DHAKA, May 22 (V7N) – General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, has expressed his belief that national elections should be conducted by December, reiterating his previously stated position on the electoral process. These remarks were made during an officers' address held at the army premises of Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday.

The event, attended by various levels of army officers stationed in Dhaka, with many joining virtually, covered a range of contemporary issues beyond national elections. Discussions included humanitarian corridors, container terminals, and reforms of Chittagong Port, according to multiple sources present at the address.

Addressing the ongoing discussions regarding a humanitarian corridor in Myanmar's Rakhine State, General Waqar-uz-Zaman emphasized that any decision on this matter must originate from an elected government and follow a legitimate process. He underscored the paramount importance of national interests, stating, "Whatever is done must be done by protecting national interests. Whatever is done, it must be done through political consensus."

The Army Chief also delivered a firm message against 'mob violence' or organized chaos. He asserted that the army is adopting a stricter stance on the law and order situation, declaring, "Chaos or violence in the name of organized crowds will no longer be tolerated."

Regarding the recent debates surrounding the potential handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port to foreign operators, General Waqar-uz-Zaman highlighted the necessity of involving local people and political leaders in such decisions. He stressed that "Such decisions should be taken through a political government."

On the subject of reforms, the Army Chief stated that he possessed no knowledge about the nature or execution of ongoing reforms, indicating that he had not been consulted or engaged in discussions concerning them.

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, General Waqar-uz-Zaman called for cooperation to ensure that the public can celebrate the festival in a safe and festive environment.

Concluding his address, the Army Chief affirmed that the Bangladesh Army would never participate in any activity detrimental to national sovereignty. He instructed all levels of the army to maintain neutrality and to discharge their electoral duties with honesty and integrity in the future. He also extended his gratitude to everyone for their performance in the changed circumstances, adding, "We are cooperating with the interim government. We will continue to cooperate."

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