Army reaffirms commitment to stand by the people, warns of strict action against mob violence

Highlights:

• Army reaffirms commitment to protect sovereignty, stand by the people
• Says zero tolerance on corridor, national security issues
• Strict action against activities leading to mob violence, public suffering
• Working with civilian agencies in 62 districts to maintain stability
• KNF uniform seizure from Ctg factory a concern
• Govt, army not at odds, working in unison, says army operations director

The Bangladesh Army today (26 May) reaffirmed that it stands united and remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the country's sovereignty by always being by the side of the people.

In the days ahead, the army will take strict action against any activities that may lead to loss of life or property, mob violence, or public suffering, said Col Md Shafiqul Islam, colonel staff of the Military Operations Directorate at the Army Headquarters, while briefing the media at the Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment.

When the mob rules

In light of the prevailing situation in the country, he said the army is tirelessly working to protect national sovereignty, safeguard the lives and property of the people, and ensure the security of vital state assets and installations, thereby maintaining overall stability.

Col Shafiqul also outlined the army's activities over the past 40 days.

Following the guidance of Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, army personnel are actively engaged in 62 districts, including remote char areas, working to uphold law and order, he said.

This is being done in close coordination with relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, local administration, various institutions, the media, and the general public through a comprehensive and integrated approach, said Col Shafiqul while reading out his written statement.

Afterwards, responding to questions from reporters, Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, director of the Directorate of Military Operations at the Army Headquarters, said the border situation with Myanmar is more sensitive now than ever before and the army is maintaining the highest level of alertness, reports UNB.

"Corridor-related issues are highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first. There will be no compromise when it comes to the country's independence, security and sovereignty," he said during the briefing.

Mentioning about the 30,000 uniforms reportedly being made for the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Chattogram, he said, "The KNF represents the Kuki community, which has a population of around 12,000. So, why were 30,000 uniforms being produced? What's the truth behind this and who's involved? The army is taking this matter very seriously and is thoroughly investigating."

Referring to the "push-ins" of citizens across the bordering area of the country from India, Brig Gen Nazim said such actions are "neither acceptable nor desirable".

"Currently, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is tackling the matter effectively. However, if necessary or if directed by the government, the army will also intervene. Still, this kind of situation is highly undesirable," he added.

Govt, army not at odds, working in unison

Brigadier General Nazim said the military was working together with the government abiding the by government directives, reports BSS. 

"We [the government and army] are working to help each other. There is no scope to misinterpret it," he added.

He further said the government and the army have been supplementing each other's works and the army remained steadfast in its stance on safeguarding the country's sovereignty and national interests.

"Army has always been working with the government and at the instruction of the government," he said, ruling out speculations of gaps between the armed forces and the interim government. 

"The way it is being said that there is a huge gap of opinion between the government and the army, like there is a division… the way the issue is being reported by some media outlets, nothing like that has actually happened," the brigadier said.

"We are working nicely through mutual understanding and there is no room for misinterpretation [of the relations].

"Let us not think that the government and the army are thinking differently and standing against each other. This is never the case... I firmly believe we will continue working together in the future," he added.

14,266 arrested, 9,611 illegal weapons recovered since August

The written statement reads that in the past 40 days, the Bangladesh Army has recovered 241 illegal firearms and 709 rounds of ammunition. Since August, a total of 9,611 illegal weapons and 285,761 rounds of ammunition have been recovered. Additionally, over the last month, 1,969 individuals involved in various criminal activities have been arrested, bringing the total number of arrests to 14,266. These include members of juvenile gangs, listed criminals, kidnappers, smugglers, fraudsters, brokers, extortionists, robbers, and muggers.
On 20 May 2025, a special operation was conducted in the Bhashantek area, resulting in the arrest of 10 gang members, including the notorious terrorist Hitlu Babu. The operation also led to the recovery of four foreign pistols and 28 rounds of ammunition. This has contributed to a sense of relief and security among local residents.

Anti-narcotics operations
In the last 40 days, 487 drug dealers have been arrested through joint operations. Since August, a total of 4,400 individuals involved in drug-related offences have been apprehended. A significant quantity of illegal drugs, such as yaba tablets, phensedyl, cannabis, and illicit alcohol, has been seized.

Crackdown on adulterated food producers

In the past month, mobile courts led by the Bangladesh Army have conducted operations against producers and distributors of adulterated baby food and other unsafe food products. Legal action has been taken against the individuals and organisations involved. Additionally, major operations were carried out in Jessore and Satkhira to seize a large quantity of jelly-injected shrimp and arrest syndicate members. These initiatives have built public trust and assurance in food safety.

Medical care for July uprising injured
Alongside maintaining law and order, the Bangladesh Army has ensured proper medical treatment for those injured during student protests in the July uprising. So far, 4,596 individuals have received treatment at various Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs), with 36 still under care.

Housing for flood victims

Following the devastating floods of 2024 in southeastern Bangladesh, the Army completed the construction of 300 homes for the poor and homeless in four districts—Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, and Chattogram—under a special housing project. The homes were officially handed over to beneficiary families on April 30, 2025, by the Honorable Chief Advisor. Remarkably, the Army completed the project on time using only half of the allocated budget, earning widespread praise as a symbol of integrity and efficiency.