Army personnel gradually returning to barracks: Army Chief

Waker-Uz-Zaman has said army personnel are gradually returning to barracks after completing field duties assigned during a period of national necessity.

He made the remarks while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the Bangladesh Army Firing Competition-2026 at Cumilla Cantonment as chief guest on Thursday morning (May 21).

The army chief said the military had carried out field responsibilities in 2024 due to the country’s needs during a critical period.

“Now that the situation has stabilised, army personnel are gradually returning to barracks. The nation will remember the role of the army during that difficult time with gratitude,” he said.

Congratulating the champion and runner-up teams, Waker-Uz-Zaman praised the professionalism and marksmanship displayed by army members despite carrying out field duties continuously for 18 months.

He later distributed prizes among the winning and runner-up teams.

According to officials, the firing competition began on May 16 under the supervision of the Headquarters of the 33 Infantry Division.

A total of 17 teams, including different formations of the Bangladesh Army, logistics areas, five independent brigades and the Para Commando Brigade, took part in the competition.

The 17 Infantry Division emerged champion, while the Para Commando Brigade finished as runner-up.

Senior military officials, including the Master General of the Ordnance, Commandant of Bangladesh Ordnance Factory, General Officer Commanding of the 33 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Cumilla Area, General Officer Commanding of the 17 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Sylhet Area, along with senior officers from Army Headquarters and various formations, attended the event.