Stability to Improve after National Polls: Army

The Bangladesh Army expects national stability and the overall law and order situation to strengthen once the upcoming national election is held in line with the government’s declared roadmap, Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Headquarters’ Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Officers’ Mess in Dhaka Cantonment, Lt Gen Mainur Rahman stated that, like the general public, the army also wants a free, fair, and peaceful election. He said a credible election would help restore normalcy across the country.

“If the election is held, the country’s stability will improve. The law and order situation will gradually return to normal, and the army will then be able to return to the cantonments. We are looking forward to that moment,” he said.

He noted that the army has been stationed outside cantonments for the past 15 months, which has affected regular training schedules. Despite these challenges, he emphasised that the military has remained committed to performing its duties with professionalism and discipline.

Lt Gen Mainur Rahman also highlighted the issue of misinformation targeting the military on social media. He alleged that certain vested groups are deliberately spreading false and misleading propaganda to undermine trust in the institution.

“There are attempts to question the integrity and leadership of the army. I want to assure everyone that every member of the army is loyal to the Chief of Army Staff and to the senior command. The army is more united now than ever before,” he said.

Addressing concerns about disinformation, he added, “Our work, our responsibility, and our commitment speak for themselves. The truth is our strength. The army has always stood by the nation and will continue to fulfil its duties with honesty and dedication.”

The military leadership expressed hope that a stable political environment following the election will allow the army to fully resume its training and operational preparedness activities, which are essential to national defence and disaster response capacities.