Yunus calls on Army, Police to ensure festive polls

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for full cooperation from the armed forces, police and all law enforcement agencies to help ensure that the national election—scheduled for the first half of February—is held peacefully and in a spirit of unity and celebration.

“Now is the time for the election,” he said. “We are looking forward to it, and we announce the date for the polls in the first half of February. Again, we need the support from our armed forces, from our police, law-enforcing agencies, all types.” Yunus emphasised that Bangladesh is transitioning from a historic uprising to a democratic exercise that must be peaceful, inclusive and reflective of the people’s aspirations.

He made the remarks while addressing the certificate distribution ceremony for the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 at the DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment yesterday. Congratulating the graduating officers, the Chief Adviser urged them to use the knowledge and discipline gained from the course for the progress of the nation.

Calling the DSCSC one of the finest institutions in Bangladesh and well-regarded internationally, he said he felt “proud” to be present at its graduation ceremony. Addressing both local and foreign officers, he noted that their training coincided with Bangladesh’s “tremendous transition and transformation” following last year’s student-led uprising that toppled the previous regime.
Yunus said that the uprising ushered in a new sense of hope and created aspirations that extend beyond Bangladesh. He added that the foreign participants, too, had witnessed a historic moment rarely experienced even by citizens of the country.

Reflecting on the role of the armed forces during the 2024 uprising, he said they had stood firmly with the people and played the role expected of them. “Bangladesh is a lucky country. All the armed forces under the leadership of their leaders stay committed to the people,” he said. Their unity, he noted, helped end the crisis quickly and stabilise the nation, enabling the interim government to move forward with its reform agenda.

He said the government is committed to building a “new Bangladesh” born out of the sacrifices made during the uprising. “Unless we build the country of a dream, all the sacrifices will be meaningless,” he said, stressing the need for well-planned reforms to avoid repeating past mistakes.

On the question of accountability for the July Uprising, Yunus stated unequivocally that those responsible for “terrible” acts must be brought to justice.

Addressing the international participants, he said their presence reflected Bangladesh’s strong global defence ties and expressed hope that their relationship with the DSCSC and the country would endure.

According to ISPR, a total of 311 trainees completed this year’s course — including 170 officers from the Bangladesh Army, 45 from the Navy, 36 from the Air Force, and three from the Bangladesh Police.

Another 58 officers came from 25 countries spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific. Fourteen female officers, including one from the police, also graduated, underscoring the institution’s commitment to women’s inclusion.

Since its inception, DSCSC has trained 6,814 officers, including 5,329 from Bangladesh’s armed forces, 20 from the police, and 1,465 from 45 allied nations.