Army chief pushes for swift election, rejects aid corridor for Rakhine: reports

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has emphasised the urgency of holding elections to help the nation transition from the political crisis that has gripped it since the mass uprising nine months ago, according to multiple media reports.

Speaking at an event at the Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday, he reportedly highlighted issues including the proposed aid corridor into Rakhine, port access, and constitutional reforms.

Citing comments from several army officers, the Daily Prothom Alo reported that General Waker said, “The election should be held by December.”

He also remarked that it is the prerogative of an elected government to determine the country’s future.

The Daily Samakal reported that certain groups continue to criticise the Army, despite its efforts to maintain stability during the political transition.

Gen Waker emphasised the importance of neutrality for all army personnel and instructed them to carry out any electoral duties with honesty and dedication.

In reference to recent debates around the handing over of operational control of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to foreign entities, The Business Standard reported that Gen Waker stressed that such decisions should be made by a political government.

On the topic of reforms, he said he had no knowledge of what reforms were taking place or how, and that there had been no consultations with him or the military.

According to the Prothom the army chief issued a stern warning against mob violence, instructing the military to adopt a firmer stance on maintaining law and order.

Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer echoed similar observations in a Facebook post.

Citing military sources, Saer wrote that Waker had made it clear that policy decisions relating to corridors, ports, and other strategic matters should be left to a political government.

He was quoted as saying bluntly: "There will be no corridor."

According to Saer, Waker is against the notion of allowing foreign nationals access to confidential national information.

Saer also wrote that the military had been completely unaware of the United Nations’ reporting on the July Uprising.

Waker reportedly warned that the current interim administration may be unknowingly steering Bangladesh toward becoming a battlefield for foreign powers, dubbing it a “proxy war”.

He praised the chief advisor and other advisors for their efforts, while emphasising their lack of experience.

According to him, there is no alternative to a political government.

Waker said the military should return to the cantonments, but acknowledged that it may need to support the civil administration for several months following the election.