In Bangladesh, powerful people and policymakers often talk about the welfare of the people, but how many of them actually work for that? How many of them think about people? Do those who make the state’s policies really know what the people want? In most cases, the answer will be ‘no’. They do not understand the people’s hopes and aspirations. That is why unrest and chaos are prevailing across the country in numerous forms. The clash between expectations and achievements is also increasing. The government is not functioning efficiently. It has been puzzled by countless problems and indecisions. The police force is not playing an effective role; and the administration’s activity has also come to a standstill. Not a single institution is functioning properly. Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh Army is the beacon of hope for the people. The force is seemed to understand the public pulse.
The armed forces are the symbol of our sovereignty. In any crisis, disaster or calamity, they have always stood by the people. During the mass uprising on 5 August, our armed forces showed the way. It was because of their role that the peaceful transfer of power was possible. When a government was able to take responsibility in a constitutional manner, it is their role that persuaded political parties to agree on the issue of forming the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. Now, when the country is in extreme chaos and the common people are in deep despair, our armed forces have come forward.
A few days ago, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman clarified the armed forces’ position on several issues. This was not only the position of the armed forces; it was the position of the entire people of Bangladesh. On 26 May, Brigadier General Md. Nazim-ud-Daula gave a briefing with an account of the recent activities of the army. This was very significant for many reasons. He emphasised the statement of the army chief and reiterated the uncompromising position of the armed forces with respect to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and democracy.
After the army chief’s speech, many people spread rumours. Many were afraid. Many thought that the armed forces and the government were facing off. Is there any disagreement between the army and the government? Rumours of military rule were even spread purposefully. Some quarters made irresponsible comments about this. And it was the government’s responsibility to clarify this. But the government did not say anything about it. The BNP supported the armed forces’ statement. But then, common people breathed a sigh of relief at the army chief’s speech. He said, “The armed forces have no disagreement with the government.”
Bangladesh is perhaps a rare country in the world where the armed forces can take power if they want, but they are not willing to take power. They want democracy. The armed forces just want that normalcy returns to the country. This is a matter of pride for us. At this moment, the armed forces of Bangladesh have fulfilled a two-dimensional responsibility: they are trying to find a way to bring democracy and to protect the integrity and sovereignty of Bangladesh.
After the July uprising, it is now most important for a democratic government to take charge because it is now proven that this state of anarchy and chaos will not end unless a democratic government takes charge. The army chief has been repeatedly saying that there will be an election by December. He is still steadfast in that statement. He has also spoken to the chief advisor about this issue. So, those who are spreading the rumours that the armed forces are facing off against the government are actually living in a fool’s paradise or they have some other intention. Those who were the masterminds of the 1/11 actually want to fish in the troubled waters by spreading such disinformation. The army of a country cannot be responsible for maintaining law and order outside for a long time. Therefore, they have correctly stated that there is no alternative to restoring democracy to overcome this situation.
The armed forces are trying hard to maintain the law and order situation. So, they know and understand the expectations of the people best. It is not that the army chief has made this statement for the first time. He has made this statement time and again. Even the army has informed everyone, including the president, the chief advisor, of this position at different times. So, there is no room for confusion with regard to the statement made by the army chief. The most important thing is that the armed forces are one of the stakeholders of the July Revolution. Should their opinions be ignored in determining the path and blueprint of the state?
The main responsibility of the armed forces of Bangladesh is to protect the country. They are determined to do whatever is necessary to carry out this responsibility. Some threats to the country’s sovereignty have recently been visible. Especially, there is a kind of tension and apprehension about the Rakhine Corridor. It is not clear what the government is going to do in this respect. But our army chief has explained their position clearly in this regard.
Our armed forces have an absolutely firm position on the following three issues: restoring democracy, protecting country’s sovereignty, and ensuring that the law and order situation does not deteriorate under any circumstances. These are the expectations of the people, and the armed forces have now become the voice of the people.
The writer is a playwright and columnist.
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