Bangladesh Army Chief Sounds Big Warning To Politicians. Is It Curtains For Yunus Govt?- wna24

Dhaka: All is not well in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Army that engineered a coup against the Sheikh Hasina government and brought in Mohammad Yunus as a puppet is now at a crossroads with the existing set-up. In what seems like a love lost, the Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman issued a stark warning to the country’s political leaders, stating that their ongoing infighting is putting the nation’s sovereignty at risk. General Ahmed in a clear discontent warned politicians to set aside their differences and work together for the stability of the country. 

“I am warning everyone. Don’t tell me later that I didn’t warn you. If you don’t end your differences and keep fighting like this, this country will lose its sovereignty,” Zaman declared. His remarks come amid escalating political tensions and growing concerns over lawlessness in Bangladesh.  

The Army Chief asserted that the current situation is chaotic, with criminals exploiting internal divisions. “We are living in a lawless situation, and criminals are taking advantage of it. If we don’t unite, the country’s security will be severely compromised,” he cautioned. 

On February 25 and 26, 2009, several army officers, including the then-director General of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed, were murdered in a mutiny at the headquarters of the paramilitary force (now Border Guard Bangladesh – BGB) in Pilkhana, Dhaka. In total, 74 bodies were recovered from the incident.   

Zaman strongly defended the role of security forces, warning against any attempts to undermine them. Acknowledging that law enforcement agencies have been crucial in maintaining stability, he pointed out that they are now facing growing allegations and intimidation. “If anyone troubles the security forces, they will be punished severely. We must never undermine people in uniform. The police and security officials are vital for maintaining order,” he asserted.

Stressing that national security is not solely the military’s responsibility, he emphasized, “There are 2 lakh paramilitary and police officials, while I only have 30,000 army personnel. It is not possible to manage the situation with the army alone.”

Calling for unity among political leaders and security agencies, Zaman made his stance clear: “I don’t have any ambitions. I have just one ambition—to place the country in a certain position and return to the barracks. I have had enough for the last 7-8 months.”

He described the current situation as “absolutely lawless,” blaming political infighting for creating an environment where criminals thrive. “People are fighting each other internally. This is a great advantage for criminals. We are living in a lawless situation in Bangladesh, and they want to take full advantage of it,” he warned.

He further praised law enforcement’s role in keeping the country stable. “If the country is somewhat stable, it’s because of the police officials. People have supported security forces, and things have remained under control so far,” he added.

Touching upon the country’s political future, Zaman highlighted the importance of holding a free, fair, and inclusive election. He urged the government to create an environment conducive to a credible electoral process, stating, “We must have an election by December or earlier. I hope the government will ensure that happens.”

He also expressed frustration over growing hostility towards the military, questioning why the armed forces were facing criticism despite their service to the nation. “I see growing anger and hatred towards the army and the army chief. I cannot understand this. The army, navy, and air force work for the people. We are not here to take sides,” he said.

In a final plea, the Army Chief urged all political factions to come together and prioritize national interest over power struggles. “We are responsible for the mess in Bangladesh. If things continue like this, there will never be peace. Let’s stop fighting and work together before it’s too late,” he warned.

With Bangladesh at a crossroads, Zaman’s strong remarks highlight the urgency of political stability and security cooperation in safeguarding the country’s future.

Tensions had been rising since February 5, when protesters torched and demolished the residence of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The attack coincided with a scheduled virtual address by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, to students in India.

As unrest spread, mobs set fire to homes and businesses belonging to Awami League leaders and supporters across the country.

In response to the spiralling chaos, security forces launched Operation Devil Hunt, a two-week crackdown targeting gangs allegedly linked to the ousted Hasina government. So far, over 8,600 individuals have been arrested. The arrests come amid a surge in crime, particularly in Dhaka, where police reports indicate robberies have doubled since January 2023.

Amid growing instability, rival student factions clashed violently on a university campus last week, exposing deep fractures within the very groups that had led the July-August 2024 uprising. The infighting raises serious concerns about the interim government’s ability to maintain unity and control in the post-Hasina era.

With Bangladesh at a critical juncture, the nation stands at a crossroads between stability and deeper turmoil. The challenge now lies in restoring political order while addressing escalating security concerns. The interim government must navigate mounting unrest, internal divisions, and a volatile law-and-order situation to prevent further chaos. As tensions rise and power struggles intensify, the path ahead remains uncertain—whether Bangladesh can emerge from this crisis stronger or descend further into instability will depend on decisive leadership, unity, and a commitment to national interest over political rivalries.