The Bangladesh Army has said that it did not have any direct communication or request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the comments made by UN High Commissioner Volker Turk in his interview with BBC HARDtalk, according to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). In a press release issued on Monday, ISPR said Bangladesh Army finds it necessary to clarify certain aspects of Turk’s statement to ensure accuracy and transparency. In an interview with the BBC programme HardTalk on Wednesday, Volker Türk said the Bangladesh army was warned about possible removal from peacekeeping operations for engaging in any repression during the July-August Uprising. “The remark by Volker Turk taken out of context by certain quarters, it appears to misrepresent the role of the Bangladesh Army and potentially undermines its reputation, sacrifice and professionalism,” said the ISPR release. “If any such concerns were raised, they were conveyed to the then government of Bangladesh and not directly to the Army leadership,” it said.  The Bangladesh Army operates within the framework of national security directives and adheres strictly to the rule of law and human rights principles, it added. It said Bangladesh Army remains committed to people, upholding its legacy of neutrality and integrity. “Historical events such as the democratic transition of 1991 reaffirm this dedication. During the July-August 2024 protests, the Army once again stood by people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.” Army Camp Commander withdrawn over Touhidur’s death: ISPR As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, Bangladesh is globally recognised for its professionalism and dedication, it added. ISPR said peacekeepers receive a tiny portion of foreign earnings, the majority-around Tk 27,000 crore over 23 years-has significantly contributed to national economic growth.  The Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and remains steadfast in its commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community, it said. Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Congo are safe: ISPR “Any concerns regarding its role can be best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement,” the release added.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday 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 the capital, marking the National Army Martyrs Day. 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.” Emphasising the need for unity, he said, "At the end of the day, we must prioritise the country and the nation instead of engaging in conflicts. If you resort to mudslinging among yourselves, the independence and sovereignty of the country and the nation will be at stake. I am issuing a warning—you cannot say later that I did not caution you. “ "We are going through a chaotic situation, and criminals are taking advantage of it," he said. “There are some reasons behind the deterioration in the law-and-order situation. One is: If we are busy fighting; it’s a suitable situation for criminals. They know it well if they do the crimes this time they will be able to easily escape. If we remain united then it will be possible to face these in a united way,” he said. Action to be taken against negligence by law enforcers, warns Home Adviser The army chief said that along with some controversial actions in the past, law enforcement and intelligence agencies such as the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and National Security Intelligence (NSI) have also contributed positively. "The reason the country remained stable for so many years is that members of the armed forces and civilians collectively kept these institutions effective. That is why we have had a stable environment for so long," he said. General Waker-Uz-Zaman said those involved in crimes must be held accountable. "Otherwise, such incidents will recur. However, we must ensure that our actions do not undermine these institutions," he cautioned. "Today, many police officers are hesitant to perform their duties because cases have been filed against them, and some are in jail. RAB, BGB, DGFI, and NSI are in a state of panic due to ongoing investigations into allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings," he said. "Investigations must take place, and those responsible must be brought to justice, but this should be done in a way that does not weaken these agencies. If you think peace can be restored in the country by undermining these institutions, that will not happen," he added. Stressing that maintaining law and order is not solely the responsibility of the army, the army chief said, "There are 200,000 police personnel, along with BGB, RAB and Ansar-VDP. The army has only 30,000 troops. How can I fill this void with just 30,000 soldiers? Troops are deployed in rotation—one group goes to the cantonment while another takes their place. We are working tirelessly, but if reversing actions continue, peace and order will never be restored. This is something you must keep in mind," he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has categorically refuted a recent report published by the Indian newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika regarding the Bangladesh Army. In a post on its verified Facebook page on Friday, the Press Wing said that the report contained misleading information and misrepresented facts about Bangladesh’s military. The post said that Indian media is employing techniques of what has become known as hybrid warfare to support the country’s long-time proxy, Sheikh Hasina, and to attempt to discredit the people and institutions of Bangladesh that in July and August brought her despotic rule to an end. Dr Yunus urges Meta to intensify efforts against misinformation, fake news “Hybrid war uses information operations – known as disinformation – to divide its targets both internally and from its natural friends and allies. A disinformation operation typically begins with an entirely fabricated story, with no evidence and views attributed to unnamed people, planted in a friendly or pliable media outlet. If it is sufficiently juicy, the made-up story will be picked up by other media and gain apparent credibility as it spreads. Eventually, people who are interested in what’s going on in the world but too busy to delve into the details may come to believe the story that began as nothing more than a glimmer in a propagandist’s eye. The disinformation operation has succeeded entirely when people who believe the malign fiction are moved to act against the propagandist’s adversary,” the post said. “In this case, the adversary is the people of Bangladesh and their desire to govern the affairs of their own sovereign country; the willing mouthpiece is Ananda Bazar. Its (your) story about the Bangladesh army has no more basis in reality than a Bollywood romcom. You must choose whether to practice journalism, based on collecting evidence of what is actually happening in the world, or to propagate malign fictions as part of a campaign to undermine the sovereignty and dignity of a friendly neighbor,” the Press Wing added. CA's Press Wing quashes rumours of ISI chief visiting Dhaka The Press Wing reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and maintaining an open dialogue with the media while stressing the importance of responsible journalism. Authorities in Bangladesh continue to monitor the dissemination of false or misleading information and have called for greater cooperation among regional media to prevent the spread of baseless narratives.

The Bangladesh Army has strongly protested a report published by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online on December 27 terming it ‘misleading’ and ‘baseless’. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press release on Saturday over the report headlined,“Urdite Bangali Gonohottar Rokter Chite! 53 bochor por Bangladeshe Firche Sei Porajito Pak Fouj.” “Contrary to the proper journalistic practice, the newspaper did not take any comment or explanation from the ISPR before publishing the report which raises question about the objectivity and credibility of the report,” said the release. Army is working to prevent sabotage at KPIs, ensure security: Army HQ The Bangladesh Army is steadfast in its principles of professionalism, impartiality and international cooperation, it said. As part of its regular activities, the Bangladesh Army maintains friendly relations with the armed forces of different countries and conducts various cooperative programmes including student exchange and training to enhance mutual understanding and skills, said the release. “There is no plan for any training team or delegation of the Pakistan Army to come to any cantonment in Bangladesh for training. This claim is baseless and not in line with reality,” it said. Besides, the Bangladesh Army procures the required ammunition from different countries based on its requirements, said ISPR. “Ill-informed opinions on sensitive defense issues are undesirable, uncalled for and offensive,” it added. ISPR trashes media reports that "Army Chief faced young officers' discontent in meeting" The Bangladesh Army is committed to transparency and dissemination of accurate information. It is humbly requested to verify information from reliable sources before publishing any report in the media, the release added.

Bangladesh Army are working along with the law enforcement agencies to prevent attacks and sabotage at important installations or Key Point Installations (KPIs) across the country and ensure their security. The issues are regularly reviewed with other law enforcement agencies, said Colonel-Staff of Military Operation Directorate under the Army Headquarters Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan while briefing reporters at the Banani Army Officers Mess-A of Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday noon regarding the activities of the army deployed under the campaign, In Aid to Civil Power. When his attention was drawn to Thursday's fire at the important installation like Bangladesh Secretariat , Colonel Intekhab said the incident just occurred, and they have not yet received detailed information in this regard. However, the army is working on the security of important establishments, he added. In response to another question, he said how long the army will serve in the field is a matter of the government's decision. The army is working to maintain law and order according to the government's decision. Therefore, the army’s withdrawal depends on the government's decision. He also said that the army has taken training to take pressure while maintaining law and order. However, the army is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to keep law and order, he added In response to another question regarding security risk in the Cox's Bazar area, Col Intekhab said, there is no threat to the sovereignty of the country of security at the moment. The army in the area has always on alert. If there ever is a security threat, the army is ready to take action accordingly. Moreover, the BGB and Coast Guard and the law enforcement agencies are working on the Rohingya infiltration. Army, BGB deployed outside Bangladesh Secretariat after fire, gates closed When asked about the arson attack on Tripura community in Bandarban district, he said the incident occurred due to a land dispute and no other reason. Though incidents related to law and order has occurred there has been no deterioration. In this regard, the army is continuing to work in coordination with the police and others to keep the law and order situation tolerable. Earlier in a written statement, Col Intekhab said that members of Bangladesh Army have recovered  28 illegal fire arms and 424 rounds of ammunition conducting drives across the country in the past one month since November 28. During the period, the army played an active role in controlling 67 unstable situations and 13 main road blockades arising from such situations in various industrial areas of the country (mainly in Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar areas). In addition, they (army members) have been working to keep the factories running in coordination with all concerned, including the police, BGMEA, the owners, workers and the concerned ministries. As a result, all but one of the country's 2,093 garment factories are currently operational, he added. Apart from the industrial area, the army members have also controlled 45 different types of disorderly situations in the last one month. Of which five were related to educational institutions, three to government organisations/offices, seven were political conflicts and 30 were other types of incidents. In addition, on December 19, the army members provided direct assistance to the police in the attempted robbery at Rupali Bank in Keraniganj, which made it possible to quickly bring the incident under control without any incident. Besides, 200 suspected drug dealers or people associated with drugs have been arrested in joint operations along with recovery of a good amount of illegal drugs, such as Yaba, Phensedyl, illegal liquor, etc. Around 1,405 people involved in various types of crimes were also arrested from different parts of the country during the joint drives. 26 arrested in Army's special anti-crime operation in Dhaka city The army personnel worked with law enforcement agencies and religious leaders to ensure that the recently concluded Christmas celebrations of Christians across the country wre celebrated safely. A total of 4,241 churches across the country celebrated Christmas without any incidents, he said. In addition to these tasks, the army is also continuously performing its duties of maintaining communal harmony in the country, ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies, maintaining peace and order in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and providing security to the FDMN camp area in Cox's Bazar district.

Bangladesh Amy made a good start in the Paragon Group Victory Day Hockey Tournament with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Hockey Players Welfare Unity at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium on Wednesday. Hockey Players Welfare Unity, who came to the limelight beating Bangladesh Air Force by 4-3 goals in their first appearance on Tuesday, failed to match the fitness level against their opponents in the match-deciding fourth quarter today. Bangladeshi off-break bowler Mahedi Hasan advances to top 10 in ICC Men's T20 bowling ranking Apart from the fourth quarter, the match was almost an even encounter. The first quarter was goalless; six minutes into the second quarter, Amirul Islam put the Hockey Players Welfare Unity ahead with his favorite skill, dragging off the penalty corner (1-0). The lead stayed till the end of the second quarter. However, the Army stored their best for the later part as their physical fitness made a visible impact in the game. It was almost one way traffic as the Army piled up huge pressure in the opponents territory. Hockey Players Welfare Unity custodian Nuruzzaman Noyon frustrated the Armymen, saving a couple good attempts. Abdul Malek scored the first for Army in the 32nd minute to level the margin (1-1) and Ahsan Habib scored the match-winner for Army in the 56th minute of the match (2-1). Bangladesh Army will face Bangladesh Air Force in the last group match on Thursday. Earlier in the day’s first match, BKSP crushed Bangladesh Police by 5-0 goals with Johnny Islam scoring a brace, Mehedi Hasan Ovi, Hojaifa Hossain and Tayeb Ali scoring one goal each for the National Sports Training Institute team BKSP.

Listed extortionist Alamgir and five of his associates were arrested from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Saturday, according to ISPR. On Saturday night, the Bangladesh Army carried out a raid in the Navodaya Housing area of Mohammadpur and arrested them. Bangladesh received $2 billion remittance in 21 days of December During the operation, the Army recovered sharp weapons from the suspects' possession. According to intelligence reports, Alamgir and his associates had been staying in the area with the intent to commit criminal activities. Acting on this information, three teams of army personnel from the Basila Army Camp swiftly reached the spot and apprehended the suspects. Later, they were handed over to Mohammadpur Police Station, where legal action is currently being taken against them. Fire breaks out at Gazipur factory; 1 killed “Such operations will continue in a bid to improve law and order and ensure the safety of the public,” added ISPR.

Bangladesh Army's Ministry of Defense Constabulary (MODC) will be recruiting for the post of 'Soldier'. Interested candidates can apply till December 20.Organization Name: Bangladesh ArmyDepartment Name: Ministry of Defense Constabulary (MODC) Read: Job Circular in BSTI: Major recruitment in BSTI, 97 posts in 9th and 10th grade Post Name: SoldierNumber of Posts: Not DeterminedEducational Qualification: SSC/EquivalentJob Type: PermanentType of Candidate: MaleMarital Status: SingleAge: 17-25 years as on 16 March 2025Physical FitnessHeight 5 feet 6 inches but 5 feet 4 inches for various ethnic minorities, weight 49.90 kg, chest size 30 inches normal and 32 inches when expanded.Application Rules: Interested candidates can apply through Teletalk Pre-Paid SIM (SMS). Application Fee: 300 Tk

The Bangladesh Army has described the extensive activities undertaken since its deployment on July 20, aimed at curbing anarchy, maintaining religious harmony, ensuring the safety of foreign missions, and safeguarding key national installations across the country. At a media briefing held at the Officers’ Mess in Banani, Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan, Colonel Staff of the Directorate of Military Operations, described the army's operations spanning 62 districts. Working in coordination with the interim government, ministries, law enforcement, and local administrations, army personnel have strived to uphold law and order. Operational Highlights Since the deployment began, the army has: Recovered Illegal Arms and Ammunition: 24 illegal arms and 365 rounds of ammunition were seized. Controlled Civil Unrest: Tackled 40 unstable situations and cleared 18 road blockades in industrial zones. Coordination with stakeholders, including factory owners and workers, ensured that mills and factories remained operational. Addressed Chaotic Incidents: Resolved 63 disorderly situations, including those related to political conflicts, educational institutions, and government offices. Arrests and Drug Operations The army apprehended 1,328 individuals linked to various crimes and arrested 228 people involved in drug-related offenses. A significant quantity of narcotics was also recovered during joint operations with law enforcement agencies. Religious and Cultural Events The army played a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful celebration of major religious and cultural festivals: Kathin Chibardan Festival: Collaborated with Buddhist organizations to secure 444 monasteries nationwide. Read: Three KNF militants killed in Army operation in Bandarban Rashmela and Nabanna Festivals: Provided security in Gopalganj, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali from November 15–20. Jagaddhatri Puja: Ensured safety during the festival in Barishal from November 10–12. Ongoing Operations in Bandarban Special operations against the armed separatist group, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), have been ongoing since April. So far, 179 KNF members or collaborators have been arrested, and 60 weapons, alongside a large cache of ammunition and military equipment, were recovered. The operations have come at a cost, with seven soldiers martyred and others injured in IED blasts and surprise attacks. Support for Injured Civilians The army has also been providing medical assistance to civilians injured in anti-discrimination movements. Over 3,430 people have received treatment at Combined Military Hospitals (CMH), with 35 still under care. Additionally, four critically injured individuals were sent abroad for advanced treatment. Challenges and Sacrifices Army personnel have faced significant challenges during this period, with 123 members injured and one killed in the line of duty. Despite this, Colonel Intekhab reaffirmed the army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring national safety and stability. Read more: Law-and-order situation improving: Army Chief The executive magistracy powers granted to officers of the rank of Captain and above were extended for another 60 days on November 15, enabling the military to continue its efforts to maintain law and order effectively. Looking Ahead The Bangladesh Army remains dedicated to its role in safeguarding the nation and supporting its people, Colonel Intekhab emphasized, pledging continued service for the country’s peace and stability.

Almost three months after one of the worst floods in recent memory, 1,718 families in Feni are still grappling with the aftermath.  Having lost everything to the devastating flood, these families are forced to live in temporary shelters, struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. In August, a catastrophic flood swept through Feni, destroying 1,718 homes completely and partially damaging another 6,941. Although two months and 24 days have passed since the disaster, relief efforts have been insufficient, victims say. According to District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Mahbub Alam, “For partially damaged homes, we have received 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheets and 12 lakh taka, which have been distributed to nearly 150 families.” Read: Low-lying areas of Ctg, Feni, Cumilla and 5 other districts likely to be inundated: FFWC Some organisations, including the Bangladesh Army and UNDP have assisted these families, but the need remains overwhelming. The flood caused widespread destruction across Feni, with complete devastation reported in the following areas: Sadar Upazila: 675 houses Fulgazi Upazila: 295 houses Chagolnaiya Upazila: 293 houses Parshuram Upazila: 333 houses Sonagazi Upazila: 37 houses Daganbhuna Upazila: 85 houses  Additionally, partial damages were reported in the following areas: Sadar Upazila: 3,206 houses Parshuram: 333 houses Chagolnaiya: 313 houses Daganbhuna: 982 houses Sonagazi: 741 houses Fulgazi: 1,349 houses For families with partially damaged homes, the Bangladesh Army has distributed 4 bundles of corrugated iron sheets per family and provided a total of Tk 6.5 lakh in cash to 157 families. The Army, with assistance from the Navy, has also repaired 100 houses in Fulgazi. In addition, UNDP is distributing Tk 10 crore 35 lakh to repair the homes of 3,000 affected families. Other organizations, including BDRCS, Mastul Foundation, RIC, and YPSA, have also contributed with materials and financial aid. Amid this devastation, stories of hardship continue to unfold. Khokon Mia, an auto-rickshaw driver from Dakkhin Jagatpur village in Fulgazi upazila, lost everything to the flood, including his home. With nowhere to go, he now lives with his wife and children in a small room of a Water Development Board irrigation scheme. "Everything feels like a nightmare," said Khokon. Read more: Deaths during student protest: 4 students' bodies exhumed in Feni for autopsies “One flood has left me completely destitute. I couldn’t save anything. I had to take shelter with my wife and three young children. It’s been a month with no work. I don’t know how to rebuild my house. Three months have passed since the flood, and yet I have not seen any government initiative for our rehabilitation,” he added. Abu Taher, from Char Chandia village in Sonagazi, also recounted the flood’s devastation: "The floodwaters have ruined everything. I barely managed to get to a shelter. When I returned home, nothing was left. I am now living with my family on the roof of my cousin's house."  Shamsunnahar, a woman in her fifties from Birinchi area in Feni Sadar upazila, is facing the same fate. "The flood took everything, and I don’t have the means to build a new house. If I receive financial aid from the government, I will be able to repair my house; otherwise, I will have to stay in the broken house. I’ve made a shelter with plastic around and broken tin on top." The recently retired Feni Deputy Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akhter, sought urgent assistance for the affected families. "We have requested 20,000 bundles of tin and 6 crore taka from the relevant ministries for the aid of affected families," she said.