Mudslinging will jeopardise independence-sovereignty: Army chief

Urging all to work unitedly keeping aside all differences, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has warned that mudslinging and any division will jeopardise the country’s independence and sovereignty.

He made the call while addressing a photo exhibition at RAOWA Club in the capital on Tuesday (February 25) on the occasion of National Martyr Army Day, commemorating the 2009 Pilkhana BDR carnage.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “We want to live in peace and the army is working to this end.”

He also sought help from all, warning against attacking the army. “Give us advice if necessary. We’ll accept good advice. We want to live together. We want to take the country and nation forward.”

Highlighting the current deterioration in law and order, the army chief said, “If we are organized and united, then it will definitely be possible to deal with this collectively.”

He pointed out that the police force has been unable to perform effectively, citing that many officers are either facing legal charges or are imprisoned, resulting in widespread panic within the force.

The army chief also discussed the timeline for the upcoming elections, saying: “I have said earlier that elections should be held within 18 months... the government is perhaps moving in that direction.”

He urged the nation to discontinue internal conflicts, warning that continued infighting could jeopardize the country’s independence.