“We tried to ensure so that the people could cast their votes without any fear and return home safely. Considering this, I think people’s confidence and trust in army will increase for the way it discharged its duties. No one can say we sided with anyone,” he said.
The army chief was inaugurating work on three schools and colleges inside Jalsiri Housing Project near Purbachal in the morning.
He said the army was deployed across the country as per the demand of the Election Commission. “It had been clearly mentioned in the Election Commission’s guidelines who army will work.”
General Aziz said the Army conducted over 1,000 patrols across the country every. “Being assured of their safety, people cast their votes,” he said.
He said though some casualties were reported on the election day, the general people were safe.
Bangladesh Army is a professional force and if they are entrusted with any duty, they perform it with efficiency and professionalism, General Aziz said.
Citing his assurance given a day before the election, he said, “I’m sure no voter was attacked while going to or returning from polling stations.”
The army chief said although one or two incidents took place, these happened involving the activists of different parties. ”I think there was a team spirit during the election this time. Police, Rab, BGB, army and civil administration worked as a team,” he added.
General Aziz said he is satisfied as the army chief. “I think the voter turnout was huge as the army discharged their duties properly and assured voters.”
On December 24 last, the army was deployed throughout the country to protect the law and order during the national election. From the day of deployment, the members of the army conducted regular patrols in their respective areas as a striking force till January 1.