The Bangladesh Army has raised doubts about the objectivity of media reports on Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman’s recent statements, which have stirred political discussions in the country. Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel Staff of the Directorate of Military Operations at Army Headquarters, said that the accuracy and impartiality of these reports warrant scrutiny.He came up with the remarks at a press conference at Dhaka Cantonment on Monday, May 26, where Brigadier General Md  Nazim-ud-Daula, Director of the Military Operations Directorate, also addressed various issues, including Myanmar, the Arakan Army, the Rakhine Corridor, and the army’s relationship with the government. 

The hour-and-a-half-long briefing emphasised that the army will not engage in activities that compromise national security. 

The briefing follows media coverage about the armed forces’ reservations on certain issues and the council of advisers’ condemnation of “deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements.”

When a journalist referenced the Army Chief’s remarks at an Officers’ Address event, Colonel Shafiqul clarified, “The Army Chief regularly addresses officers and soldiers to provide guidance. This was routine, not a public speech. No journalists were invited, and the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued no official statement.” 

He added, “The accuracy of what you see in the media or on social media should be carefully questioned.”

Responding to queries about the army’s stance on national elections and potential power seizure, Colonel Shafiqul said, “We’ve seen much discussion about elections, but we won’t comment on it. The army has no intention of taking power, and no such discussions have occurred.” He reiterated that the army remains united in safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and security.