United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has emphasised fulfilling responsibilities through professionalism, impartiality, discipline, patience, and citizen-friendly behavior during the election. The Army chief came up with the remarks while speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Olympic Village in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district on Sunday, said an ISPR release. He also took part in a board meeting of the Olympic Association. During his visit, he inspected the activities of army personnel deployed ‘in aid to the civil power’ and provided necessary directives. Read More: Army Chief visits Patuakhali, Khulna The Army chief also attended a view exchange meeting at the Mymensingh City Corporation conference hall with senior military officials, members of various law enforcement agencies and civil administration officials. The meeting focused on inter-agency coordination and overall security management to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary election is held in a peaceful, neutral and fair manner.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Wednesday visited Patuakhali and Khulna districts to assess the overall law and order situation and to inspect army personnel deployed under ‘In Aid to the Civil Power’ ahead of the national election. During the visit, the Army Chief observed the activities of the deployed troops on the ground, provided necessary directives and exchanged views with the civil administration, says an ISPR media release. As part of the tour, he attended a meeting at the conference room of the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner’s office where he exchanged views with senior military officials, divisional and district administration officials, and members of various law enforcement agencies. A similar meeting was later held at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office. During the discussions, issues related to inter-agency coordination and overall security management were reviewed with a view to ensuring that the upcoming national election is held in a peaceful, neutral and fair manner. The Army Chief emphasised the importance of professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct while performing assigned duties. During the Patuakhali and Khulna visits, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Army Training and Doctrine Command; GOC, 55 Infantry Division and Area Commander, Jashore Area; GOC, 7 Infantry Division and Area Commander, Barishal Area; senior military officials from Army Headquarters, Barishal and Jashore Areas, divisional commissioners, senior officials of the civil administration and law enforcement agencies, and representatives of various media outlets were present.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Army Chief over the alleged killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu, general secretary of Jibannagar Municipal unit BNP in Chuadanga, by members of the security forces. In a statement, Fakhrul said incidents involving killings by security personnel are not good for the country and weaken the rule of law. “Some members of the security forces detained Shamsuzzaman Dablu last night (Monday night) in the name of recovering arms and subjected him to inhuman torture, which led to his death. I express my deep shock and sorrow over this inhuman and barbaric incident,” he said. The BNP leader said the extrajudicial killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu through torture is a gross violation of the country’s existing laws. “The people expect that under the current interim government, anyone involved in a crime will be punished through judicial courts,” he said. Fakhrul said detaining Chuadanga BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dablu in the name of arms recovery and killing him through brutal torture can never be acceptable to the people of the country. “I am seeking the intervention of the Army Chief over such horrifying and tragic incidents,” he said. The BNP leader strongly condemned and protested the incident and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure justice. The BNP Secretary General prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. The death of a local BNP leader in army custody has sent shockwaves through Jibannagar in Chuadanga, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his sudden death and triggering protests across the town. All troops withdrawn after Chuadanga BNP leader’s death in custody Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 50, general secretary of Chuadanga Poura BNP and a resident of Hospitalpara, died around midnight on Monday after being taken into custody during an army operation near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex. Family members and BNP leaders alleged that Dablu died as a result of torture, a claim that has further fuelled anger in the area.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday and briefed him on the country’s overall security situation. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, the army chief also briefed the Chief Adviser about the ongoing activities of the Bangladesh Army, said an ISPR media release. He also discussed various measures taken by the army to support national development and stability. General Wakar-uz-Zaman also apprised the Chief Adviser of his recent visit to the Central African Republic and hoped that the trip would strengthen bilateral relations and military cooperation between the two countries. Dr Yunus directs authorities to take necessary preparations for peaceful elections The army chief also provided updates on the recent high-level review and recommendations regarding justice for previously deprived army officers. He also informed the Chief Adviser about the progress of the ongoing senior-level board evaluating the cases of dismissed Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks. The Chief Adviser was also apprised of Bangladesh Army’s initiatives in providing medical treatment to students and civilians injured during the July-August mass uprising. The Chief Adviser appreciated the role and contributions of the army and provided necessary guidance for its future activities. He expressed the hope that the Bangladesh Army would continue to uphold professionalism and dedication in ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday said the army must continue working to maintain law and order until Bangladesh gets an elected government. “We initially thought the task would be completed quickly, allowing us to return to the cantonment. However, now we have been working for a long period. We must exercise patience and fulfill our professional responsibilities with dedication,” he said at the prize distribution ceremony of a firing competition at Savar Cantonment. Miscreants attack Air Force base in  Cox’s Bazar: ISPR “It is imperative that we perform our duties without engaging in any unruly behavior. While performing duties we must avoid the use of force, it may be applied only when absolutely necessary,” the army chief said. The Bangladesh Army remains committed to its duty to uphold peace and order in the country, he added. Special police operation to tackle growing mugging incidents During the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman himself participated in the firing competition. Major General Moin Khan, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division in Savar were, among other senior army officials, present. In the competition, the 33rd Infantry Division secured first place, while the 7th Brigade Division was the runner-up.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged newly commissioned officers to prioritise patriotism and demonstrate courage in handling any situation. The Army Chief made the remarks during the President’s Parade, marking the commissioning of new officers at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) Parade Ground in Chattogram on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasised the grave responsibility placed on the new officers to safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty. "You (newly commissioned officers) have to be ready to face any challenge," he said. Highlighting the importance of patriotism, he said, "Patriotism should be given the highest importance in keeping the military consciousness and values in harmony and in taking any decision." He also urged the newly commissioned officers to set exemplary standards for their subordinates in the workplace. Waker-Uz-Zaman reiterated that discipline is the cornerstone of the army. "The army is an institution where discipline is the main driving force; all the prescribed rules and regulations are conducted here. It will take a conscience to make the final decision on any matter. You should not forget that the working people of the country have contributed a lot to build you." A total of 231 officer cadets, including 24 female cadets, were commissioned from the 87th BMA Long Course and the 59th BMA Special Course. BGB tightens vigil along border to avoid unwanted situation The parade began at 9 am at the BMA Parade Ground in Bhatiari. The Army Chief, as the chief guest, inspected the parade and received the salute. On arrival at the venue, General Waker-Uz-Zaman was welcomed by the General Officer Commanding, Army Training and Doctrine Command, the General Officer Commanding 24 Infantry Division, and the Commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly commissioned officers were adorned with rank badges by their proud parents. The event was attended by the Commandant of Sri Lanka Military Academy, along with senior civil and military officials from home and abroad.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday departed for an official visit to the United States and Canada, according to Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR). During the visit, General Waker-Uz-Zaman will participate in discussions with senior military and civilian officials at the United Nations headquarters, the US, and Canada. Army Chief calls on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus The discussions will focus on issues related to UN peacekeeping missions, enhancing the capabilities of the Bangladesh Army, strengthening bilateral relations, and outlining future strategies for cooperation. Army chief meets President Shahabuddin The army chief will return home on October 25.

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday visited the activities of Bangladesh Army deployed in Dhaka, Jashore and Savar region as the country gears up for the 12th parliamentary elections. 1 more dengue patient dies; 153 hospitalised in 24hrs The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a press release on Thursday that  the army chief visited the activities of the Bangladesh Army deployed in Jashore region to assist the civil administration on January 7, according to the ISPR. During the visit, he exchanged views with the soldiers on duty and gave necessary directions. Dense fog disrupts flight operations at Dhaka airport; 13 flights diverted General Officer Commanding (GOC), 55 Infantry Division and Area Commander Jashore Area, senior military officials of the Army Headquarters, local civil administration and law enforcement agencies were present on the occasion. After visiting the Jashore region, the army chief inspected the activities of the army personnel deployed in Savar and Dhaka and gave necessary directives. Dhaka's air quality 3rd worst in the world this morning

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Sunday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Sunday afternoon. President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the army chief briefed the President about the overall activities of Bangladesh Army. He highlighted the various steps taken for the development of the army and progress of implementation. Also read: Do something good for all, President tells Buddhist community leaders President Sahabuddin expressed his satisfaction over the activities of the army and said that the development activities of the army will continue in the light of Forces Goal-2030. Mentioning the glory of Bangladesh army, the President hoped that the army would continue its activities for socio-economic development alongside protecting the sovereignty of the country. During the meeting, the army chief also briefed the President about various aspects of his recent visit to India.  

Mentioning that creating awareness on dengue among the public is a must, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed has said that due to the lack of awareness, dengue outbreak and fatalities are both increasing at an alarming rate across the country. The army chief said this while inaugurating the Dengue Eradication Campaign at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday. Read: Stay united to face any threats: Army Chief In his directional speech, General Shafiuddin emphasized awareness and directed to take necessary measures to eliminate dengue in all cantonments including Dhaka.