Govt, army not at odds, working in unison: Brig Gen Nazim
"Let us not think that the government and the army are thinking differently and standing against each other. This is never the case," Bangladesh Army’s operations director says
Bangladesh Army's operations director Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula today (26 May) said the military was working together with the government abiding the by government directives.
"We [the government and army] are working to help each other. There is no scope to misinterpret it," he told a press conference responding to a question over military relations with the government at the Army Headquarters.
The directorate of military operations chief said the government and the army have been supplementing each other's works and the army remained steadfast in its stance on safeguarding the country's sovereignty and national interests.
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"Army has always been working with the government and at the instruction of the government," he said, ruling out speculations of gaps between the armed forces and the interim government.
"The way it is being said that there is a huge gap of opinion between the government and the army, like there is a division… the way the issue is being reported by some media outlets, nothing like that has actually happened," the brigadier said.
"We are working nicely through mutual understanding and there is no room for misinterpretation [of the relations].
"Let us not think that the government and the army are thinking differently and standing against each other. This is never the case... I firmly believe we will continue working together in the future," he added.
Army reaffirms commitment to stand by the people, warns of strict action against mob violence
Speaking at the press briefing, Col Md Shafiqul Islam, colonel staff of the Military Operations Directorate at the Army Headquarters, said the army stands united and remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the country's sovereignty by always being by the side of the people.
In the days ahead, the army will take strict action against any activities that may lead to loss of life or property, mob violence, or public suffering, he said.
In light of the prevailing situation in the country, he said the army is tirelessly working to protect national sovereignty, safeguard the lives and property of the people, and ensure the security of vital state assets and installations, thereby maintaining overall stability.
Col Shafiqul also outlined the army's activities over the past 40 days.
Following the guidance of Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, army personnel are actively engaged in 62 districts, including remote char areas, working to uphold law and order, he said.
This is being done in close coordination with relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, local administration, various institutions, the media, and the general public through a comprehensive and integrated approach, said Col Shafiqul while reading out his written statement.
Responding to questions from reporters, Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, director of the Directorate of Military Operations at the Army Headquarters, said the border situation with Myanmar is more sensitive now than ever before and the army is maintaining the highest level of alertness, reports UNB.
"Corridor-related issues are highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first. There will be no compromise when it comes to the country's independence, security and sovereignty," he said during the briefing.
Mentioning about the 30,000 uniforms reportedly being made for the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Chattogram, he said, "The KNF represents the Kuki community, which has a population of around 12,000. So, why were 30,000 uniforms being produced? What's the truth behind this and who's involved? The army is taking this matter very seriously and is thoroughly investigating."
Referring to the "push-ins" of citizens across the bordering area of the country from India, Brig Gen Nazim said such actions are "neither acceptable nor desirable".
"Currently, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is tackling the matter effectively. However, if necessary or if directed by the government, the army will also intervene. Still, this kind of situation is highly undesirable," he added.
