'Have had enough': Bangladesh Army chief warns politicians against infighting
What's the story
Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has warned the country's politicians that their infighting is a serious threat to national sovereignty.
Addressing an event to mark the anniversary of army officers killed in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, General Zaman said, "You cannot later say that I did not warn you."
On February 25 and 26, 2009, several army officers were murdered in a mutiny at the headquarters of the paramilitary force in Pilkhana, Dhaka.
As many as 74 were killed.
Call for unity
General Zaman calls for unity amid political chaos
He said there are a few reasons for the deteriorating law and order situation. The first reason is that "we are busy fighting. We are busy enraging each other."
General Zaman called for unity among Bangladeshis, warning that further infighting could put the country's independence at stake.
He said, "If you can't move beyond your differences and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and sovereignty of the country will be at risk."
Mutiny clarification
General Zaman addresses 2009 mutiny misconceptions
The army chief did not name anyone specifically but slammed stakeholders for blaming each other.
The event also provided an opportunity for General Zaman to clarify misconceptions surrounding the 2009 mutiny, stating it was executed by Bangladesh Rifles soldiers.
He cautioned against interfering with the judicial process by planting doubts or alternative narratives.
The interim government, headed by economist Muhammad Yunus, has formed a commission to re-investigate the mutiny and look into possible involvement of political leaders or foreign powers.
Rising unrest
Surge in violent crime and unrest amid political turmoil
Bangladesh has witnessed a fresh spike in violent crime and unrest since February 5, with protests directed at properties associated with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's family.
Security forces have detained over 8,600 people in a crackdown dubbed "Operation Devil Hunt," aimed at alleged loyalists of Hasina's ousted government.
The unrest came after a student-led uprising that overthrew Hasina's regime in August 2024.