Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman in Officers’ Address
General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff, has voiced his firm belief that national elections in Bangladesh should be held by December, reiterating his long-held position that an elected government is crucial for charting the nation’s future course.
The Army Chief conveyed these significant remarks during an address to officers at Dhaka Cantonment on 21st May 2025, Wednesday. The meeting, attended by various levels of army personnel both in person and virtually, covered a range of contemporary issues beyond elections, including humanitarian corridors, port management, and reforms.
Key Issues Addressed:
Elections and Governance: General Waqar-uz-Zaman underscored the importance of an elected government in determining the country’s trajectory, maintaining a consistent stance on the matter.
Humanitarian Corridor in Rakhine: Addressing discussions surrounding a humanitarian corridor in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the Army Chief emphasized that any decision must stem from an elected government, be legitimate, prioritize national interests, and be forged through political consensus.
Crackdown on ‘Mob Violence’: A strong message was delivered against “mob violence” and organized chaos. General Waqar-uz-Zaman stated that the army would adopt a stricter stance on law and order, indicating zero tolerance for violence in the name of unruly crowds.
Chittagong Port Management: Regarding the debate over foreign management of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port, the Army Chief stressed the necessity of consulting local people and political leaders, asserting that such decisions should be made by a political government.
Lack of Consultation on Reforms: General Waqar-uz-Zaman expressed his lack of knowledge or consultation concerning ongoing reforms, indicating he has not been involved in discussions on their nature or implementation.
Eid-ul-Azha Appeal: With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, the Army Chief called for cooperation to ensure a safe and festive celebration for all.
Commitment to Neutrality and National Sovereignty: General Waqar-uz-Zaman affirmed that the Bangladesh Army would never compromise national sovereignty. He directed all army personnel to maintain neutrality and uphold honesty and integrity in their future electoral duties. He also acknowledged the army’s ongoing cooperation with the interim government.
