Army Calls for Restraint and Rule Adherence After Dismissed Ex-Soldiers' Protest

A group of former military personnel, dismissed at various times, staged a protest outside the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday, demanding reinstatement, reversal of disciplinary actions, and financial compensation.

In response, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) issued a statement Sunday night, noting that the demonstration and accompanying media briefings were carried out by “a number of dismissed or discharged former army members” under various demands.

The ISPR said a Bangladesh Army delegation met the protesters at the scene and listened to their concerns with “utmost patience and sincerity,” assuring that their claims would be reviewed in accordance with existing military rules and procedures.

Protesters were advised to submit grievances directly to the appropriate authorities instead of through third parties or external organisations, the ISPR added.

Citing a previous statement from May 14, the army said it had received 802 appeals from former personnel, resolving 106 so far, with the remainder under review with “maximum empathy and humanitarian consideration.”

However, the ISPR expressed concern over what it described as “undesirable behaviour” by some demonstrators, saying such conduct was contrary to the values of a disciplined force.

The army alleged that following two rounds of peaceful dialogue, a group of unruly individuals instigated chaos, blocking army vehicles, throwing stones at law enforcement, and chanting abusive slogans as the delegation was leaving.

Despite efforts to maintain order, ISPR said, security forces were eventually forced to disperse the crowd.

Reiterating its commitment to addressing all appeals “with patience, empathy and sensitivity,” the army warned that provocative acts or behaviour undermining public interest and the reputation of the armed forces would not be tolerated.