Fair polls key to stability, law and order

Staff Reporter :

The Bangladesh Army has expressed confidence that a free, fair, and impartial election – held in line with the government’s outlined framework – will help restore stability and strengthen law and order across the country.

Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman, General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Army Headquarters on Wednesday.

“Like the people, the army also wants an election that is held freely and fairly under the government’s roadmap. The timeline has already been set. Once the election takes place, we expect the overall stability and law and order situation to improve, allowing the army to return to the barracks,” he said.

The senior officer noted that the army is preparing in line with the government’s plan, with current training activities focused on the responsibilities expected during the election period.
“Our training continues on a limited scale, but we are concentrating on election duties as part of our readiness,” he added.

Explaining the broader purpose of ongoing training, Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman said, “In peacetime, the army’s main duty is to prepare for war. We train as we fight.”

Reflecting on the past 15 months, he acknowledged that the army has been deployed outside the barracks to assist the civil administration, facing complex and challenging conditions.

“It has not been an easy period for the armed forces. Such circumstances are rare in Bangladesh. We hope for a credible election soon so that we can return to normal duties,” he said.

He emphasised that despite the prolonged deployment, the army has carried out its responsibilities with utmost professionalism and dedication.

In reply to a question about the recovery of arms and ammunition from the Banalata Express train and CHT, Mainur Rahman said that such recovery of arsenal is a matter of concern and also shows the sign of operational success.

“The recovering of arms and ammunition before reaching to destination proves our vigilance. Our drives and surveillance would be intensified,” he continued.

Regarding the recent military exercise by the Indian Air Force in northeastern region of Bangladesh border, he said, “Such military drills are normal and there is no cause of concern. Every country carries out exercises for preparedness. We will also conduct drills when necessary.”