A powerful syndicate was on the verge of turning Siddhirganj, within Narayanganj, into a parallel Narayanganj altogether—where they ruled unchecked. They had become the de facto authority. The civil administration turned a blind eye, and even the police avoided them.
At 8pm on Wednesday, a swift hour-long operation by the Bangladesh Army changed everything. Like setting fire to a ghost’s tail, the area suddenly fell silent. In the Adamjee Bihari Colony area, the army, working with police support, uncovered narcotics and 17–18 locally-made weapons.
Two women were arrested, while the key players behind the long-standing reign of terror vanished into thin air. No one knows where they have gone.
For years, myths and inflated narratives surrounded these local strongmen. They were seen as untouchable, beyond the reach of law—"godfathers of the godfathers." But the army’s direct and precise operation showcased its professionalism and tactical discipline. Similar token actions in recent times against violent mobs have also yielded nationwide results, like a potent cure to a festering ailment.
Though sporadic reports suggest mob activity is creeping back in some areas, these elements are now trying to spread the message that the army is withdrawing from the field, or that it will no longer "turn red" (take action).
Earlier, ahead of Eid, minor interventions by the army in response to passenger overcharging quickly dismantled the syndicates of transport owners, drivers, and conductors. The public saw real benefit from these actions.
After August 5, mobs descended like a curse on several industrial areas—extortion, arson, vandalism—all threatening to halt production. The police were nowhere to be seen. Even they were running scared. Quietly, the army moved in. The result? Almost magical. In places like Mohammadpur and Basila in the capital, a spate of robberies and looting was curbed within days by swift army operations.
These actions significantly bolstered public trust and confidence in the army—naturally. People will always gravitate towards those they can trust. For humans, even more than food, security is the greatest need.
On August 5, the Bangladesh Army emerged anew as a source of public reassurance. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman appeared to understand public expectations, grasped the reality on the ground, and wisely charted a clear path forward. He has prepared his force to meet this national moment with discipline and vision. His leadership has elevated the army's stature in history.
Public confidence has grown that if the army takes even symbolic action against crime, corruption, or syndicates, positive outcomes are inevitable. This public trust did not emerge by accident. The army has always been strong, but maintaining that strength through discipline and constant training is no small task. Keeping the force loyal to the constitution rather than any political party or government is one of the Army Chief’s most sacred duties—and General Waker has upheld it to the letter.
Some may not fully grasp this distinction, but it's vital: the Bangladesh Army is governed by the Constitution, not by the ruling government. According to Article 7 of the Constitution, all power belongs to the people, exercised through their elected representatives. The army's job is to protect the country, not to govern it. It is not a substitute for civilian government—it is a complement to it.
General Waker has reinforced the army’s commitment to professionalism, command structure, and national defence. He has kept the force free from political entanglements and focused on national security and disaster response. This has boosted public confidence and improved the alignment between military purpose and democratic needs.
The army’s role in national development has also expanded, benefiting the country, its people, and the force itself. In this context, the army’s decision not to seize power is not a sign of weakness—but of strategic wisdom.
Following the July 2024 uprising, the army chief set a rare precedent by helping form an interim government without assuming political power. This reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, safeguarded the nation's interests, and preserved the institution's dignity.
The army’s continued support to maintain law and order is a direct follow-up to that commitment. As pledged, the army chief is focusing the force on state stability, while still ensuring its core mandate of sovereignty protection and defence administration.
He is also involving the military as a partner in implementing the nation’s democratic transition and development goals, alongside the interim government. He has been transparent about the people’s expectations in this changed political landscape: rapid elections, a new government, and returning the army to barracks as soon as possible. He has publicly communicated his position and has stayed true to his word—despite provocations, rumours, and misinformation. He continues to urge political actors to reach consensus.
General Waker has also transformed civil-military and military-media relations. Traditionally, army chiefs or senior officers rarely spoke publicly. They avoided the press and remained silent on politics or economics. That convention has now changed. The army is now encouraging political leaders to make the most of the post-2024 shift. It is not just advocating for business continuity—it is actively contributing to it.
The chief has also made his reform agenda clear, including his firm support for the interim government and transparent elections—both of which have reassured the public.
Unlike in the past, General Waker and his colleagues are engaging with the media. They no longer hide information about officers’ addresses or field operations. The army headquarters now issues formal briefings. Updates on operations are regularly provided, allowing the public to stay informed. The military also counters misinformation and disinformation on social media. Even questions about potential tensions or disagreements between the government and the military are not dodged.
General Waker’s leadership has not only reshaped the public image of the army, but also repositioned it as a guardian of the people’s trust, national stability, and democratic integrity. His example will remain a defining case study in civil-military relations and the role of the military in safeguarding—not supplanting—democracy.
The author is a journalist, columnist, and the deputy head of news of Banglavision.
