Bangladesh chief of army staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday warned that the country’s independence and sovereignty would be at stake if instead of working together, people engage in fighting and mudslinging at each other.
Speaking at an event to mark the BDR carnage at Pilkhana in 2009, the army chief said, “I am warning you. You cannot later say that I did not warn you.” Referring to Monday’s attack on the Air Force base at Cox’s Bazar by miscreants, he said, “Don’t show attacking approach towards the army. Help us, inspire us, give us suggestions but don’t hurt us.” General Waker laid emphasis on national unity, otherwise, he warned, the country may fall into further trouble. “We don’t want to head towards that.”
The army chief said the country is moving towards holding a “free, fair and inclusive” national election. “Whenever I have discussed this with chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, he agreed that the elections should be held within Dec or close to that… My only desire is to keep the nation in a sound and stable position (till the elections). I had enough in last 7-8 months.”
General Waker said those involved in crimes must be held accountable. “Otherwise, such incidents will recur. However, we must ensure that our actions do not undermine these institutions,” he cautioned.