Officers' Address: Army wants to go back to barracks after elections by Dec

Senior army officers have called for the swift restoration of democracy through general elections, allowing them to return to barracks and refocus on their primary duties, according to sources.

The officers categorically stated their intention to return to barracks after general elections, expected by December, a 12-18 month timeframe suggested by the army chief last year. 

Their appeal came during an Officers' Address with Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman at Sena Prangon in Dhaka Cantonment yesterday (24 March). 

The discussion took place amid ongoing debates over the military's role following the 5 August 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina. 

Officers at the meeting voiced frustration over what they called "unjustified accusations" from a section of July uprising organisers, who have blamed the army of "political interference".

Officers defended the military as the "symbol of national unity" and called for an end to such narratives.

Acknowledging the army chief's leadership during past national crises, officers urged him to act within his constitutional mandate to uphold national interest, public order, and sovereignty.  

They also emphasised the need for legal and constitutional measures to ensure a free, fair, and widely accepted electoral process.  

The meeting was attended by top army officers. Apart from physical attendance, officers from all rank and files joined it virtually from their respective units.

Quoting multiple sources, Samakal reports that the army chief advised everyone to remain calm during the critical period. Stating the fear of spreading false information against the army, he said that the nation will remember the duty that army members are performing with dedication across the country. He advised everyone to deal with the situation with professionalism, dedication and patience. 

Waker-Uz-Zaman also said that although many members broke their fast outside the camp during Ramadan, there was no negligence in their duties. The professionalism of the army is also being appreciated at the international level. In this context, he said that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who recently visited Dhaka, praised the extraordinary work of the Bangladesh Army in peacekeeping missions.

The source further said that the army chief urged not to react to provocative statements. He commented that only the provocateurs would benefit from this. He also advised not to be misled by rumours.

Earlier, on 25 February, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said his only desire is to return to the cantonment after ensuring the country's stability.

"I have no other ambition, my only desire is that I want to return to the cantonment after making the country and the nation stable," he said at an event at Raowa Club in Dhaka.

About the election, he said, "I believe we are moving towards polls. As many times as I talked to Dr Yunus he completely agreed that there should be a free, fair and inclusive election, and the election should be held within December or close to that which I earlier mentioned as within 18 months."

The armed forces have been maintaining law and order since 19 July 2024, when they were deployed to contain the "quota movement", which later escalated into a one-point demand for Sheikh Hasina's resignation. 

However, at a similar Officers' Address on 3 August 2024, the army chief announced: "Bangladesh Army will always stand by the people in their interests and in the state's needs." Less than 48 hours after the meeting, the Awami League government was toppled and Hasina fled to India.