‘We want a peaceful country, not conflict’: Army Chief Waker

The Bangladesh Army wants a peaceful country with no conflict, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said today (13 April). 

"We want a country with peace and discipline. We do not want conflict or hatred here," he made the remarks after attending an inauguration event at International Buddhist Monastery in the capital's Merul Badda this morning.

He also said the Bangladesh Army wants peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and will do everything to maintain it.

Talking to reporters, the army chief said, "Today's event is an example of communal harmony. We want to build our country according to Buddha's teachings and are working to achieve this goal."

"I have spent a large part of my youth at CHT. People should respect each other despite differences in opinions," said the army chief.

During the event, the army chief urged everyone to maintain peace at CHT.

"There can be differences in opinion, but in the end, we should all respect each other. We must respect one another's statements and views. We will, of course, have our own opinions and act accordingly, but it is important that we maintain mutual respect."

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus was also present at the event.

At the ceremony, the Army chief said, "We want to build a nation guided by the principles of Gautama Buddha—non-violence, harmony, love for humanity, and a country free of hatred and violence. We want everyone to live together peacefully, and we are constantly working toward that goal." 

He added, "We are all with you. This country belongs to everyone—Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims. We want to live in harmony."

While sharing his experience of working in Chattogram, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said, "There we worked closely with the Buddhist community." 

He said, "We want peace to prevail in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We are willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that. We are always ready to do whatever it takes to preserve communal harmony across the country."