Elections should be held in December: Army Chief

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has said that national elections should be held by December. He said that his position on this issue remains the same and that an elected government has the right to determine the future path of the country. He said this while addressing officers of various levels of the army at the Officers' Address at Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday (May 21).

Regarding the formation of a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine State, he said that this decision should come from an elected government and it should be through a legitimate process. National interests should be given priority and any initiative should be taken on the basis of political consensus.

Regarding 'mob violence' or organized chaos, the army chief said that the army is now taking a stricter stance in the law and order situation. Organized violence in the name of the people will no longer be tolerated.

General Waqar-uz-Zaman also expressed his opinion on handing over the responsibility of operating the New Mooring Container Terminal of the Chittagong Port to foreigners. He said that it is necessary to seek the opinions of the local people and political leaders on this issue. Such a decision should be made through the political government.

Regarding the reforms, he said that he was not informed about what kind of reforms are being carried out or how they are being implemented, and he was not consulted on this issue.

He asked the army members to be ready to ensure the security of the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha ahead. He directed them to ensure that people can celebrate Eid in a safe and festive atmosphere.

Finally, the army chief clearly said that the Bangladesh Army will never be involved in anything that is harmful to national interests or sovereignty. He instructed the army members at all levels to perform their future electoral duties with honesty and integrity from a neutral position. He also said that the army is cooperating with the interim government and this cooperation will continue.