During this crisis in the country, the statement made by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman on Tuesday was accepted by people from all walks of life; it was also appreciated. He is being praised on social media for his statement.
In such a situation, the Army Chief's statement is considered 'timely' by representatives of the society, as well as the differences between political parties were becoming clear. And on the one hand, terrorists and extortionists have risen to the occasion; on the other hand, a kind of unstable situation has been created in the country due to the movement of various demands. There has also been a kind of uncertainty due to the differences between political parties on whether reforms should come first or elections before. Again, the law and order forces are also not able to play an effective role.
In such a situation, Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman clearly indicated in his speech on Tuesday (February 25) that the next elections should be held within December. He also spoke about a free, fair and inclusive election. It is also believed that he has highlighted the 'spirit' or attitude of the entire army regarding the Peelkhana massacre.
According to many, Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman also made decisions after understanding the attitude of the army during the August 5 incident. In addition, his statement on Tuesday is also an expression of the attitude of the army.
In his speech, he warned everyone about the division created among the political parties and people of the country, saying that division and disunity can threaten the sovereignty of the country. According to many, if the political parties do not realize their own identity after this speech, they will have to bear the responsibility for the subsequent situation that arises.
While mentioning the deterioration of the law and order situation, the Army Chief spoke about the reason why the police are not working fully and the panic of the RAB, BGB, DGFI and NSI.
According to many, the unstable situation in the country after August 5 has arisen as a result of the 'undermining' or undervaluing of these important organizations and forces; a matter that the army chief has reminded everyone. Because if those organizations or forces are not feared, criminals will raise their heads - this is natural. Apart from that, although many other organizations or institutions are on the verge of collapse, it is believed that the army is the only one that is okay so far, which is also clear from his statement. Analysts also see his firm stance in the army chief's statement as the role of the 'patriotic army'.
Positive reaction on social media
There has been a positive reaction on social media regarding Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman's statement. Many have analyzed various aspects of his statement.
In a Facebook status posted on Tuesday night, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's press secretary Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel wrote, General Waqar has spoken fairly well. But he is the army chief. His mere good words are worth nothing if they are not 'backed by action'. Dr. Yunus' government should be further assisted in removing anarchy and restoring 'order' or normalcy and establishing national unity.
Mentioning 'Make them strong, active and successful in organizing necessary reforms and fair elections', Maruf Kamal Khan further wrote, At this critical juncture of the nation, the army chief should show unwavering determination in protecting national interests rather than becoming a populist. This may lead to immediate criticism; the narrow-minded may slander. But at the end of the day, the role of being on the right path will be praised.
Maruf Kamal Khan wrote, The armed forces' ultimate position was correct in removing the murderous fascist regime and avoiding further loss of life. They must also play the role of vigilant guards to prevent the resurgence of fascism. They must take a stand for the people. You Have to Stand on the Right Side of History.
Apart from this, one article went viral. It mentioned- 'A deep, thoughtful and warning message to the country. The main theme of his speech was- protecting the country's independence, security and unity; which is very important for the present and future of the nation. What he said was not only addressed to the army or the government, but was a message for the entire nation, highlighting the importance of discipline, unity and peace.' Apart from this, many people shared the statement not to throw mud. He said that the speech is timely.
Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque:
According to political thinker and analyst Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque, the impression of a positive outlook is found in the speech of the army chief. He has highlighted the real situation of the country. There was also a kind of political outlook in his speech. The issues he talked about are very positive. However, the extent to which these will be implemented depends on Dr. Yunus. It is very timely to talk about stopping political divisions or clashes because the division is visible. However, no political party is trying to improve the party character; this is very sad. Elections are being talked about repeatedly. But the question is whether they will be able to run the country if they come to power.
Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah:
Political analyst and economist Dr. Mahbub Ullah said, ‘I did not think it was very bad. However, many have made one point, the BDR killing is completely a matter of the BDR. The army has no involvement in it. There are no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ here. After listening to the entire speech of the Army Chief, I felt that he (the Army Chief) wants to make no mistake about the patriotism, loyalty and honesty of those in the Armed Forces – that is, the Army, Navy and Air Force. "The question is not raised because in his view, these organizations have not collapsed like other organizations in Bangladesh. Since there is discipline, these organizations exist. If these organizations are undermined, it will not be good."
He said, it is positive to say that political division will not be good for the country. I myself support it. Division, extreme conflict, terrorism are not good for anyone. It is correct that miscreants are getting opportunities due to political division. There are many other reasons, but this is also a big reason. There is a kind of positive message in the army chief's statement.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told the newspaper, "I welcome this statement of the army chief because he has assured the nation at this critical moment. The military wants a free and fair election in the country as soon as possible - this is very positive. Because all the problems of the country will be solved through elections - that is what he wanted and said. In that regard, he has undoubtedly made a good statement before the nation.’
Fakhrul said, ‘There will be some problems among the political parties. There is no reason to be so worried about them. But his (Army Chief’s) statement has assured the nation that the nation is undoubtedly getting the support of the army for an inclusive election.’
Dr. Shahdeen Malik:
Senior lawyer of the Supreme Court Dr. Shahdeen Malik believes that it is very important to say that the national election will be held in December in the Army Chief’s statement. He told Khabor Kagoj yesterday that the chief adviser also said that the election will be held in December. As a result, there was some confusion about when the election will be held; so the area of confusion has been cleared up. He said that the law enforcement agencies, especially RAB, DGFI, NSI - not all were involved in misdeeds, but everyone is concerned about this. As a result, he (the army chief) has assured those in the law enforcement agencies who were not involved in anything, who did not commit any criminal activities, that they have nothing to worry about. This was very necessary.
Shahdin Malik said, there is no such division among the political parties. However, there will be disagreements. BNP wants elections first, Jamaat wants them later. Again, some want local government elections first, some want elections with more reforms, and some want necessary reforms. After the reforms, the date of the elections will be final - this disagreement will remain. However, it seems to me that the army chief has made his position clear in favor of the December elections. This was a very timely and comforting statement. (Courtesy- Daily Khoborer Kagaj)