'I am warning you, country's sovereignty will be endangered if you don't work together': Gen Waker
"I am warning you. You cannot later say that I did not warn you. Instead of causing chaos, at the end of the day, you have to remain united by looking after the country and the nation,” he says
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief of army staff of the Bangladesh Army, has urged everyone to remain united in order to shield the country's sovereignty and the nation's security.
"I am warning you. You cannot later say that I did not warn you. Instead of causing chaos, at the end of the day, you have to remain united by looking after the country and the nation. If you carry on slinging mud, the sovereignty of the country and the nation will be endangered," he said while addressing an event at the RAOWA Club in the capital, commemorating the martyrs of the brutal 2009 Pilkhana massacre, today (25 February).
He also said a lack of unity among forces is one of the reasons behind the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.
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"There are a few reasons behind the deteriorating law and order situation. The first reason is that we ourselves are busy fighting. We are busy enraging each other. This is a great opportunity for criminals. They know it well if they do the crimes this time they will be able to easily escape. We can deal with this situation only if we are united," he said.
General Waker urged the armed forces not to create divisions among themselves.
The army chief said that despite some controversial actions in the past, law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and National Security Intelligence (NSI) have contributed positively.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman said those involved in crimes must be held accountable. "Otherwise, such incidents will recur. However, we must ensure that our actions do not undermine these institutions," he cautioned.
"Today, many police officers are hesitant to perform their duties because cases have been filed against them, and some are in jail. RAB, BGB, DGFI, and NSI are in a state of panic due to ongoing investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings," he said.
"Investigations must take place, and those responsible must be brought to justice, but this should be done in a way that does not weaken these agencies. If you think peace can be restored in the country by undermining these institutions, that will not happen," he added.
He described 25 February as a day of deep sorrow, recalling the tragic loss of 57 army officers and their family members in the 2009 BDR mutiny.
"Many have seen the horrific images, but I have witnessed the brutality myself," he said.
The army chief firmly stated that the atrocity was solely committed by then-BDR personnel, not by any army member. "There should be no 'ifs' and 'buts' in this matter. If you question it, you risk disrupting the judicial process that has been ongoing for the last 16-17 years.
"The convicted individuals received the punishment they deserved," he said.
Regarding speculation about external or political involvement in the mutiny, the army chief said the National Independent Investigation Commission will determine whether any political leaders or foreign entities were involved, and their findings will be shared.
Addressing concerns from some individuals who claim to have been unfairly punished, he stated that a board, led by a lieutenant general, has been formed to review such cases.
"In the first phase, recommendations for 51 individuals have been submitted to me, most of which I have approved, and I have even provided more recommendations myself," he added.
Gen Waker also noted that the navy and air force are conducting similar review processes. However, he made it clear that any proven offenders would receive no leniency.
"This is a disciplined force, and it must remain disciplined," he concluded.
