United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Army Chief over the alleged killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu, general secretary of Jibannagar Municipal unit BNP in Chuadanga, by members of the security forces. In a statement, Fakhrul said incidents involving killings by security personnel are not good for the country and weaken the rule of law. “Some members of the security forces detained Shamsuzzaman Dablu last night (Monday night) in the name of recovering arms and subjected him to inhuman torture, which led to his death. I express my deep shock and sorrow over this inhuman and barbaric incident,” he said. The BNP leader said the extrajudicial killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu through torture is a gross violation of the country’s existing laws. “The people expect that under the current interim government, anyone involved in a crime will be punished through judicial courts,” he said. Fakhrul said detaining Chuadanga BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dablu in the name of arms recovery and killing him through brutal torture can never be acceptable to the people of the country. “I am seeking the intervention of the Army Chief over such horrifying and tragic incidents,” he said. The BNP leader strongly condemned and protested the incident and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure justice. The BNP Secretary General prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. The death of a local BNP leader in army custody has sent shockwaves through Jibannagar in Chuadanga, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his sudden death and triggering protests across the town. All troops withdrawn after Chuadanga BNP leader’s death in custody Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 50, general secretary of Chuadanga Poura BNP and a resident of Hospitalpara, died around midnight on Monday after being taken into custody during an army operation near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex. Family members and BNP leaders alleged that Dablu died as a result of torture, a claim that has further fuelled anger in the area.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday and briefed him on the country’s overall security situation. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, the army chief also briefed the Chief Adviser about the ongoing activities of the Bangladesh Army, said an ISPR media release. He also discussed various measures taken by the army to support national development and stability. General Wakar-uz-Zaman also apprised the Chief Adviser of his recent visit to the Central African Republic and hoped that the trip would strengthen bilateral relations and military cooperation between the two countries. Dr Yunus directs authorities to take necessary preparations for peaceful elections The army chief also provided updates on the recent high-level review and recommendations regarding justice for previously deprived army officers. He also informed the Chief Adviser about the progress of the ongoing senior-level board evaluating the cases of dismissed Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks. The Chief Adviser was also apprised of Bangladesh Army’s initiatives in providing medical treatment to students and civilians injured during the July-August mass uprising. The Chief Adviser appreciated the role and contributions of the army and provided necessary guidance for its future activities. He expressed the hope that the Bangladesh Army would continue to uphold professionalism and dedication in ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday said the army must continue working to maintain law and order until Bangladesh gets an elected government. “We initially thought the task would be completed quickly, allowing us to return to the cantonment. However, now we have been working for a long period. We must exercise patience and fulfill our professional responsibilities with dedication,” he said at the prize distribution ceremony of a firing competition at Savar Cantonment. Miscreants attack Air Force base in  Cox’s Bazar: ISPR “It is imperative that we perform our duties without engaging in any unruly behavior. While performing duties we must avoid the use of force, it may be applied only when absolutely necessary,” the army chief said. The Bangladesh Army remains committed to its duty to uphold peace and order in the country, he added. Special police operation to tackle growing mugging incidents During the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman himself participated in the firing competition. Major General Moin Khan, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division in Savar were, among other senior army officials, present. In the competition, the 33rd Infantry Division secured first place, while the 7th Brigade Division was the runner-up.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has urged newly commissioned officers to prioritise patriotism and demonstrate courage in handling any situation. The Army Chief made the remarks during the President’s Parade, marking the commissioning of new officers at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) Parade Ground in Chattogram on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasised the grave responsibility placed on the new officers to safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty. "You (newly commissioned officers) have to be ready to face any challenge," he said. Highlighting the importance of patriotism, he said, "Patriotism should be given the highest importance in keeping the military consciousness and values in harmony and in taking any decision." He also urged the newly commissioned officers to set exemplary standards for their subordinates in the workplace. Waker-Uz-Zaman reiterated that discipline is the cornerstone of the army. "The army is an institution where discipline is the main driving force; all the prescribed rules and regulations are conducted here. It will take a conscience to make the final decision on any matter. You should not forget that the working people of the country have contributed a lot to build you." A total of 231 officer cadets, including 24 female cadets, were commissioned from the 87th BMA Long Course and the 59th BMA Special Course. BGB tightens vigil along border to avoid unwanted situation The parade began at 9 am at the BMA Parade Ground in Bhatiari. The Army Chief, as the chief guest, inspected the parade and received the salute. On arrival at the venue, General Waker-Uz-Zaman was welcomed by the General Officer Commanding, Army Training and Doctrine Command, the General Officer Commanding 24 Infantry Division, and the Commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly commissioned officers were adorned with rank badges by their proud parents. The event was attended by the Commandant of Sri Lanka Military Academy, along with senior civil and military officials from home and abroad.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday departed for an official visit to the United States and Canada, according to Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR). During the visit, General Waker-Uz-Zaman will participate in discussions with senior military and civilian officials at the United Nations headquarters, the US, and Canada. Army Chief calls on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus The discussions will focus on issues related to UN peacekeeping missions, enhancing the capabilities of the Bangladesh Army, strengthening bilateral relations, and outlining future strategies for cooperation. Army chief meets President Shahabuddin The army chief will return home on October 25.

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday visited the activities of Bangladesh Army deployed in Dhaka, Jashore and Savar region as the country gears up for the 12th parliamentary elections. 1 more dengue patient dies; 153 hospitalised in 24hrs The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said in a press release on Thursday that  the army chief visited the activities of the Bangladesh Army deployed in Jashore region to assist the civil administration on January 7, according to the ISPR. During the visit, he exchanged views with the soldiers on duty and gave necessary directions. Dense fog disrupts flight operations at Dhaka airport; 13 flights diverted General Officer Commanding (GOC), 55 Infantry Division and Area Commander Jashore Area, senior military officials of the Army Headquarters, local civil administration and law enforcement agencies were present on the occasion. After visiting the Jashore region, the army chief inspected the activities of the army personnel deployed in Savar and Dhaka and gave necessary directives. Dhaka's air quality 3rd worst in the world this morning

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Sunday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Sunday afternoon. President's press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the army chief briefed the President about the overall activities of Bangladesh Army. He highlighted the various steps taken for the development of the army and progress of implementation. Also read: Do something good for all, President tells Buddhist community leaders President Sahabuddin expressed his satisfaction over the activities of the army and said that the development activities of the army will continue in the light of Forces Goal-2030. Mentioning the glory of Bangladesh army, the President hoped that the army would continue its activities for socio-economic development alongside protecting the sovereignty of the country. During the meeting, the army chief also briefed the President about various aspects of his recent visit to India.  

Mentioning that creating awareness on dengue among the public is a must, Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed has said that due to the lack of awareness, dengue outbreak and fatalities are both increasing at an alarming rate across the country. The army chief said this while inaugurating the Dengue Eradication Campaign at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday. Read: Stay united to face any threats: Army Chief In his directional speech, General Shafiuddin emphasized awareness and directed to take necessary measures to eliminate dengue in all cantonments including Dhaka.

Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Sunday asked the members of the Bangladesh army to work sincerely for the flood-affected people. The Army Chief gave the instruction while visiting various flood affected areas of Sylhet district on Sunday. During the visit, the Chief of Army Staff distributed relief items among the flood victims at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park of Companyganj upazila and its nearby flood-hit areas and spoke to the flood-affected people, says a media release of Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) directorate here on Sunday evening. During the time, the Chief of Army Staff asked the Army members to continue their rescue efforts relentlessly as well as to conduct emergency relief operations and provide medical assistance. He also gave instruction to the army members for providing all possible assistance in dealing with the flood situation through all-out self-sacrifice. Calling upon all to come forward to deal with the emerging situation, the Chief of Army Staff said, "If we all work together, we will be able to deal with this disaster." Therefore, the members of the army have to work most sincerely with the attitude of abandonment altogether, he said. The army chief also assured to provide all kinds of assistance activities in the aftermath of the floods. Read: Flood: Waters start receding in hard hit north-east districts Among others, Master General of Ordnance Md. Abu Sayed Siddique, GOC of 17th Infantry Division Major General Hamidul Haque, senior military officers of Army Headquarters, Superintendent of Police of Sylhet District and media personnel were present. The 17th Infantry Division of the Sylhet Region of the Bangladesh Army has been performing their duties since June 17 in Sylhet Sadar, Kompaniganj, Kanaighat, Joyintapur and Gowainghat Upazilas of Sylhet District and Sunamganj Sadar, Chhatak, Doara Bazar, Dirai and Jamalganj Upazilas of Sunamganj District , and also in Kumargaon Power Station. Various river transports of other formations of the Army have been deployed in the Sylhet area to assist in the rescue operation. In addition, members of the Commando Battalion have participated in the rescue operation. At the same time, a navy team has been taking part in the rescue operation with the army in Sylhet area. In view of the deteriorating flood situation in Netrokona, some 125 Army members of the 19th Infantry Division from Ghatail area have been deployed since June 18 in Khaliajuri Upazila of Netrakona to control the flood situation, rescue operations, distribute relief and provide medical assistance. At the behest of the Chief of Army Staff, the other formations of the Bangladesh Army are closely monitoring the flood situation in their respective jurisdiction areas of responsibility and they are ready to assist the civilian administration. The Army Chief has instructed the Bangladesh Army, a symbol of the nation's confidence, to continue these humanitarian activities until the flood situation returns to normal, the ISPR media release added.  

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed unveiled and inaugurated the logo and the website of the 46th INDO-PACIFIC ARMIES MANAGEMENT SEMINAR (IPAMS)  at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday.   Senior Army officers and members of USARPAC were present in the programme.  The 46th IPAMS will be held in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar on 12-15 September next under the joint management of Bangladesh Army and US Army Pacific (USARPAC), says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) Directorate media release on Tuesday.  A three-day medium level coordination meeting was held between the members of US Army Pacific (USARPAC) and the members of Bangladesh Army from 12 June on the occasion of the seminar.  The medium level coordination meeting has been discussed various issues for cooperation, sympathy, and joint efforts together among the United States Army and the Indo-Pacific Army and also for greater interest to the region and the conference is held annually every year to determine the appropriate course of action.  This year, the Bangladesh Army will host this global conference for the third time.   Also Read: Container depot fire under control after 60 hours: Army This time the theme of the conference is fixed considering the recent important security issues of the army of Allied countries. The theme is "Possibilities and Adversities for Maintaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region"  In the current Corona situation, the international conference on such a big issue in the international arena is undoubtedly a bold initiative for the Bangladesh Army.  Bilateral relations between the two countries will be strengthened through the professional communication between the armies of Bangladesh and the United States Army alongside the development of the overall relationship.  The conference will be attended by senior military officials, including the army chiefs of more than 30 countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This will brighten the image of the country and the quality of professionalism of the army will be revealed in the international arena.