The Bangladesh Army has stated that it will carry out its assigned duties during the upcoming national election. The army said, like the general public, it also wants a free, fair, and impartial election to be held according to the government’s outlined framework.
This was stated by Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman, GOC ARTDOC, during a press briefing held at Officers’ Mess ‘Alpha’ in Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday.
During the press conference, questions were raised regarding the job status of the 15 army officers who were taken to the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations of enforced disappearances, killings, and crimes against humanity during the previous Awami League government. In response, Brigadier General Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Director of the AG Branch (PS Directorate) of Army Headquarters, said the matter falls entirely under legal procedures. The International Crimes Tribunal Act does not clearly state whether an officer automatically loses his job once charges are filed. Therefore, Army Headquarters is awaiting final instructions from the government.
It is worth mentioning that on October 22, the 15 army officers were produced before the International Crimes Tribunal on allegations of involvement in enforced disappearances and killings during the July uprising.