Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh Army yesterday said the law and order situation will return to normalcy if the planned na-tional election in February is held, paving ways for their return to barracks.
“Like the country’s people, Bangladesh Army is expecting a free, fair, impartial and festive election as per government outline,” Army Training and Doctrine Command’s (ARTDOC) general officer com-manding Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman told a media briefing at Dhaka Cantonment yesterday.
He said the army would extend its full assistance for the polls adding the military was now taking elec-tion preparedness in the light of the extent of polls roadmap unveiled so far.
“We believe the election will solidify the country’s stability, normalize the law and order and then the army could go back cantonments,” Mainur Rahman said.
The army is now deployed in the field in aid to civil power.
Rahman said a free, fair, and acceptable election is essential for the overall peace, stability and progress of the country.
“The army is ready to provide maximum cooperation and fulfill its responsibilities in achieving that goal,” he assured.
Rahman also revealed that 90,000 to 100,000 soldiers will be deployed nationwide during the upcoming elections — a figure significantly higher than in any previous election period.
He said some vested groups were spreading false and fabricated propaganda to question the army’s integ-rity.
“The army has always stood by the people in any disaster or challenging situation and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.
He continued: “The Bangladesh Army has proven its capabilities and skills in all areas — whether in internal security, disaster management, infrastructure development, or international peacekeeping.”
Brigadier General Dewan Mohammad Monzur Hossain and Director of the PS Directorate under the AG’s Branch at the Army Headquarters Brigadier General Md Mustafizur Rahman were present during the briefing.
Both senior army officers also answered to various questions from journalists.
