Army chief urges parties to eschew mudslinging

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman urges all parties to eschew "fighting, bickering and mudslinging", which may imperil Bangladesh's sovereignty, as he outlines his hope for elections by December.

"I am telling you this today otherwise you'll say I didn't warn you," he said while alerting that political hostilities could "endanger" the country's independence and sovereignty.

Speaking at an event at Raowa Club in Mohakhali on Tuesday to commemorate the officers martyred in the Pilkhana massacre, General Waker stressed the need for a "fair and inclusive" election ahead.

"Before the election, the government must ensure necessary reforms are made. We, the joint forces, have discussed this with [Chief Adviser Muhammad] Yunus."

The Chief of Army Staff-who played a crucial role on the cusp of transition in state power following the July-August uprising-also told his audience of retired army officers that the head of interim government has also agreed to hold elections by December.

In this context, he reminds that he had initially mentioned elections would be held within 18 months, and it now seems the government is moving in that direction.

"Dr Yunus is doing his best to keep the country united, and we must support him to succeed," the army chief said, reaffirming support to the interim in the transitional process.

"We must work toward a future where we can live as a united nation, without fighting or arguing among ourselves. We may have differing opinions and ideologies, but, at the end of the day, we must prioritise the country and the nation so that we can stay united."