ISPR statement over protesting former army members

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the dismissed or discharged former army members protested at the National Press Club premises and gave speeches to various media outlets with various demands, including reinstatement in their jobs, remission of punishment, and financial compensation.

According to a statement issued by the ISPR on Sunday night, with the aim of a peaceful solution, a delegation of the Bangladesh Army went to the National Press Club and listened to their statements with great patience and sincerity.

The statement further said: “The delegation assured to take appropriate steps to verify and resolve the demands as per the prevailing rules and regulations of the army. At the same time, it advised to present the complaints directly to the concerned authorities without sending them to any third party or organization."

However, after two successful meetings, when the delegation was returning, some unruly dismissed army members instigated them to create obstacles in front of the delegation's vehicle, throw bricks and stones at the law enforcement officers, and chanted slogans in inaudible language, the statement added.

The statement further said: "Throughout the day, the army members tried to control the situation with utmost patience and compassion, but at one point, the law enforcement officers were forced to disperse some of the unruly former members."

Meanwhile, the ISPR said: "On May 14, the army informed that a total of 802 such applications have been received, out of which 106 applications have been disposed of and the remaining applications are under process, which the army is considering with utmost sincerity and humanity. However, it is regrettable that some of today's undesirable behavior has questioned the tradition and values ​​of this disciplined force."