Military: An Element of National Power and Its Limits to Public Access

The bond between the Bangladesh Army and the people is founded on a shared responsibility for national security, peace, and development. As a People's Army, it respects the culture, traditions, and aspirations of the nation while standing ready to defend the country against any threat. In return, citizens should remain united, uphold the rule of law, and contribute positively to national harmony and resilience. The security and prosperity of the nation are collective responsibilities that require cooperation between the people and their armed forces. Any anomaly, suspicious activity, misinformation, or threat to national interests should be reported to the appropriate authorities through lawful channels so that timely action can be taken. A strong and united people provide the moral foundation of a strong Army, while a professional and disciplined Army ensures the safety and dignity of the nation. Therefore, the enduring partnership between the people and their Army remains essential for building a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh.

Constructive criticism is a necessary feature of democracy, but deliberate disinformation, malicious rumors, and attempts to undermine public confidence without evidence can be harmful to national cohesion. It also challenges the national security and attainment of national goal and interest.

The Bangladesh Army’s Distinctive Contribution at the Global Scale
Bangladesh is now among the leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The performance of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, particularly in African countries, has enhanced the country's international image. The deep appreciation of Bangladesh's contribution is reflected in the fact that Bangla was declared an official language in Sierra Leone, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the people of Bangladesh and those whom its peacekeepers served.

The Army Functions through a Professional and Strict Chain of Command
Like military worldwide, our army operates under the lawful authority of the Government, with loyalty to the Constitution and the designated civilian leadership, including the Defence Minister. It may be useful to note that, unlike politicians, public intellectuals, or media personalities, military personnel generally maintain a relatively low public profile. Many officers and soldiers are naturally reserved and focus intensely on their professional responsibilities. Within military culture, excessive self-promotion is often discouraged because duty, discipline, and performance are valued more than publicity. Consequently, many achievements of the Army remain unknown to the wider public.

Last Words: For National Security, we must be Careful on Commenting on Military
In today's era of social media, information spreads rapidly, but misinformation spreads even faster. Citizens should be cautious about unverified claims and narratives that may unfairly target institutions serving the nation. Constructive criticism is a necessary feature of democracy, but deliberate disinformation, malicious rumors, and attempts to undermine public confidence without evidence can be harmful to national cohesion. It also challenges the national security and attainment of national goal and interest. Such issues certainly lower the morale of the soldiers who were trained hard, passed through strict regimental lives just to take them to the battle field when the country demands. Most of the issues in the army are compartmented following the principle of “Need to Know”. In fact, sources of any information and disinformation even propaganda cannot be any responsible personnel, as I keenly observed. Therefore, in the greater interest of the nation, it may be prudent for citizens and the media to exercise particular caution when considering information from sources whose access, appointments, or responsibilities may not have enabled them to have direct knowledge of the matter. Finally, I respectfully request readers to place their trust in ‘Our Army’ while exercising due caution in assessing information obtained from unreliable or unverified sources. Because a professional and disciplined soldier, as an honest citizen, is expected to report anomalies through the appropriate chain of command and to protect the dignity and legitimate confidentiality of the organization. This is the basis of our training and motivation in the military to serve the country. Therefore, relying on information from personnel who may have had no or very limited access to the relevant information can be risky and may raise ethical concerns. And based on fabricated and partially-true information, media/individual should exercise due diligence before publishing or telecasting such information. Such efforts/practices pull the honest and professional officers in flourishing their full potentials and capacities which is counterproductive to “nation’s welfare”. As an alternative, media houses may formally seek clarification from the concerned organizations. This professional approach we adopted before and possibly served the nation better without creating confusion or unnecessarily affecting the morale of our beloved soldiers. Let us do it again from now on, in the greater interest of our country, and hope for the best.