Bangladesh Army Chief Warns: "Nation at Risk Due to Self-Created Anarchy"

Dhaka: Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has acknowledged a severe deterioration in the country's law and order situation, attributing it to ongoing political turmoil that has escalated into a broader sociopolitical crisis. He warned that the situation has become so critical that citizens are increasingly "preoccupied with vilifying each other."

Speaking at an armed forces event, Gen Zaman stated, "The anarchy we have witnessed is of our own making." He also expressed deep concern over the inefficiency of the police force, highlighting that officers—both senior and junior—were operating in fear, as many of their colleagues were either facing legal cases or had been imprisoned.

This, he emphasized, places an even greater responsibility on the armed forces, given the collapse of law and order.

"There is an urgent need for national unity and institutional discipline," he stressed, warning that the growing internal strife within society poses a grave threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

"If you fail to rise above your differences and continue to engage in conflicts, harming and killing each other, the independence and integrity of the nation will be at risk—I warn you," he urged citizens. He further stated, "I have no personal ambitions. Over the past seven to eight months, I have seen enough."

He pointed out that while key stakeholders remain occupied with mutual accusations, criminal elements are exploiting the situation, believing they can act with impunity. Without naming any political groups, he cautioned against such instability.

Gen Zaman also expressed concerns that the achievements of the student-led movement, which led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August, were now under threat. He had assumed the role of army chief following Hasina’s departure to India amid widespread protests.

In recent months, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violence, vandalism, rioting, and other criminal activities. By February, the situation had worsened to the extent that security forces launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ resulting in the arrest of 8,600 individuals within three weeks. The interim government has accused them of attempting to destabilize the country.

Given Bangladesh’s history of military coups, the armed forces were granted judicial powers, including the authority to arrest citizens, following Sheikh Hasina’s removal. Amid allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture, Gen Zaman insisted that such cases "must be investigated."

"Justice must be served," he asserted. "Otherwise, we will remain trapped in the same cycle."

Encouraging support for the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, he reassured citizens that elections would be held as soon as possible. "From the outset, I stated that elections would take place within 18 months. We remain on that path. Professor Yunus is doing his best to keep the nation united—let’s support him."

Yunus has announced that general elections are expected to be held in late 2025 or early 2026.

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, a key student protest leader and former telecom minister in the interim cabinet, has resigned ahead of the anticipated launch of a new political party on Friday, February 28.