Enforced disappearances: ‘Army chief made no comment on indemnity’

Staff Reporter :

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has clarified that Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman did not make any statement suggesting indemnity for individuals accused of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, or crimes against humanity, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ISPR said that a portion of the army chief’s recent remarks had been distorted and misrepresented online to spread “false and misleading propaganda.”
According to the statement, the clarification pertains to a presentation and study session held on 30 September, where discussions focused on enhancing the army’s effectiveness and coordination in supporting the civil administration under existing laws.

The session also reviewed the legal framework for deploying military personnel “In Aid to Civil Power” as defined under Sections 127–132 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
During the session, participants analyzed the army’s role, responsibilities, and legal challenges when deployed to assist in maintaining law and order.

The issue of legal indemnity under CrPC Section 132 came up as part of a broader discussion on legal protections for army members performing duties under government orders.

The army chief referenced the clause only to note its inconsistency with the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 (amended 2024), as part of a legal analysis—not as a proposal or endorsement of immunity, the ISPR stressed.
It further stated that army personnel deployed to support civil authorities act strictly under the directives of the government and within the boundaries of law, and that ensuring legal safeguards for members performing such duties is a standard procedural matter already under government review.
The ISPR alleged that certain vested quarters, including individuals living abroad, have deliberately distorted the contents of the internal discussion to create misunderstanding between the Bangladesh Army and the public.
“Through false and misleading social media posts, they are attempting to create division between the patriotic Bangladesh Army and the people,” the statement said.
Reaffirming the army’s professionalism and constitutional accountability, the ISPR emphasized that the Bangladesh Army has always conducted its duties with discipline, legality, and transparency, serving the nation in full compliance with the Constitution and state laws.
“A dishonest and conspiratorial group is spreading baseless propaganda by distorting the army chief’s remarks. These claims are entirely fabricated and intentional,” the ISPR concluded, urging the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to rely only on verified official sources for accurate information.