Election will bring back stability, Army now united more than ever: HQ
Around 90,000 and 100,000 army personnel will be deployed nationwide during national polls
Highlights
- Army has been on duty in the field for the past 15 months
- Army now more united than ever and will carry out the responsibilities entrusted to it
- 81% of missing weapons have been recovered
- Large quantities of arms and ammunition have been seized at airports and railway stations
Bangladesh Army has emphasised that a free and fair national election will bring back stability and normal law and order, allowing troops to return to their cantonments.
Around 90,000 and 100,000 army personnel will be deployed nationwide, said Army Headquarters Director (Military Operations Directorate) Brig Gen Dewan Md Monzur Hossain, outlining the army's preparations for the polls during a press briefing at the Dhaka Cantonment today (5 November).
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He said camps will be set up at the district, upazila, and constituency levels.
Brig Gen Monzur also highlighted the army's security operations, noting that 81% of missing weapons have been recovered, and large quantities of arms and ammunition have been seized at airports and railway stations.
The army's bomb disposal unit has destroyed over 100 crude bombs, he added.
"The army will cooperate as required to ensure a free and fair election and will assist the Election Commission in whatever way required," said Brig Gen Monzur.
Army more united
Speaking at the briefing, Lt Gen Md Mainur Rahman, General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, said, "Some vested interests are spreading false and malicious propaganda, but the army is now more united than ever and will carry out the responsibilities entrusted to it."
Responding to journalists, he said, "Like the people of this country, the army also wants the election to be conducted according to the framework prepared by the government.
"Once the election is held, stability will return and law and order will be normalised. Then the army can withdraw from the field and return to the cantonments — that is our goal."
He added that the army has been on duty in the field for the past 15 months, handling crises such as floods in Cumilla and Noakhali, road blockades, and other emergencies.
Lt Gen Mainur also warned that operations will continue so that no weapon shipments reach Dhaka, ensuring a secure environment for the elections.
The national elections are scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.
Earlier, at a meeting on 1 November, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus directed the chiefs of three services to take all necessary measures to ensure foolproof security and a peaceful atmosphere during the polls in February.
Other than the Army, more than 2,500 naval personnel and 1,500 air force personnel will be deployed during the polls.
Earlier on 1 September, Chief of Army Staff General Waker called on the chief adviser at Jamuna.
During that meeting, Yunus had asked General Waker to ensure a clearly defined command structure and close coordination among all forces in the coming months, leading up to the national election.
