1. ISPR's Press Release: A Delayed Yet Clear Message

The press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) made it clear that the information circulating regarding the Army Chief and the Bangladesh Army is entirely baseless, misleading, and motivated. These rumors are being spread as part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the army. The release reiterated that the Bangladesh Army remains united and committed to fulfilling its duties based on chain of command, mutual trust, and professionalism.

However, according to analysts, the message would have been even stronger had it explicitly included a few words stating that the Army Chief remains in his post.

2. The Root of Rumors and the Political Equation

New branches of rumors began to sprout surrounding the Army Chief while he was abroad. Ever since the political shift and the tenure of the previous interim government, an overt attempt by certain quarters to remove the Army Chief and the then-President has been observed. In particular, various calculations by front-line stakeholders of the July movement and different political factions worked behind this. Historically, a tendency to harbor doubts or maintain a distance from the Army Chief has been seen from both major parties—the Awami League and the BNP—for various reasons.

Upon analysis, it is evident that both the Awami League and BNP camps have questioned the Army Chief at different times out of their own political calculations. Awami League loyalists believe that the transition of power occurred due to his role, while a section of the BNP also harbored apprehensions in the past regarding his appointment and family ties. However, during the political shift on August 5, the army could have taken power directly if it had wanted to—which it did not do.

3. Military Regime vs. Democratic Continuity

History proves that direct military rule in any nation never yields long-term public welfare. Despite any flaws or failures of a democratic or elected government, a military regime creates even greater complexities. In the past, whenever the BNP appointed an Army Chief while in power, it did not always receive favorable feedback.

4. Future Caution

Holding the Army Chief or the armed forces solely responsible for the events of August 5 is not objective; rather, misleading information and internal failures of the intelligence agencies of that time created the primary crisis. However, to maintain the political stability of the country and to counter such destructive rumors and conspiracies, all parties must exercise greater caution and play a responsible role.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Chief Editor, The Source News Bangla