Stay professional, stay alert
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has urged officers to remain professional and focused, responding to recent disparaging remarks about the armed forces by noting that such comments often come from younger individuals who will realise their mistakes in time.
The Army Chief made the remarks on Tuesday morning during the Officers’ Address programme at Dhaka Cantonment, attended both in person and virtually by senior army officials. Multiple sources confirmed the details to the media.
Referring to the country’s upcoming elections, General Waker-uz-Zaman said the army has completed all necessary preparations to assist the
government in ensuring free, fair, and neutral polls.
Highlighting the extended deployment of army personnel in the field, he stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with the public and avoiding distance or tension.
“The army is a professional organisation, and professionalism must guide all field duties. Personnel must refrain from acts of retaliation,” he said.
The Chief also addressed ongoing investigations within the force. One concerns a member accused of political affiliation, while another involves allegations of violence against women.
“If these allegations are proven, action will be taken, but not through a ‘trial’ on social media,” he emphasised.
He underscored the investment the state makes in training and developing army officers, noting, “We must take precautions to ensure no one becomes involved in criminal activity. Any officer who offends and is dismissed represents a waste of state resources.”
Addressing the spread of false information on social media, the Chief warned personnel not to be misled by misleading messages targeting the army and urged vigilance against such disinformation.
He concluded by appealing to officers to embrace patriotism and preserve the chain of command. “The people of Bangladesh are looking up to you. You are the future of the nation, and it is your duty to uphold the honour and professionalism of the force,” General Waker-uz-Zaman said.