Waker praises poll as ‘best ever’

Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman has described the national election as an “excellent” event, the likes of which Bangladesh had never seen before.

He made the remarks during a defence-related discussion on the third day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday.
His speech was later shared in a video message by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“I thank you and congratulate you for giving such a wonderful election to this nation. We were by your side, but the full responsibility of conducting the election rested entirely on you. Such a brilliant election has never occurred in the history of our country,” he said, addressing the field administration officials.
He said civil and military authorities could achieve anything if they worked together.

Recalling the pre-election situation, he said there had been a period of uncertainty.
“At that time it was a period of hope and despair. The people of the country were confused, saying different things that the election would not happen.

We proved that wrong and conducted a wonderful election, bringing the country and the nation into a democratic process. This is not a small achievement,” he said.

He again congratulated those present, saying they were fully deserving of praise.

Gen Waker also reiterated the military’s readiness to assist the civil administration in any crisis. “Inform us; instructions have been given. They will be deployed quickly to assist you, whether it is for any kind of disaster or catastrophe.”

ISPR said Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan highlighted naval activities for coastal and maritime security at the event.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan presented future development plans and the need for new aircraft as part of modernisation.

The principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, the defence secretary, and the cabinet secretary also spoke at the event, ISPR added.