Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff Inspires Nation Amidst Crisis
In the midst of tough times, a word of assurance sometimes feels like a ray of hope to people in Bangladesh. This assurance keeps people alive, motivated, and energized. Just as such a statement was found on Wednesday.
General Aziz Ahmed addressed the army officers at the Senanibas, filling the hearts of the people with immense peace and courage. It seems like Bangladesh has found a ray of light in the darkness through the Chief of Army Staff’s words. Our armed forces are a symbol of national unity and sovereignty. In various crises, the military has stood by the people, providing assistance. From natural disasters to any adverse situation, the military is our main stronghold. This same military has reassured the people once again.
During the July Revolution, our armed forces saved Bangladesh from an inevitable civil war. The firm resolve of the military led to the downfall of an authoritarian-fascist regime. Now, as the country faces extreme instability and plunges into the depths of lawlessness, both domestically and internationally, the Chief of Army Staff’s words seem like a tonic for the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff’s every statement seems like the voice of the people. What the people think, what they want, that’s exactly what the Chief of Army Staff expressed. He said, “Transferring power to a political government through a credible election is necessary as soon as possible.” He clearly stated, “The election should be held by mid-December.” This is not just the Chief of Army Staff’s statement, but the voice of every individual. Everyone in the country wants to overcome uncertainty quickly. And that’s why the Chief of Army Staff’s statement has instilled a sense of peace among the people.
The second important issue in the Chief’s speech was about the country’s law and order situation. He mentioned, “A state of lawlessness prevails throughout the country. The situation is deteriorating rapidly over time. Law enforcement agencies, along with the civil administration, have collapsed and are struggling to be reorganized.” This is also the voice of the people. Over the past few months, terrorism, extortion, frequent roadblocks, and public unrest in the name of various movements have reached a critical point. The people can no longer bear it. In such a reality, the Chief of Army Staff seems to speak the language of the people. He is like the voice of the people. The key personalities of the interim government who were avoiding this issue have now brought it to the forefront, and the Chief of Army Staff has become the conscience of the nation.
The third important point in the Chief’s speech was about misinformation and rumors circulating about the military. He said, “Since August 5th till now, despite the unwavering and selfless role of the military in maintaining the country’s overall situation, the military and the Chief of Army Staff have been targeted from various forums, which is discouraging.” This is also the voice of the people.
We have observed that various individuals are spreading baseless, false, and irrational remarks about our pride, the symbol of our national unity, our armed forces. Many on social platforms are creating confusion about the armed forces. This kind of gossip has harmed the country, and the people have understood that. This time, the Chief of Army Staff officially took a stand against it. We hope that this will keep everyone away from irresponsible comments about the armed forces.
The most important issue is that he clearly said “no” to the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine State. He mentioned, “The current government does not have the authority to make sensitive and risky decisions like establishing a humanitarian corridor. Only an elected political government can make such decisions following the appropriate procedures.” He further stated, “The government does not have a clear plan regarding the corridor or whether it is heading towards a ‘proxy war’ for the nation.” The government is not providing any information on this matter. He was clear about the corridor, saying, “No corridor will be given.” His achievement assures every Bangladeshi, instilling confidence and pride in the country. His achievement has made every Bangladeshi feel secure, proud. The Chief of Army Staff’s achievement has ensured the people that every inch of Bangladesh’s soil has been bought with blood. No one can give away an inch of land in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh will never be thrown into the risk of war — the Chief of Army Staff has made this achievement known to every person in the country. His achievement has increased people’s hope, faith, love for the armed forces of Bangladesh.
The Chief of Army Staff explained the position of the armed forces regarding the Chittagong port as well. He stated, “The armed forces are our protectors in times of need and true patriots.” Another statement by the Chief of Army Staff also seemed to echo the thoughts of the people. In the context of culture, General Aziz Ahmed said, “I don’t know what culture is, how it happens, I don’t know anything about it.” He showed the mirror to those who were trying to show the people something and forced some thoughts into their minds. He is trying to keep the armed forces beyond the reach of such a hard time, and the armed forces are a reliable protector of the people from injustice, tyranny, and chaos. As long as the armed forces are there, the people will be responsible for protecting the people. The role of the armed forces is to protect the people as long as they are there. The firm, courageous, fearless nature of the armed forces has once again been proven by the Chief of Army Staff’s words.
Thanks to the Chief of Army Staff for standing by the people in this difficult time, for voicing the thoughts of the people, and for fulfilling the people’s expectations in realizing their desires. The armed forces have always been fearless, courageous, and unwavering, which has once again been proven through his commitment.