Wed Jan 01 17:49:17 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Army Chief Urges Reconciliation Amidst Political Turmoil
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has called for national reconciliation and the restoration of law and order following the recent political upheaval that saw the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government five months prior. In an interview with Prothom Alo, General Zaman expressed concerns about the interim government’s policing failures and the rise of mob justice.
The General’s comments follow a tense situation on December 31st, where student activists called for the abolishment of the 1972 constitution, a move opposed by some within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He notably tempered anti-India rhetoric expressed at the student-led rally, emphasizing the interdependence of India and Bangladesh across security, economic, and medical spheres. He urged both nations to consider each other’s strategic interests. While pledging support for the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, General Zaman stressed the need for a politically empowered government to fully restore institutions and address the deteriorating law and order situation. He highlighted the army’s concern over the police’s inability to effectively manage the situation and the increasing prevalence of mob justice.
The interview notably omitted discussion of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India, a sensitive issue that has recently strained relations between the two countries. General Zaman’s statements have sparked significant discussion among Bangladesh observers, particularly regarding the potential for increased military involvement in governance. While the army received magisterial powers in September, it has yet to fully utilize them. The General’s emphasis on the need for a politically driven solution, however, suggests a preference for civilian control, despite the current challenges.
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