Armed forces won't be used for partisan politics: Adviser

Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr A K M Shamsul Islam on Saturday said the armed forces would not be allowed to become a tool of partisan politics under any circumstances, stressing that the government's goal is to build a professional, politically neutral and people-oriented military.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme at the RAOWA Club auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka, marking the July 2024 mass uprising. Retired Lt Gen Abdullahil Aman Azmi, RAOWA Chairman Brig Gen (Retd) Abdul Haque and others also spoke at the event.

The defence adviser said a board had completed its review of cases involving armed forces officers who were allegedly deprived during the previous government's tenure, while a larger committee had been formed to conduct a broader assessment.

He said promotions and appointments would be based solely on merit and competence. Those involved in enforced disappearances, killings or human rights violations would not receive special privileges and would be held accountable for their actions.

Shamsul Islam also said the spirit of the July uprising would not be allowed to be exploited for political or personal interests. Instead, it would be upheld by eliminating discrimination, ensuring accountability and transparency, and strengthening national unity.

He said government support for those injured during the July movement and the families of those killed-including medical treatment, rehabilitation, education, employment opportunities and monthly allowances-would continue. Severely injured victims had been sent abroad for advanced treatment, while training and rehabilitation programmes had been arranged for interested family members.

The defence adviser said the government was committed to swiftly enforcing the verdict in the murder case of retired Major Sinha Mohammad Rashed Khan and implementing the recommendations of the commission investigating the killings at the former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters.

The July Martyrs Memorial Foundation informed the programme that 15,903 people were injured during the July uprising. Of them, 43 lost their eyesight completely, 133 suffered partial vision loss and nearly 2,000 lost their ability to work.

According to the foundation, Tk 383 crore is required to support 865 martyr families and 9,593 injured people. So far, Tk 120 crore has been secured, including Tk 100 crore from the government. Of that amount, Tk 117 crore has already been distributed among 831 martyr families and 8,117 injured people, while an additional Tk 263 crore is needed to assist the remaining families and victims.