People want a fair election, so does the Bangladesh Army: Lt Gen Md Mainur
The army wants a free, fair and acceptable national election as per the government's declared roadmap so that the force can return to its barracks, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC) Lt Gen Md Mainur Rahman said today.
"As citizens want a fair election, so does the Bangladesh Army. We hope the election, held in line with the government's framework and timeline, will strengthen national stability, improve law and order, and allow the army to go back to barracks," he said while addressing reporters at Mess-A of the Dhaka Cantonment.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. He further said the army has already been taking preparations based on the government's announced plan. "Our current training programmes are being carried out keeping in focus the duties we may have to perform during the election period," he added.
He said during peacetime, the army's primary task is to prepare for war. "We train as we fight. Over the past 15 months, we have been deployed outside barracks in challenging conditions. If this continues until the election and beyond, it will disrupt our training. During this time, the army has had to deal with circumstances never before experienced in Bangladesh. Therefore, rest and refit are also necessary. We too want a credible election so we can return to our bases," he added.
Regarding social media propaganda, the GOC said some vested quarters are running fabricated and malicious campaigns to malign the army and its leadership. "It is unfortunate. I assure you that every member of the army is loyal to the Chief of Army Staff and the senior leadership. The army is now more united than ever before, and our sense of brotherhood has grown stronger," he added.
He urged all to avoid such propaganda and move forward with unity. "The army does not need to react to false campaigns. We have our official website where we share our activities. Falsehood can only be defeated by truth, and we prove that through our actions," he said.
Lt Gen Mainur recalled that soldiers had to carry out a wide range of tasks over the past 15 months, from distributing flood relief in Cumilla and Noakhali to protecting police stations, managing traffic, and supporting civil administration. "If we had not been there, the situation could have worsened. We have done our utmost within limited manpower," he said.
Asked about the recovery of arms and ammunition from the Banalata Express train and the Chattogram Hill Tracts region, the GOC said such recoveries are both concerning and a sign of operational success. "Weapons being seized before reaching their destination shows our vigilance. We will intensify drives and strengthen surveillance. Other agencies are also working on this," he added.
Responding to a question on a recent military exercise by the Indian Air Force in the northeastern region near the Bangladesh border, Lt Gen Mainur said, "Such drills are normal and not a cause for concern. Every country conducts exercises for preparedness. We also carry out drills when necessary. It should be viewed in that light."
He reaffirmed the army's loyalty to the chain of command and its commitment to carry out all assigned duties with professionalism. "The responsibilities entrusted to us have always been fulfilled properly, and they will continue to be so, In sha Allah," he said.
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