Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has rejected all speculation about a state of emergency in the South Asian country that witnessed the sudden fall of its former PM Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government amid a major protest over a job quota issue on August 5, 2024.
The Army Chief has warned people about misinformation and said rumours should not cause distraction.
General Waker made these comments on Monday during the “Officer’s Address” at Dhaka Cantonment, reported local Dhaka Tribune.
The meeting took place amid speculation that a possible martial law will be imposed or a state of emergency will be declared 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.
The meeting took place at a time when an Indian news channel claimed the country’s military would soon take over by removing the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Yunus has been heading the government ever since 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 Army rejects India 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.
