Igniting debate over Army is risky for nation, says Jamaat chief

Engendering controversy over the Army will ultimately bring nothing good for the nation and the “pride of the institution” must be protected so that it can serve the people, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said.

Speaking at the opening of Majlis-e-Shura at Al Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar on Saturday, he underlined the Army’s “prestigious contribution” at different turning points in Bangladesh’s history.

“The Army is our pride; it has many prestigious contributions at different important points of Bangladesh’s history. The Army was forged through Bangladesh’s struggle for independence,” he said.

“Inciting controversy about the Army may plunge the nation into grave risks. We want to keep our beloved, proud Army free from such controversies. May Allah assist everyone in doing this.

Shafiqur urged everyone to keep the Army in a position of pride and defend the dignity of the institution so that it continues to serve the people.

“I think we should all refrain from making any sort of comment on the Army. This involves the overall security of the country.

Shafiqur again called on the interim government to organise a dialogue to end the ongoing political crisis, compounded by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s statement that he was “contemplating resignation”.

He said, “It will not be appropriate under any circumstances to push the nation further into uncertainty through conflict and tear gas. This culture should end.

“For this, a meaningful dialogue is needed. This responsibility should be primarily taken by the current government and they should organise a dialogue. No matter how big the problem is, we believe that it is possible to reach a satisfactory solution through discussion.”

Shafiqur said, “Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has already taken some steps from its own position. First, from the executive council meeting, we have called on the interim government to convene an all-party meeting.

“We hope that something good will come out of that meeting, giving priority to national interests.”