Bangladesh Army Chief Meets Leaders Amid Rising Tensions

Dhaka, Sept 1 (PTI) - Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman engaged in crucial discussions with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday, focusing on the military's supportive role amid the escalating law and order concerns in Bangladesh. These discussions, described by the army as "courtesy calls," also included a briefing by Gen Zaman on his recent visit to China.

The Chief Adviser's Press Wing released a statement highlighting Yunus’s gratitude towards the military for their ongoing support in maintaining law and order. Yunus underscored the importance of refining this role with a well-defined command structure and enhanced coordination among all key forces as the nation prepares for the upcoming elections.

Gen Zaman pledged full cooperation with the interim government, affirming the army's dedication to the success of government initiatives and programs. He was joined by senior military officials as he visited both Yunus’s Jamuna residence and the Bangabhaban presidential palace for consecutive discussions.

This development follows a recent military action against a political group linked to last year’s student-led movement, which had resulted in the ousting of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The action faced significant criticism from Yunus’s government and various political entities.

The military defended its measures, aligning them with the government’s "zero tolerance" stance on "mob violence." In response, the interim government issued a statement condemning the security forces' actions, particularly the "brutal attack" on Nurul Haque Nur, head of the Gano Odhikar Parishad.

The government has committed to a "thorough and impartial investigation" into the incident, ensuring accountability irrespective of an individual’s influence or position. Gen Zaman’s meetings with the state leaders followed a reported meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed just a day earlier.