Sacked Armed Forces members demand reinstatement

Members of the armed forces who were dismissed or forced to retire during the tenure of the previous Awami League government staged a protest in front of the National Press Club on Sunday, demanding their reinstatement along with other accrued benefits.

Protesters along with some of their family members began gathering there around 11:00 am. They said they had been unfairly fired and deprived during the rule of the previous government. Additional police and army personnel were deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Earlier on May 14, Bangladesh Army has reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing appeals submitted by former members regarding disciplinary actions and urged all concerned to maintain patience, discipline, and refrain from any negative conduct.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the army's proud legacy has been built on long-standing professionalism, tireless dedication, and strict discipline.

During the protest, the sacked members also announced a long march to Jahangir Gate to press home four-point demand.

Following the announcement, a delegation from Army Headquarters met the protesters' representatives, led by acting coordinator Jamal Hossain at the National Press Club at 2:00 pm. The meeting was going on till filing of the report at 7:00 pm. Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Ramna Division, also attended the event.

Their four-point demand is: reinstatement of sacked members with full salary, allowances, and benefits from the date of dismissal, full pension with all government benefits for those unable to be reinstated, amendment of the legal framework and unilateral judicial system, including Article 45 of the Constitution under which dismissals occurred and immediate release of their main coordinator, Naimul Islam, who was arrested on May 17.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com