firm stance of the military. And now, as the country faces extreme chaos and lawlessness, amid conspiracies both domestic and foreign, the Army chief’s address has come as a tonic for the nation.
Each word from the Army chief appeared to reflect the thoughts of the people. What the people were thinking, what they were hoping for – he articulated precisely that. He became the voice of the masses, echoing their sentiments. The Army chief stated, “It is necessary to hand over power to a political government through a reasonably acceptable election.” He clearly added, “The election should be held within December.”
This is not merely the Army chief’s declaration – it is the voice of the entire nation. People across the country want a swift end to uncertainty. That is why his words have brought a sense of relief. There is now widespread belief that, despite all conspiracies and obstacles, an election will indeed be held by the end of the year, as committed by the army. The armed forces of Bangladesh have never broken their promises – and that is why the public holds such deep trust in them.
The second major point in his speech was the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. He stated, “Overall, there is an anarchic situation in the country. Things are worsening over time. Law enforcement agencies, the civil administration, and other institutions have collapsed and are failing to recover.” This, too, reflects public sentiment. Over the past nine months, terrorism, extortion, frequent road blockades, and protests have reached an unbearable level. The public can no longer endure it. Against such a backdrop, the Army chief voiced what was in the hearts of the people. He emerged as the voice of the nation. The interim government’s key figures had been avoiding this topic, but the Army chief brought it to the forefront, becoming the conscience of the nation and its spokesperson. As a result, public hope, respect, and affection for the armed forces have only grown.
The third significant point addressed the propaganda and rumours surrounding the army. He said, “Despite the army’s tireless and selfless role in stabilising the country since 5 August, some quarters have been targeting the military and the Army chief, which is disheartening.” This, again, echoes the feelings of the people.
We have seen individuals making baseless, fabricated, and illogical statements about our proud and dignified armed forces – the emblem of national unity. Many have been spreading rumours without understanding the facts. Irresponsible comments on social media about such an important institution are misleading the public. People now understand that these rumours are harmful to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. With his formal statement, the Army Chief has drawn a clear line. We hope this will deter people from making such reckless comments about the armed forces.
Most notably, the Army chief firmly rejected the notion of a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine. He said unequivocally, “The current government does not have the authority to make such sensitive and risky decisions. Only an elected political government can decide on such matters following proper procedures.” He further stated, “The government has not clearly communicated whether it is considering the corridor or pushing the nation into a proxy war.” On this issue, he bluntly said, “There will be no corridor.” This statement resonates with millions of patriotic Bangladeshis. His words reaffirm that the armed forces are the true sentinels of the nation’s sovereignty and the guardians of its territorial integrity. Every inch of Bangladesh’s soil has been earned with blood. Not a single inch of land can be given away, and Bangladesh must never be pushed into the risk of war – this conviction of the Army chief has both reassured and inspired the public. It is now widely hoped that the uncertainty and covert manoeuvring over the humanitarian corridor will come to an end. Following this address, the interim government is expected to refrain from making any decision on the matter and wait for an elected government to decide. Similarly, the Army chief also clarified the armed forces’ position on the Chattogram Port, stating, “The armed forces are the protectors of our land and true patriots.”
Another noteworthy point was his comment on the ongoing reform efforts. General Waker-uz-Zaman said, “I have no knowledge of what reforms are being undertaken or how they are being done.” He mentioned that there had been no consultation or discussion with him on the matter. Just as the people are being kept in the dark, a few so-called civil society members are attempting to impose their own intellectual constructs – and the armed forces, too, have been excluded from the process. By pointing this out, the Army chief exposed a glaring flaw within the reform commission.
The interim government’s sole responsibility now is to conduct a national election and hand over power to an elected government through a free, fair, and neutral vote. There is now widespread hope that this process will begin without delay. Especially after the Army chief’s address, there should be no further ambiguity. He voiced what the people had been silently thinking, breaking the silence and easing the tension. This courageous address will serve as a guiding light in these difficult times. The public’s trust and belief in the Bangladesh Armed Forces will deepen further. This one statement has united the people during dark days and reminded them that not all is lost. The army remains committed to freeing the people from injustice, tyranny, and disorder. As long as the armed forces exist, they will shoulder the responsibility of protecting the people. Our armed forces have always stood by the nation – and will continue to do so.
The Army chief deserves applause for standing by the people in these difficult times, for voicing their concerns, and for committing to fulfilling their aspirations. The bravery, courage, and fearlessness of our armed forces in realising the people’s hopes has once again been proven.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
