DCs Propose Military Training for Bangladeshi Youths

Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, shared the details of the proposal with journalists following the session. He explained that the DCs had raised questions about improving civil-military cooperation, specifically asking whether the civil officers’ orientations at the division level could be expanded to strengthen the relationship between civil administrations and military forces.

The DCs also discussed the potential of providing military training for youths, enabling them to actively contribute to the country’s defense, Hafiz added. He also addressed other key topics raised during the conference, including special operations in specific districts to combat terrorism.

The DCs suggested conducting operations in remote or char areas, where larger forces or logistical support would be needed. These areas have proven difficult for conventional operations, and the DCs advocated for focused efforts in those regions.

The meeting also explored how the Bangladesh Navy could collaborate with civil administrations to protect the nation’s rivers, especially in anti-jhatka (hilsa fry) operations. Additionally, Abdul Hafiz expressed concerns over the impact of terrorist activities by the Kuki-Chin National Front in the hill tracts, which had disrupted the local tourism industry, leading to unemployment among youth and driving some toward radicalization.

The Deputy Commissioners raised questions on how to address this pressing issue. Regarding the proposal for universal military training, Hafiz mentioned that through the Ansar VDP, training had already been provided across every union in the country. One DC suggested expanding this program, though it would require political decisions and financial resources.

Hafiz assured that the Armed Forces stood ready to implement the plan if the government issued the necessary directives. He also provided updates on the ongoing “Operation Devil Hunt,” which had successfully recovered over three-fourths of the nearly 6,000 weapons looted in previous months, although 250,000 bullets were still outstanding. Hafiz emphasized that efforts to recover the remaining arms and ammunition would continue through ongoing operations.

Addressing concerns in Narsingdi’s char areas, where terrorist activities had surged, Hafiz confirmed that seven army members had been killed, with many others injured, during operations against the Kuki-Chin National Front. The operation will persist until the terrorist group is eradicated, ensuring the safety of local communities.