Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said the army will return to barracks once the newly elected government takes office, though a limited contingent will remain deployed to support law enforcement until police fully restore control.
He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing personnel of all ranks at the Chief of Army Staff’s (CAS) Darbar. Members serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions also joined.
He thanked troops for their “excellent sense of responsibility” and professionalism during election duties.
Referring to the army’s role in stabilising the country’s volatile political climate, General Waker said, “The country and its people will remember the army’s service.” Quoting the Holy Quran, he added, “Indeed, Allah rewards those who are patient.”
The Awami League government fell on 5 August 2024 following a student-led mass uprising, prompting nationwide army deployment. An interim government was formed on 8 August.
Amid the prevailing law and order situation, the armed forces – army, navy and air force – were granted special executive magistracy powers on 17 September. The authority has since been extended in two-month intervals, most recently from 12 November last year until 28 February.
The 13th parliamentary election and referendum were held on 12 February. More than one lakh army personnel were deployed, while nearly ten lakh members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies provided seven days of security.
A joint forces operation, codenamed Devil Hunt-2, remains under way to arrest militants and recover illegal arms.
