Few had heeded or even remembered the risk of early flooding once again hitting parts of Greater Sylhet. Sure enough, several days of heavy rainfall before and after Eid submerged multiple villages, including areas in Habiganj. Before most could grasp the situation, Army personnel were already on the ground beside water-logged villagers on Eid day, Saturday. Cooked, high-quality meals were dispatched from the Baniachong Army Camp in Habiganj to 120 flood-affected individuals, including 34 members of the Hindu community. This initiative, taken by the 17th Infantry Division, aimed to share the joy of Eid with all those sheltering at local relief centres.
According to statements from the Bangladesh Army, such humanitarian efforts are not merely spontaneous gestures. Instead, they convey a clear message to the public: “The Bangladesh Army stands with all sections of the population in times of both joy and sorrow – and will continue to do so.”
To the discerning, this soft message is as clear as water. Herein lies the essence and character of the Bangladesh Army. Tourists visiting border areas during the Eid holiday noted the active surveillance of joint forces – including Army units – ensuring safety and security. Even as quality food was distributed at flood relief centres, military oversight remained evident in nearby tourist spots. Visitors revelled in the crystal-clear waters of mountain streams. Many had only heard of the seasonal surge of white stones in Bholaganj but had never dared to visit. This time, buoyed by the joint forces’ presence, tourists from across the country flocked there in droves. Families travelling during Eid were thoroughly impressed.
Thousands were captivated by the forested hills, cotton-like clouds overhead, and the lush green mountains at the border – like paintings on canvas. Below, water and stones blended as cold mountain streams gushed across the terrain. From children to the elderly, all splashed about in the refreshing waters. Sylhet’s Companiganj, rich in natural beauty, seemed newly discovered. With enhanced security, the forests, rocky rivers, cascading waterfalls, vast blue streams, haors, and Bholaganj’s white stones will continue to attract tourists. The combined efforts of local administration, Army personnel, and law enforcement in ensuring tourist safety and services during Eid were commendable – all achieved without media fanfare or publicity.
Just days earlier, the Army had issued a strong warning – a “hard message” – regarding strict legal action against mob violence. Yet, hard intervention proved unnecessary. Symbolic actions at key locations were enough to contain much of the unrest. Timely operations in strategic areas also curtailed Eid-ul-Azha extortion, muggings, and fare gouging in public transport. In briefings from Army Headquarters, the force’s stance on national sovereignty, security, humanitarian corridors, and contemporary issues was clearly communicated. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to counter any activity that could undermine sovereignty. It was emphasized that no rift exists between the government and the military, and the public was urged to beware of fabricated social media rumours.
The positive impact of the Army's two-week Eid-ul-Adha programme – aimed at ensuring public safety and orderly traffic – is still evident. Incidents of mob justice, extortion, and violence were significantly reduced. Hotspots were identified and effectively monitored. Alongside its response in flood-hit Habiganj and surrounding areas, the Army once again reinforced its core message: not just momentary aid, but a steadfast presence in both adversity and celebration.
As the government seeks to uphold the electoral process, and the Army strives to prevent bloodshed, a group of propagandists – both domestic and international – continues to spread misinformation. This group seeks to sow chaos within the country and its armed forces. Bangladesh is undeniably at a critical juncture. Internal stability is a major challenge, and subversive elements remain eager to exploit the situation. The Army’s reaffirmed message of standing with the people injects a renewed sense of courage into the nation.
History shows that a detached or weakened army benefits no one. A disciplined military in Bangladesh ensures not only internal security but regional stability as well. Had the Army not acted with professionalism during the July-August movements, where would Bangladesh be today? The consequences could have been dire. From its inception, the Bangladesh Army has stood with the people. This latest message is yet another reminder.
With its structured chain of command, the Army has demonstrated the ability to exert magistrate-like authority in the field without resorting to force. Notably, there have been no reports of extrajudicial activity during this time. Despite the shadow of past authoritarian legacies, the current Army command has displayed remarkable maturity – a fact acknowledged by security analysts. Supporting the government without political interference, the military continues to play a constructive role in advancing democracy.
During student-led protests against Sheikh Hasina in early August last year, neither General Waker-Uz-Zaman nor the Army intervened. That decision sealed Hasina’s political fate and opened the door to national unity and democratic openness. Both the Army and its chief thereby earned a distinct place not only in Bangladesh’s history but also in global military precedent. This chapter will be studied not just as a historical account, but as an enduring lesson. Had the Army chief taken a different path, Bangladesh could have descended into chaos – possibly even civil war, or worse, a threat to its sovereignty. In this light, the Army chief served as a national tonic, reviving democratic spirit and unity.
It is evident that General Waker – the wise military leader who helped avoid bloodshed – has no ambition for power. He has had ample opportunity to seize it, yet has not done so. Similarly, Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus remains free of any such ambitions. His international stature overshadows his current role. If he had sought power, he could have taken it during the 1/11 period. Even now, he consistently expresses a desire to step down and return to his own world. Nonetheless, delays in organizing elections have fueled speculation. Both the Army chief and the interim government head continue to endure unwarranted attacks.
Due to the ongoing situation, the Army remains deployed with magistrate authority. Its presence continues to avert potential crises – from ensuring public safety and maintaining communal harmony, to keeping mills and factories operational, securing national infrastructure, protecting roads and highways, recovering illegal weapons, and safeguarding diplomats and embassies. The Army’s role is widely felt – and yet it operates without publicity.
Additionally, the Army has aided in the arrest of drug traffickers, narcotics dealers, and other identified criminals and saboteurs – at times performing policing duties. Rebuilding the fractured and disoriented police force remains a challenge. Other security agencies are gradually professionalizing, but the Army still bears much of the burden in stabilizing operations nationwide.
In this era of global interconnectivity, politics, economics, diplomacy, military affairs, and national sovereignty are deeply entwined. The Bangladesh Army’s role in the political history of the nation has always been significant – and its involvement in the restoration of democracy in 2024 has heightened public trust. Confidence in General Waker remains strong. He may be a hero, but he does not seek heroism. That, too, is noteworthy.
Such a responsible, professional military stance in support of democracy has made him a living legend – and elevated the stature of the entire armed forces. By making the right choices at the right moments, he has paved the way for national unity and democratic progress. Through its unwavering message of standing with the people, the Army has undoubtedly reached a new pinnacle.
Author: Journalist and columnist; Deputy Head of News, Banglavision
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
