On one hand, mob violence is erupting across the country; on the other, rumours are spreading like wildfire. Together, these forces are leaving people confused, panicked and anxious. Rumours swirl invisibly around us like air we cannot see, but cannot escape. It feels as though the entire nation is caught inside a storm of misinformation, unable to separate truth from falsehood, and the public grows increasingly unsettled.
The government is vocal against mob terror, but completely silent in case of rumour terror. Consequently, rumours are spreading like infectious diseases, with social media becoming the largest source of rumour. People are spreading falsehoods however they can. Recently, what is most alarming is that the primary target of rumour terror has become our proud Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces, emerging through the Liberation War of Bangladesh, the symbol of national unity and sovereignty, are now the worst victims of rumour terror. Since the mass uprising of 5 August, the Armed Forces have safeguarded the country for the past 13 months. Without them, the situation would have been unimaginable. Behind the victory of the students and people in the July Revolution also lies the glorious role of the Armed Forces. The course of the revolution changed when they decided that they would not spill blood, would not fire upon their people and instead supported the people’s movement. Soon after, the 15 years of dictatorship collapsed.
The interim government was formed under the supervision of the Armed Forces. During this time, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman worked tirelessly, holding discussions with all political parties. He had meetings with the President at Bangabhaban. Thus began the process of forming an interim government. In the fall of dictatorship and the establishment of a new constitutional government in Bangladesh, the Armed Forces have played a shining role.
Yet, since the July Revolution, we have noticed that certain quarters have targeted the Army with propaganda. Remarkably, the Armed Forces have shown patience and restraint. They have ensured that things do not escalate over such propaganda. General Waker-Uz-Zaman has clarified his stance on several occasions. ISPR has repeatedly provided factual explanations. However, rumours against the Armed Forces have recently crossed all limits, posing a threat to national security.
Fabricated tales have been spun about supposed disagreements between the Armed Forces and the government. Even a courtesy call between the army chief and the chief adviser has been turned into a conspiracy theory. These made-up stories spread like wildfire on social media, with people interpreting them in their own ways. Why is such propaganda and lies? We must understand this deeply, as it is part of a greater conspiracy.
Professor Muhammad Yunus’s government has already announced elections to be held in February. Recently, the chief adviser’s press secretary stated clearly, “Elections will take place in February at any cost. No power on earth can stop it.” The government is determined and committed to holding a free, fair and neutral election. In such a reality, there is no alternative to the Armed Forces in ensuring such an election.
The Election Commission has already made an important decision, officially including the Armed Forces under the definition of law enforcement agencies. Thus, they will play a key role in ensuring peaceful elections. We have seen that whenever the Armed Forces were deployed as law enforcers during elections, the polls were free and fair, such as the elections of 1991 and 2001. People now expect the same role from them in the upcoming election.
Given the current law-and-order situation, particularly the state of the police force, people are doubtful whether they can handle the responsibility of securing a national election properly. In such circumstances, the Armed Forces is the last resort for the people.
Over the past 13 months, they have been the people’s sole source of reassurance. Yet, certain quarters are working tirelessly to undermine them. Those who wish to push the nation into darkness by creating chaos and civil strife are relentlessly spreading lies about the Army.
The Army chief has met the chief adviser many times in the past 13 months as a matter of state protocol. After returning from foreign trips, he meets the President and the chief adviser to brief them. Since the Armed Forces are still on law-and-order duties, briefing the country’s chief executive on the situation is his routine duty. And yet, rumours spread in such a way as to create negative perceptions about this sensitive institution. Talks of divisions and disunity are deliberately floated to sow distrust among the public about the Army. This is part of a deep conspiracy.
These rumours have been proved baseless, but spreading rumours about the Armed Forces continues.
The Bangladesh Armed Forces are a professional institution. With their contribution to the people and country, they have made Bangladesh proud at home and abroad. Whereas they are the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, some quarters want to tarnish their image to fish in troubled waters. Those engaging in this rumour terror are enemies of the state. Even though the rumours are baseless, they spread faster than truth. Lies, when spread repeatedly, can appear true to general public. That is exactly what is happening.
We have seen the government take a firm stance against mob terror. Following a destructive incident at a shrine, the chief adviser gave a strong statement condemning mob violence. Just as the government have acted against mobs, now is the time to act against rumour terror. Those who do not want elections are the ones spreading these rumours.
The upcoming national election in Bangladesh is a trial by fire for a peaceful democratic transition. The Armed Forces are the most important element in ensuring stability.
The question is where the planned and organised rumour campaigns against them would stop. Do these groups want to drag Bangladesh into darkness? Do they want to weaken the Armed Forces through these falsehoods? However, we must remember that the Armed Forces are cherished by the people. They are symbols of trust and confidence. Rumours may cause temporary confusion, but they will never succeed in creating a rift between the people and the Army. Time and again, in crises and disasters, the Armed Forces have stood by the people as protectors.
Therefore, no matter how much rumour and confusion is spread, in the end the Armed Forces will remain with the people and make the ultimate sacrifice for democratic transition, which is the nation’s expectation.
Audite Karim is a playwright and columnist. She can be reached at [email protected]
