BNP will not deploy the Army for political ends, says Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that although the Army should remain aware of political developments, it must not be drawn into politics, and BNP will not use the force for political purposes if elected.

“Members of the Army should stay conscious of political affairs, but must never be absorbed into politics. Everyone must remain vigilant so that professionalism is not compromised in the name of politics,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with retired members of the armed forces at a hotel in the capital.

Tarique said the honour and professionalism the Army enjoyed before the rise of what he termed a fascist regime cannot be restored merely through declarations by an elected government. “Glory cannot be handed back with words. It must be earned and safeguarded by Army personnel themselves,” he added.

The programme was attended by military officers dismissed during the Awami League regime, retired Army members who took part in the July Uprising, and family members of those killed in the Pilkhana BDR carnage.

At the event, Tarique assured retired Army personnel that their recommendations would be reviewed through a committee comprising retired and serving military officers.

He also said that if BNP comes to power, BDR would be reinstated as the name of the country’s border force, alleging that the previous government had changed the name and uniform to erase its identity linked to the Liberation War.

“We will hold discussions with the Army to declare the day of the Pilkhana BDR carnage as ‘Shaheed Sena Dibosh’, ‘Sena Hottyajogyo Dibosh’, or a national mourning day,” he said.

Describing the armed forces as his extended family, Tarique said he grew up in cantonments and witnessed his father serving as an Army officer. He also recalled his late mother’s deep respect for the Army, noting that she firmly believed a strong military was essential for protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Addressing the retired personnel, he acknowledged their long-standing demand for the implementation of “One Rank, One Pay”, adding that the issue has been included in BNP’s 31-point election manifesto unveiled on Friday.

Tarique said people regard the Army as the guardian of the nation and warned that involving it in activities beyond its core responsibilities weakens its fundamental role.

“After the country fell under fascism, not only democracy and people’s freedoms, but also independence and sovereignty came under threat,” he said, reiterating that the Army’s lost glory cannot simply be restored but must be earned and upheld.

He further stated that if BNP forms the government through a popular mandate, the Army would never be used for political interests. “BNP has never done anything that dishonours the Army and will never do so,” he added.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and prayers led by Lt Colonel Mohammad Naim.

In his welcome address, Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar said Bangladesh’s history is closely intertwined with that of the armed forces. He demanded justice for the Pilkhana BDR carnage, the killing of Major Sinha, and what he described as the persecution of officers dismissed from service.

“We only want justice and dignity, so that our members and our children are never humiliated again and the armed forces can regain their rightful honour,” he said.