Photo: Collected
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged members of the armed forces to remain united and resolve internal issues through discussion rather than dispute. He made these remarks today (25 February) at a special event at the RAOWA Club in the capital, commemorating the martyrs of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre. General Waker-Uz-Zaman urged the armed forces not to create divisions among themselves. "If we face any issues or problems, we should resolve them through discussions. Running around aimlessly will only cause harm," he warned.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman described 25 February as a day of deep sorrow, recalling the tragic loss of 57 army officers and their family members in the 2009 BDR mutiny."Many have seen the horrific images, but I have witnessed the brutality myself," he said.
He firmly stated that the atrocity was solely committed by then-BDR personnel, not by any army member. "There should be no 'ifs' and 'buts' in this matter. If you question it, you risk disrupting the judicial process that has been ongoing for the last 16-17 years. The convicted individuals received the punishment they deserved," he emphasised.
Regarding speculation about external or political involvement in the mutiny, the army chief said, "A commission will determine whether any political leaders or foreign entities were involved, and their findings will be shared."
Addressing concerns from some individuals who claim to have been unfairly punished, the army chief stated that a board, led by a lieutenant general, has been formed to review such cases. "In the first phase, recommendations for 51 individuals have been submitted to me, most of which I have approved, and I have even provided more recommendations myself."
He also noted that the Navy and Air Force are conducting similar review processes. However, he made it clear that any proven offenders would receive no leniency. "This is a disciplined force, and it must remain disciplined," he concluded.
Messenger/JRTarek
