Army does not favour any political party: Army Headquarters

The Bangladesh Army does not show preference to any political party and acts strictly to protect public safety when there is a threat to life, said Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam, director of Military Operations at Army Headquarters.

He made the remark while addressing a press briefing at Dhaka Cantonment’s Officers' Mess ‘A’ on Thursday (July 31).

“The army does not pay special attention to any particular political party,” he said. “Everyone is equal in the eyes of the army. Our duty is to protect lives, and where public safety is threatened, we act accordingly.”

Referring to the Gopalganj incident, Colonel Shafiqul stated that no lethal weapons were used during the intervention. “There was an imminent threat to life during the unrest, which involved brick-throwing and cocktail explosions. Law enforcement acted in response, but without using lethal force,” he clarified.

He also addressed remarks made by the Home Affairs Adviser, who claimed that the army had opened fire during the Gopalganj incident. “An investigation committee has been formed to determine the facts. We believe the inquiry will reveal the truth,” he added.

When asked about allegations that the army has previously provided protection to the NCP during political unrest, he said, “We act to protect lives, not to support any political group. Our actions in Gopalganj were based on credible threats to public safety.”

Regarding broader operations, Colonel Shafiqul reported that the army has arrested 5,576 individuals involved in drug trafficking and extortion to date. He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to remain proactive in curbing such crimes.

In response to questions about security in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, he said the army continues to maintain operations from existing camps in Bandarban despite challenges involving armed groups such as the Kukichin and Arakan Army. “We are providing effective protection in the area and monitoring all movements related to arms trading and insurgent activity,” he said.