As the election draws nearer, a deliberate attempt is being made to spread rumours targeting Bangladesh’s Armed Forces – the very symbol of the country’s sovereignty. A well-orchestrated effort is underway to discredit and question the army. False and misleading information is being spread among the public to damage the relationship between the people and the armed forces. Recently, at least two such unfortunate incidents have occurred – one in Khagrachhari and Guimara on 27 and 28 September and the other involving misinformation and rumour-mongering. False statements have been circulated, attributing remarks to the chief of army staff that he never made.

What happened in Khagrachhari and Guimara?

On 19 September 2024, following the murder of a motorcycle rider named Mamun, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and its affiliated organisations attempted to incite communal unrest in Dighinala and Rangamati, leading to clashes with security forces. As a result, three people were killed and several others were injured. Marking the one-year anniversary of the 2023 incident, UPDF and its associate groups organised protest marches this year, again trying to trigger similar chaos.

On the night of 23 September, a rape allegation involving a schoolgirl in Singinalla, Khagrachhari, led to the arrest of a suspect named Shayon Shil by police with army assistance.

Despite ongoing legal proceedings, UPDF’s student wing PCP, under the leadership of Ukhyanu Marma, organised protests on 24 September under the banner of “Jumma Chhatra Janata.” The following day, 25 September, UPDF called a half-day strike in Khagrachhari. At the same time, some bloggers and activists, both domestic and abroad, began spreading inciting and communal messages online against Bengali residents.

On 26 September, under the leadership of Ukhyanu Marma and the influence of the online provocations, tension spread across Khagrachhari. During the blockade, unruly locals, provoked by UPDF, threw stones at army patrols, injuring three soldiers. Despite these provocations, the army showed great restraint, patience and humanity, avoiding the use of excessive force.

On 27 September, UPDF activists again attempted to create chaos, attacking Bengali civilians, vandalising vehicles, including ambulances, and blocking roads, causing a severe breakdown in law and order. The situation escalated into a near-communal riot. The district administration imposed Section 144 in Khagrachhari and Guimara. Through relentless overnight efforts, the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and law enforcement agencies managed to bring the situation under control and prevent a large-scale communal riot.

After the failed attempt to instigate communal violence in Khagrachhari, UPDF and its affiliates again violated Section 144 on the morning of 28 September, blocking the Guimara-Khagrachhari road in the Ramsu Bazar area. Around 10:30am, UPDF activists and armed supporters clashed with local Bengalis, attacking the army with sticks, bricks and improvised weapons, leaving ten soldiers, including three officers, injured and BGB vehicles vandalised. Around 11:30am, armed UPDF militants fired 100-150 rounds from automatic weapons at both locals and army personnel. The army swiftly responded and chased away the armed attackers.

It is evident that UPDF and its affiliates are deliberately destabilising the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by coercing women and school children into participating in subversive acts. There are also reports of external armed groups being brought into the region with the intent to incite communal conflict.

Between 19 and 28 September, the army’s professionalism and restraint successfully foiled a major conspiracy in Khagrachhari and Guimara. However, the plot to destabilise the CHT continues. The ethnic unrest and armed conflict in Myanmar between the junta and separatist groups are already spilling over into Bangladesh, creating tensions along the border. The Bangladesh Armed Forces remain firmly committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is now clear that the Khagrachhari incident was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the army’s image and create distrust among citizens ahead of the national election. We must remain alert and vigilant against such conspiracies.

The second conspiracy is even more malicious – a direct smear campaign against the chief of army staff himself. General Waker, the hero of the July revolution, played a decisive role in restoring peace and stability. Through his leadership, the interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus was formed in record time. Following the violent unrest of 5 August, when looting and mob terror gripped the nation, it was the Armed Forces that restored order. The people’s sense of security today is due to their tireless service. On that day, General Waker could have easily seized power and no one would have objected. However, as a professional soldier, he chose the path of duty and democracy over ambition.

Unfortunately, since 5 August, certain groups have been spreading lies, offensive and provocative comments against him and the Armed Forces, in an effort to undermine the July revolution itself. Yet, the army chief has faced this storm with patience and dignity, prioritising the nation’s interests above personal attacks. Recently, a new round of misinformation has been launched against him.

A distorted version of the army chief’s remarks from an internal seminar held on 30 September, which focused on improving civil-military cooperation under “In Aid to Civil Power,” has been circulated on social media. The original discussion centred on legal and institutional mechanisms under sections 127-132 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC), emphasising the importance of legal immunity for soldiers performing duties under lawful orders. The army had already communicated this issue to the relevant government authorities. However, a vested group twisted his words to spread false rumours for political gain.

As the nation approaches elections, the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in ensuring a free, fair and peaceful electoral process. Certain quarters, fearing this, are attempting to mislead the public by spreading rumours against the army chief and the Armed Forces. We must not fall into the trap and stand united in defence of our soldiers who safeguard our democracy and sovereignty.

Let us remain alert, vocal and aware against all forms of disinformation targeting our Armed Forces.

— Writer and Playwright Email: auditekarim@gmail.com