Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said public confidence in the military has been further strengthened, describing the recent national election as the finest in the country’s history.
Speaking at the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday, he said the successful conduct of the polls demonstrated that even the most difficult tasks can be accomplished when military and civilian authorities work together.
“Never before in our history has such an excellent election been held,” the army chief said. “If the armed forces and civil administration act in unison, any challenge can be overcome—this election is proof of that.”
The chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, as well as the Prime Minister’s defence adviser, also addressed the conference.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman thanked and congratulated the deputy commissioners for delivering what he termed a commendable election, noting that while the army had provided support, the responsibility for organising the polls rested entirely with the civil administration.
He said there had once been uncertainty over whether the election would take place, with many expressing doubts. “We have proved them wrong and returned the country and nation to a democratic process. This is no small achievement,” he added.
Addressing the DCs, the army chief assured that assistance from the military would be readily available whenever required. “If you inform the relevant army formations, they will respond immediately—whether in disasters, accidents or any other situation,” he said.
He added that coordinated efforts with the civil administration had further reinforced public trust in the armed forces.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the strong presence of military leadership alongside the civil administration at the conference reflected a spirit of cooperation that is expected to deepen in the future. Such coordinated efforts, it said, would play a vital role in building a safe, prosperous and developed Bangladesh under the current government.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the four-day DC Conference in Dhaka on 3 May.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
