Message of Democratization and Development in Army-People Unity

Not only in independence and sovereignty, but also in national security and stability, coordination between military and civilian administration remains relevant in countries across the world.

The army and the people are certainly separate entities. However, for the sake of the state and democracy, mutual civil-military trust and confidence can elevate sovereignty, democratization, and even development to a higher level. This perspective was reflected in the remarks of the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam, at the DC Conference. Naturally, his speech highlighted the legacy of army-people solidarity during the Liberation War of 1971, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, in UN peacekeeping missions, alongside the martyrs of the July Movement of Twenty-Four.

The support provided by the armed forces to the civilian administration during the unstable period following the July mass uprising has created a new chapter in history. From protecting key installations to demonstrating professionalism in conducting peaceful elections, their role will remain a subject of study for the future. At the same time, attempts by certain dishonest groups to create divisions in civil-military relations by questioning the armed forces in order to conceal their own failures also form another chapter. Resisting such attempts without the use of force is itself another remarkable episode. Even in such difficult and embarrassing circumstances, the loyalty of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to the state and constitution will remain exemplary for the outside world. In the realities of globalization and geopolitics, the wisdom and professionalism shown by Bangladesh’s armed forces in addressing multidimensional national security challenges will stand as a precedent. Security today is no longer confined to internal affairs or geographical boundaries alone. Cyberattacks, terrorism, climate change, and economic security are now part of it. The security of one country is often relevant to the security of many others. Therefore, members of the armed forces are truly “citizens in uniform.”

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has also spoken clearly on this matter. By working alongside the civil administration during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and understanding the pulse of the people, the armed forces established another precedent. Referring to it as the finest election in the country’s history, he stated that when military and civilian forces work together, even the most difficult tasks can be successfully accomplished, and this election is proof of that. Through this process, the army became a major stakeholder in returning the country and nation to a democratic process. At one stage of his speech, General Waker said, “There was a time when the country faced a situation of hope and despair. People were confused. Many said there would be no election, this would not happen, that would not happen. But we proved them wrong and brought the country and nation back into a democratic process.” He also assured Deputy Commissioners that the army would provide support whenever necessary.

In the modern world, the concepts of independence, sovereignty, defence, and security are no longer what they once were. Defence and security must now be determined while keeping democratization relevant and necessary. With a few exceptions, the defence and national security policies of most countries in the world are largely defensive in nature. As an independent sovereign nation, Bangladesh’s position in favour of peace at both regional and international levels remains clear, alongside ensuring the defence and security of its own territory. Another exceptional aspect is that Bangladesh’s defence and military doctrine began even before the birth of the country itself. One major reason for this was that the armed forces had to advance with the people as partners in the war of independence. In the context of that historic reality, the occupying forces had to be resisted through coordinated attacks. There, the army and the people became one. Through this unity, the people and armed forces of this land remarkably defeated the then highly organized, modernly equipped, trained, and professional Pakistani army. The people of Bangladesh were practically unarmed and unprepared. Yet they won. In that unequal war, military rebel Bengali members, paramilitary forces, and ordinary citizens coordinated through 11 operational sectors and fought using guerrilla tactics. Some fought with weapons, some provided intelligence, others gave food and shelter, and some offered medical assistance. That legacy of heroism and experience integrated Bangladesh’s national defence policy and security strategy with democracy. Therefore, the army or armed forces must always be considered in relation to the nation’s existence, dignity, independence, and unity. Fresh examples of this were witnessed during the student-led mass movement of July Twenty-Four, after the success of that movement, in restoring law and order, and eventually during the elections.

Defence is no longer understood merely in terms of weapons or military equipment. It is now an artistic form of broader strategic capability. Another indispensable foundation of Bangladesh’s defence and security philosophy is Bangladeshi nationalism. It represents a deep sense of identity and responsibility among the people. This sense of identity and nationalism once again became visible in Twenty-Four. That moment proved again that under the modern definition of security, there is no such thing as a small state. Strong public unity, trust in the armed forces, and geopolitical realities are what truly matter. The urgent need now is to preserve this bridge between military and civilian strength. History must be remembered here. “To protect Bangladesh, civilian and military forces must work together”—these words were spoken by Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, the oppressed people’s leader, shortly after the Sipahi-Janata Revolution of November 7, 1975, addressing military leader General Ziaur Rahman and political leader Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia. Yet political leaders, from time to time, remained reluctant to understand the importance of the military.

As a result, fascism aligned itself with hegemonic forces. After enduring continuous suffering, awareness finally returned in Twenty-Four. Under the leadership of fearless students, the people joined the revolution. The army also stepped forward. Like magic, hegemonic forces and fascism were not only removed, but also disgraced. The relationship between the Bangladesh Army and the people is not one of convenience or temporary association. Its steel foundation lies in the Liberation War of 1971. At different times, domestic and foreign hostile forces attempted to create divisions in this relationship. The events of Twenty-Four united them again. Bangladesh returned through the strong bond of army-people unity. That same message was echoed in the words of Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman. At a reception for freedom fighter army personnel at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment, he said, “We are engaged in various nation-building activities. We are contributing to world peace through UN missions. We are also working in disaster relief and have achieved professionalism in these fields.”

Just three days after the Army Chief’s message came the call for national unity from Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus. Speaking after distributing certificates at the graduation ceremony of the National Defence Course 2024 and Armed Forces War Course 2024 at the Defence Services Command and Staff College Complex in Mirpur, Dhaka, he said: “Bangladesh is currently passing through a difficult time; more than ever before, everyone needs to remain united.” He later initiated dialogue with political parties. A few days later, at the winter manoeuvre exercise of an infantry brigade group of the Bangladesh Army in Rajbari, several lines from Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s speech carried a clear and subtle message. There he said that the army is working alongside the people to protect the country’s honour and dignity. Conscious circles are carefully observing the significance of the call for national unity from the cantonment and the dialogue initiative from Jamuna. Hegemonic forces and their preferred allies understood this even earlier. General Waker has already declared, “In 2025, we want to move toward a path of lasting peace. For that, everyone must move together.”

If such consensus exists in the national interest, not only will democracy become stable, but there will also be confidence regarding global recognition by Human Rights Watch concerning reforms. Then, surely, the path to creating fascists in the country will be closed. No new Sheikh Hasina, Aziz, Tareq, Benazir, or Harun will emerge. The obsession with vote-less, midnight, or dummy elections will disappear. Once again, Bangladesh has demonstrated the example of fair and acceptable elections with the assistance of the army. An elected political force has come to power. It may now be hoped that the era of imagining anything outside the democratic journey achieved through army-people solidarity, uprising, elections, and political empowerment has come to an end. If deviations occur, politicians themselves will have to bear the responsibility. It is also not desirable that the people and the army repeatedly intervene to resolve crises caused by politicians’ own actions.

(Writer: Journalist-Columnist; Deputy Head of News, Banglavision.)