DHAKA: Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman on Tuesday stated that the military is ready to support the interim government in ensuring “free, fair and neutral” general elections scheduled for February next year.
“The country is approaching the national election, and the army has made all necessary preparations to assist the government in conducting a free, fair, and neutral election,” he told several mainstream media outlets.
General Zaman made the remarks during the Officers’ Address programme at Dhaka Cantonment, attended by senior officers, with others joining virtually from cantonments across the country.
Earlier this month, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the elections would take place in February, and the Election Commission later confirmed the first week of February as the poll date.
In his address, General Zaman emphasized the importance of professionalism among soldiers. “The people are now looking to you. You are the future of the nation. Remain guided by patriotism and uphold the chain of command,” he said.
He also addressed social media misinformation targeting the army, adding, “Those spreading such comments are young, like our children. They will realize their mistakes as they grow older and feel ashamed.”
Meanwhile, former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the largest party in the absence of the Awami League, following the interim government’s disbanding of its activities under an executive order.
In February, an offshoot of Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which had protested against then-premier Sheikh Hasina, formed the National Citizen Party (NCP), reportedly with Yunus’ approval. The NCP is believed to have developed links with far-right groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist factions opposing the BNP.
Despite repeated assurances from Yunus and his advisers about holding timely and fair elections, political parties remain cautious due to the NCP’s statements and activities, which have contributed to lingering uncertainty.
