Extraordinary scenes from Dhaka, Bangladesh. @theBDarmy personnel are expressing their support for the protesters by firing automatic weapons. You can hear the jubilant crowd.
Today, the Chief of Army Staff (CAS) addressed the officers of the Bangladesh Army regarding the ongoing situation. Key points from his speech are as follows:
1. The CAS began by justifying the army's deployment amid the chaos to combat criminal activities and restore normalcy. According to him, the army performed well. He reported that the army fired 1,719 rounds of live ammunition, 14,000 rounds of blank ammunition, and engaged in thirty-one 'hot situations' with violent mobs across various locations in Bangladesh. During these engagements, five civilians were injured. The CAS invited questions from the officers about the legitimacy of his actions.
2. Major Md Ali Haider Bhuyan, psc, challenged the legitimacy of the army's actions during the deployment. The CAS diplomatically addressed the officer's concern but also questioned his demeanor, noting that Major Bhuyan is a practicing Muslim. Major Bhuyan concluded his argument by quoting two verses from the Holy Quran, asking for divine help against oppression and not to be complicit in it. The CAS and other officers responded with "Ameen."
3. Some officers who were deployed shared their success stories, which seemed to be guided and vetted narratives to garner a positive image from other officers.
4. Major Hajera Jahan raised concerns about growing public resentment towards the army, emphasizing the pain of losing children and the need for justice. The CAS agreed with her concerns.
5. An officer from the BMA reported unacceptable activities by some officers from deputations like RAB and BGB, suggesting that they violated rules of engagement. He called for their repatriation and a proper inquiry. The CAS responded that this issue would be addressed after the chaotic period subsides.
6. Lieutenant Colonel Mahbub, Commanding Officer of the 5 Air Defence Regiment responsible for the Uttara area, reported diminishing public support for the army and suggested withdrawing troops. The CAS said he would discuss this with the HPM.
7. An officer from Chittagong suggested that the army should work to regain its image by supporting injured students. The CAS agreed to discuss this with the HPM.
8. Major Noman, responsible for firing at Bosila, Mohammadpur, defended his actions by stating that the mob, which included no students, was attempting to capture Ghono Bhaban. He also mentioned that his wife had commented that he looked cute in his appearance in a viral social media photo while firing at Bosila.
9. In his final remarks, the CAS declared that there would be no further firing by the army. He expressed the burden of social pressure and harassment he was facing and quoted a lyric from Ayub Bachchu, indicating his frustration.
10. In addition, the CAS mentioned that if the transition of power happened in a non-democratic way, then our country might become like Kenya or other African countries. Furthermore, he mentioned that our country had never experienced such mass protests since 1970. So, it's a unique case. We all need to have patience.
The CAS appeared very nervous throughout the session. He concluded the session hurriedly as many officers were in queue to raise their concerns.
"In order to prevent the further deterioration of democracy in Bangladesh, the United States must partner with the international community to support the right of the Bangladeshi people to a representative democratic government that upholds human rights and respects individual freedoms."
22 Senators & Congressmen writes to @SecBlinken
@GerAmbBD Please support Bangladeshi students in their democratic movement. We want a safe and democratic country. India has been behind this murderous regime since 2009. Western countries should handle Bangladesh independently.