Bangladesh military signals withdrawal following election
Bangladesh’s army chief has said the military will withdraw to its barracks once the country’s newly elected government formally takes office and issues the necessary directive.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman made the remarks on February 15 while addressing officers and soldiers at a CAS Darbar, a formal gathering of all ranks joined virtually by personnel serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
General Waker said the army had carried out its assigned responsibilities during the election period and was now awaiting instructions from the incoming administration.
The country has returned to democratic rule, he said, adding that the military would return to the barracks as soon as directed by the new government.
However, he noted that some troops would remain deployed temporarily to help maintain law and order until the police fully regain control of security operations.
This reflects an overwhelming acceptance of the recent polls’ results, in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a decisive majority, securing 209 of 300 seats and giving it a two-thirds mandate to form the next government.
“The people of Bangladesh accept the result,” Bangladeshi journalist Samiur Rahman Sazzad told Global South World, dismissing criticisms from Hasina and her party in exile that the elections were a “well-planned farce” and were not inclusive.
After tight election security
Bangladesh’s army had been deployed nationwide in support of civilian authorities during the election, amid heightened political tensions. Additional forces sent out during the period have already been scaled back, according to meeting sources.
In his address, General Waker thanked army personnel for what he described as their professionalism and strong sense of responsibility while carrying out election duties.
“Whatever was necessary in the interest of the people has been completed,” he said.
Referring to the military’s role in stabilising the political environment, he said the country and its people would remember the army’s service.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the ranks, urging commanders to uphold the chain of command and sustain morale among troops.
The army chief cautioned personnel to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, an issue that has become increasingly prominent during politically sensitive periods.
Bangladesh’s military has historically played a significant role during periods of political uncertainty, but General Waker’s remarks signal an intention to step back once the elected civilian leadership formally assumes office.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
