In preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and associated referenda, the Chief of Army Staff, General Wakar-uz-Zaman, has directed all military personnel to maintain professional, disciplined, and citizen-friendly conduct. The directive was issued during his inspection tours of Patuakhali and Khulna districts, aimed at ensuring the elections are conducted safely, impartially, and smoothly.
During his visit, General Wakar-uz-Zaman personally assessed the law and order situation and monitored the activities of army personnel deployed under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ initiative. He provided necessary guidance to personnel on operational conduct and coordination with civil authorities.
The Army Chief also engaged in extensive consultations with senior officials from the civil administration to enhance inter-agency coordination and strengthen security management. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) issued a statement highlighting these discussions.
At Patuakhali, General Wakar-uz-Zaman attended a high-level meeting in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall with senior military officials, divisional and district administrators, and top officers from law enforcement agencies. He later participated in a similar consultation at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office.
The discussions focused on measures to ensure a peaceful electoral environment, the impartial conduct of elections, and the implementation of emergency security arrangements. The visits included the following key military and administrative personnel:
| District / Location | Principal Officer / Official | Position / Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Patuakhali | General Wakar-uz-Zaman | Chief of Army Staff |
| Patuakhali | GOC, 55th Infantry Division | Military Operations Oversight |
| Jessore Area | Area Commander, Jessore | Local Security Coordination |
| Barishal Area | Area Commander, Barishal | Local Security Coordination |
| Khulna Division | Divisional Commissioner | Administrative Coordination & Consultation |
| Civil Administration | Senior Officials | Administrative Guidance |
| Law Enforcement Agencies | Senior Officers | Law & Order, Security Management |
General Wakar-uz-Zaman emphasised, “Army personnel must behave professionally and responsibly to maintain public trust and a sense of security. Ensuring the comfort and confidence of citizens is essential for creating a conducive and fair electoral environment.”
The inspection and subsequent consultations underscored the army’s firm commitment to supporting a peaceful, secure, and properly conducted electoral process. The engagement demonstrates a concerted effort to synchronise military readiness with civil administrative frameworks ahead of the elections.