CA seeks armed forces’ support to ensure peaceful na’tl polls

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on the armed forces, police, and all law enforcement agencies to extend full support in ensuring that the national elections; scheduled for the first half of February, are held peacefully and in a festive atmosphere.

“This is the time for the election. We are looking forward to it,” he said, stressing the need for collective effort to smoothly transition from last year’s uprising to a peaceful national vote.

Yunus made the remarks while addressing the certificate distribution ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 at DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment.

Congratulating the graduating officers, he urged them to use their training, discipline and leadership skills for the nation’s progress.

Praising the DSCSC as one of the finest institutions in Bangladesh and internationally, he said the officers were fortunate to witness a historic period marked by profound national transformation.

Reflecting on the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled the previous regime, he said the movement ignited new hopes across the country.

He credited the armed forces for standing firmly with the people during the crisis, which, he noted, helped stabilize the nation and paved the way for meaningful reforms.

“Bangladesh is a lucky country. The armed forces remain committed to the people,” he said, emphasizing that such unity enabled the interim government to pursue wide-ranging reforms aimed at building “a new Bangladesh.”

Yunus reiterated the government’s commitment to justice for the victims of the uprising, saying those responsible must be held accountable.

Addressing foreign participants in the course, he said their presence reflected Bangladesh’s strong global defense ties and expressed hope that their engagement with the country would continue.

According to ISPR, 311 trainees completed the DSCSC course this year, including 251 officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, as well as 58 officers from 25 friendly nations.

Fourteen female officers also graduated, highlighting DSCSC’s commitment to women’s inclusion in defense leadership.

Since its inception, the DSCSC has trained 6,814 officers, including 1,465 from abroad, earning its reputation as a premier institution for developing mid-level military leadership.