The article highlights the critical role of the Bangladesh Army in maintaining national sovereignty, especially during the political transition post-Sheikh Hasina’s government. It warns against domestic and foreign efforts to undermine military legitimacy, drawing parallels with destabilizing events elsewhere. The urgency to keep the military above partisan politics while ensuring robust governance is stressed to protect national stability and sovereignty.
The military is critical for a nation’s sovereignty, and Bangladesh’s armed forces have been essential for stability since the country’s independence in 1971. Amid the current political transition following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the army’s role has become increasingly vital. Unfortunately, both domestic and international forces seek to undermine this institution, jeopardizing national stability.
Recent weeks have seen a surge of hostile rhetoric aimed at discrediting the Bangladesh Army. Activists, particularly those based overseas, have falsely accused the military of manipulating the interim government. Such irresponsible claims, including insinuations about “cantonment pressure,” seek to delegitimize the army, echoing patterns seen in other countries where militaries became political battlegrounds instead of stabilizing forces.
The recent political turmoil is part of a larger strategy to weaken the military’s reputation. Following Sheikh Hasina’s government’s fall, opportunistic actors attempt to foster public discontent against the army, drawing parallels with historical precedents in Egypt and elsewhere. The ultimate aim may be to force the military into a dilemma that undermines its authority and national stability.
Normalizing attacks on the military poses significant risks to national integrity. When militaries become embroiled in political strife, the state’s stability is threatened, as evidenced in Myanmar and Venezuela. Constructive oversight of the military is necessary; however, there is a critical distinction between accountability and character assassination, with the current wave of attacks targeting destruction rather than reform.
Furthermore, Bangladesh faces external pressures, particularly from neighboring countries. Indian media speculation regarding unrest within the armed forces threatens national unity. Such narratives weaken the military and make Bangladesh susceptible to foreign manipulation. The interim government must navigate these external influences while managing internal political conflicts that could drag the military into partisan struggles.
To ensure national stability, it is imperative for political leaders and the media to uphold the army’s reputation, combating disinformation campaigns designed to undermine public trust. Legal consequences should follow those who spread baseless allegations that jeopardize national security for political gain.
Additionally, preserving the military’s professionalism is paramount. While the military should not become involved in governance or political disputes, fostering strong civilian institutions is essential to preventing military intervention. A competent civilian government can mitigate the likelihood of unrest and reinforce the military’s role as a stabilizing force.
Ultimately, Bangladesh is at a critical juncture. The path forward can either lead to a stable, respected military or to chaos characterized by infighting and distrust. Resistance against attempts to politicize the army is crucial, as a strong and unified military is essential for national survival in this complex geopolitical landscape.
The balance between military integrity and civilian governance must be maintained for Bangladesh to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.
In summary, the Bangladesh military plays a vital role in maintaining national stability and sovereignty. The ongoing attempts to undermine it through domestic and foreign narratives must be fiercely resisted to avert chaos. Bangladesh must ensure that its military remains an apolitical entity while fostering strong civilian governance that can withstand external pressures. The survival and stability of the nation hinge on a unified and respected military force.
Original Source: www.nation.com.pk
