Jamaat candidate’s behaviour with Army men triggers condemnation

The behaviour of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Dhaka-17 Dr SM Khaliduzzaman has triggered strong criticism after a confrontation with Bangladesh Army personnel at the Dhaka Cantonment, where he was denied entry with his gunman in accordance with cantonment security rules.

“You are working as an agent. You are taking the country into chaos. You are working in a planned way. After 5 August, many of your officers grasped our legs. We do not lick legs like dogs,” Khaliduzzaman was heard saying to Army personnel after being stopped at the cantonment gate.

Experts and analysts described the remarks as “extremely rough,” “arrogant,” and “threatening,” noting that they were directed at an institution entrusted with safeguarding national sovereignty. They also stressed that the candidate should not go unpunished, as he allegedly attempted to violate cantonment regulations by entering the restricted area with a gunman.

According to cantonment laws, no individual – except military personnel and designated police members of the Cantonment Police Station – is permitted to enter the cantonment carrying arms.

A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows an Army member at the cantonment gate asking for Khaliduzzaman’s identity. A person accompanying him introduced Khaliduzzaman as the Jamaat-nominated MP candidate for Dhaka-17 constituency.

Addressing him “Sir”, the Army man informed him that while he could enter the cantonment, his gunman would not be allowed inside due to security concerns.

In response, Khaliduzzaman accused the Army personnel of cleaning the road with tongues for BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and questioned why he was being stopped. “You are taking the country towards destruction in a planned way. Some officers like you are creating controversy for the Army. Why have you stopped my car?” he said, seeking to talk to the senior officer.

The Army man repeated said, “Sir, you can enter, but not your gunman. Sir, you are making discrimination.”

Khaliduzzaman then advised that the Army personnel will have to return to discipline soon. “You have made the whole country undisciplined.”

Then, the Army man phoned his senior officer and allowed the candidate to talk to him.

The Jamaat candidate then accused the Army personnel of cleaning the road with tongues for Tarique Rahman. “If this is the case, why not me? You are making chaos in a planned way. After 5 August, you are taking the country towards destruction. You are taking the country towards destruction for a political party.”

Eventually, Khaliduzzaman left the cantonment without entering.

Reacting to the incident, human rights lawyer Salma Ali said Khaliduzzaman was seeking to become a lawmaker while attempting to violate the law. “What will he do after becoming an MP, if he tries to break the law even before assuming office?” she questioned.

Crime analyst Dr Md Tawohidul Haque said violations of law occur across all sections of society, and such behaviour exposes the true character of political actors. “Sometimes we assume members of political parties are disciplined, but their behaviour reveals otherwise,” he said.

Retired Brigadier General Shamsul Islam described Khaliduzzaman’s conduct as “very bad,” saying the Army personnel displayed notable restraint and professionalism.

Requesting anonymity, a retired lieutenant colonel echoed the sentiment, saying the candidate should not go unpunished for his arrogant behaviour.

The Ex-Forces’ Association also condemned the incident, demanding that Khaliduzzaman be declared persona non grata in cantonment areas. 

It said such conduct undermines the morale and discipline of military personnel.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Jamaat candidate expressed regret over the incident through a post on his Facebook account, stating that he was sorry for his behaviour at the cantonment.