Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has rejected all speculations about a state of emergency in the South Asian country that witnessed the ouster of its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a major protest against her government over a job quota issue on August 5, 2024.
The Bangladesh Army Chief has warned people about misinformation and alerted that rumours should not cause distraction.
General Waker made these comments on Monday during the “Officer’s Address” at Dhaka Cantonment, reported Dhaka Tribune.
The meeting took place amid speculations that the Bangladesh army would impose a possible martial law or declare a state of emergency in the current political situation.
Key Issues Discussed
Sources at the meeting told Dhaka Tribune that the army chief addressed several key issues, including law and order, the spread of misinformation, and provocative rhetoric.
“The country and its people remain the army’s highest priority,” General Waker, whose forces have been deployed with magistracy powers for over six months to assist the civil administration, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
“Do not react to provocation. We must stay focused on our duty to support the country’s stability. Instruct your soldiers to do the same. Work with wisdom. The nation expects a lot from us, and fulfilling those expectations is our sacred duty,” he said.
Media Reports Of Possible Coup
The meeting took place at a time when an Indian news channel claimed the country’s military would take over soon by removing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Yunus has been heading the government ever since former PM Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed last year.
Sources told India Today that the army may pressure the President to declare a state of emergency or stage a coup against Yunus.
Bangladesh Rejects India’s Report
Issuing a statement, the Bangladesh army clarified that the article, which lacks credible sources or verifiable evidence, is a blatant attempt to spread baseless rumours.
“It is deeply troubling that India Today continues to publish sensationalist narratives without due diligence or a responsible commitment to journalistic integrity,” the statement read.
(With inputs from IBNS)
