Army Chief Declares Support for Interim Government, "No Matter What Happens"

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24 Sep 2024, 10:46

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After former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, Army Chief General Waqar-Uz-Zaman pledged his full support to the interim government in aiding the country’s reform efforts.

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In an interview published by Reuters on Tuesday, September 24, General Waqar-Uz-Zaman assured that he would support the interim government "no matter what happens."

The Reuters interview stated that General Waqar-Uz-Zaman and his troops remained on the sidelines during the student-led protests against Hasina in early August, effectively sealing the fate of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after 15 years in power.

General Waqar gave the interview to Reuters on Monday, September 23, at his office in the capital, Dhaka. He expressed his complete support for the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and emphasized his goal to keep the military free from political influence.

The army chief said, “I will stand by him (Dr. Yunus), no matter what happens, so he can achieve his goals.”

According to the Reuters report, Dr. Yunus, a pioneer of the global microcredit movement, has promised to implement necessary reforms in the judiciary, police, and financial institutions to pave the way for a free and fair election in a country of 170 million people.

General Waqar-Uz-Zaman, who assumed command just weeks before Hasina was ousted, mentioned that it might take about a year and a half to return to democracy, but he stressed the importance of public patience during this time.

He stated, “I am confident that we can work together. There’s no reason for us to fail.”

In his conversation with Reuters, Waqar-Uz-Zaman also added, "I will not do anything that harms my institution. I am a professional soldier. I want to keep my army professional."

In the wake of Hasina's departure and the extensive reforms under the new government, General Waqar mentioned that action has been taken against military personnel involved in wrongdoing, although he did not provide specific details.

Regarding keeping the army away from politics, General Waqar said, "This can only happen when there is some balance of power between the president and the prime minister, where the army is directly under the president."

Bangladesh’s military is currently under the Ministry of Defense, which is effectively controlled by the prime minister.

General Waqar suggested that the ongoing constitutional reforms under the interim government may introduce changes in this regard.

He emphasized, "Overall, the military should not be used for political purposes. No army personnel should be involved in politics in any way."

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