Army to extend full support to govt, EC in polls

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman yesterday said the army would extend full cooperation to the government and the Election Commission in the upcoming national election.

"We are heading towards an election, and in that election, we will properly cooperate with the government and cooperate with the Election Commission so that we can have a good election."

He made the remarks while attending a reception for Bangladesh Army's gallantry award recipients, valiant freedom fighter soldiers and their family members, alongside the ceremony for peacetime medal recipients.

The event was held at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment.

Waker said the army stands beside people during natural disasters with sincerity, and it has been possible due to the soldiers' patriotism, competence, discipline, and dedication.

At the beginning of the programme, a summary of the wartime gallantry of the freedom fighter soldiers and the commendable work of the peacetime medal recipients was presented, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release.

The release said the army headquarters arranges this reception every year to keep alive the contribution of freedom fighter army members in the country's independence.

Gallantry award recipients, freedom fighter soldiers, their families, senior military officials, army personnel, invited guests, and media representatives attended the event.

The army chief exchanged greetings with the award holders and their families.

He adorned 64 army personnel with peacetime medals in recognition of various acts of valour during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 financial years. These include 9 Sena Bahini Padak (SBP), 17 Osamanno Sheba Padak (OSP), and 38 Bishishto Sheba Padak (BSP) awardees.

Waker said he was pleased to be present at the event, adding that those who fought in the Liberation War earned the country's greatest achievement through their sacrifices.

He described them as the nation's finest sons and thanked them for responding to the army's invitation.

He also expressed gratitude to those who travelled from different parts of the country to join the programme.

The army chief said peacetime medals have been awarded in the army since 2013 in recognition of courageous and dedicated work at home and abroad.

He congratulated all personnel who received medals for setting bright examples through important and praiseworthy performance in their professional duties.

The army chief said the Bangladesh Army is no longer confined to its own training activities, as it takes part in various social and nation-building programmes and supports the civil administration directly and indirectly.

Waker said Bangladesh Army members have played a distinctive role in global peace by carrying out their responsibilities in peacekeeping missions with professionalism. The army personnel are currently engaged in aid to civil power as part of efforts to maintain law and order, he added.