The Ex-Forces Association has claimed that Usaimong Marma, father of a student killed in the plane crash at Milestone School and College and petitioner in a case against former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, is an agent of banned armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).
Lt (retd) Saifullah Khan Saif, president of the association, said this while speaking at a press conference titled “Safeguarding the dignity, morale and national interest of the armed forces” at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Wednesday.
When asked about the case petitioner, he said, “How many months later was the case filed? Who filed it? Usaimong Marma. I request you to look into his background, where he lives. I am giving you a clue, that’s all.”
On 7 May, a Dhaka court dismissed the petitioner against Yunus and 16 others over the Milestone plane crash.
Lt (retd) Saifullah Khan described the case as part of a conspiracy to link the Air Force with extremism. He also dismissed recent media reports suggesting some Air Force members were under watch for extremist ties, calling them “rumours” since the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had not issued any statement.
The press conference also protested what it described as false reports in “fake media outlets” against the state minister for defense and demanded government action against the spread of misinformation.
In a written statement, the association said Bangladesh is strengthening its sovereignty and “Bangladesh First” foreign policy while modernising its armed forces. It accused certain groups of spreading disinformation to undermine the Air Force’s modernisation, fighter jet procurement, and defense technology initiatives.
The statement condemned attempts to drag the Air Force into controversy, including petitions against the Air Force chief and efforts to link the force with extremism. It also denounced false reports against Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, state minister for defense and adviser to the association, warning such propaganda could harm national stability.
The association reaffirmed that the armed forces are a symbol of public trust, pride, and discipline, citing their role in safeguarding sovereignty, disaster response, and national crises including their responsible conduct during the 2024 mass uprising.
Finally, the Ex-Forces Association urged citizens to remain vigilant against rumours and disinformation, protect the dignity of state institutions, and stay united in defense of national sovereignty and interest.
