Army assures fair review of ex-armed forces members’ demands under existing rules: ISPR

The Bangladesh Army has said appropriate measures would be taken to review and address the demands of the former members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka. 

In an ISPR released today, the army assured the protesters, who were allegedly dismissed or forced into early retirement during the tenure of the previous government, that steps would be taken in accordance with existing military rules and regulations.

During the sit-in protest under the banner of Bangladesh Comrade Platform (BCP), the protesters pressed a three-point demand.

The three-point demand includes immediate clearance of all due wages, allowances, and other benefits dating back to their dismissal or forced retirement.

In this regard, the ISPR said, in a bid to find a peaceful resolution, a delegation from the Bangladesh Army visited the National Press Club and listened to their statements with patience and sincerity. 

They also advised the former armed forces personnel to present their grievances directly to the relevant authorities rather than through any third-party group or under the banner of another organisation.

According to the ISPR, on 14 May, the army had announced that a total of 802 such applications had been received. Of these, 106 applications had already been resolved, and the remaining ones were under process, being reviewed "with utmost sincerity and compassion" by the army.

Earlier on the day, the protesters blocked vehicles of high officials of the army inside the Press Club, by lying down on the ground.

Later, the high officials of the army held a meeting with them to settle the issue.

Referring to this, the ISPR said it is unfortunate that certain undesirable actions today have called into question the discipline and values of this well-regulated force. 

"Despite two successive productive meetings, a few unruly dismissed personnel incited disturbance as the delegation was leaving, obstructing their vehicle, throwing stones and bricks at law enforcement officers, and chanting offensive slogans," it reads. 

"Throughout the day, the army tried to manage the situation with maximum patience and empathy. Nevertheless, at one point, the law enforcement agencies were compelled to disperse some of the disorderly former personnel," the army further said. 

Any provocation, behaviour against public interest, or action that may tarnish the reputation of the armed forces are never acceptable, the Bangladesh Army warned. 

The statement said the army continues to address this matter with patience, empathy, and sensitivity, adding, "Once again, the army urges everyone to act responsibly, with respect for the constitutional framework and discipline."

The protesters had also demanded to be entitled to full retirement benefits in accordance with armed forces service regulations if reinstatement of certain members is not possible. 

Lastly, the demands include reforms to the judicial system and amendments to Article 45 of the Constitution, which they argue has been used to justify the unilateral dismissal of hundreds of armed forces personnel under an unjust and flawed legal framework.