The tendency to make casual or frivolous remarks about the army for rhetorical or political purposes remains evident. While the political arena often tolerates both serious and offhand comments, subjects like religion, science, and the armed forces should not be treated lightly or whimsically.

In the current challenging circumstances, the army has been actively working in the field with magisterial powers, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation from potential crises. Their contributions include ensuring public safety, averting chaos, countering attempts to disrupt communal harmony, maintaining industrial productivity, securing critical infrastructure, ensuring unobstructed highways, recovering illegal weapons and ammunition, and protecting foreign diplomats and embassies. These efforts, though not widely publicized, are deeply valued by conscientious citizens.

Unaccustomed to self-promotion, the army has even taken on police duties, including arresting drug traffickers, criminals, and instigators of subversive activities. International forums, including the United States and the United Nations, have acknowledged the army's significant role. The U.S. State Department, for example, highlighted the army's efforts to curb repression as a positive development during the political transition following Sheikh Hasina's administration.

The Bangladesh Army, a trusted and beloved institution, has once again demonstrated its enduring commitment to nation-building—a legacy rooted in the Liberation War. After the recent political transition, many were unaware of the widespread instability in industrial zones, road blockades, disruptions in schools, and complications in government offices. Army personnel played a vital role in resolving these challenges. They also mediated unrest at the Tongi Ijtema grounds and ensured the peaceful celebration of religious and cultural events like Christmas, Puja, Mahfils, Urs, Ras Mela, and Nabanna festivals.

Though such responsibilities typically fall under the purview of the police, the limitations of the police force necessitated the army's involvement.

The precarious situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during and after the mass movement remains largely unknown to many. The army undertook life-risking operations to protect innocent locals from the armed terrorist organization, the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), in Bandarban's remote hills. These operations led to the arrest of hundreds of KNF members and their collaborators, along with the seizure of substantial quantities of automatic weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Tragically, some soldiers lost their lives in these efforts.

In addition to restoring peace in the Hill Tracts, the army ensured security in the FDMN (Rohingya) camps in Cox's Bazar. Since September 17 of last year, officers ranked captain and above have been performing executive magistracy duties quietly, benefiting the entire nation and solidifying their role in history.

In every country, professions are often associated with honorary titles, and Bangladesh is no exception. Journalists are called the "conscience of the nation," teachers are referred to as "builders of humanity," and lawyers are known as "learned counsels." Similarly, the army is recognized for its patriotism. While other professions may struggle to live up to their titles, the army has consistently upheld its patriotic reputation. Its actions have garnered widespread recognition and praise globally.

Amid political crises, the army leadership displayed exceptional courage and mediation skills. Political analysts have described their actions as "magical," while others attribute it to divine grace or natural providence. The army's intervention around August 5 will be remembered as an enduring example of patriotism.

Beyond resolving political crises, the army has actively worked to preserve law and order, including providing medical care for injured participants in the anti-discrimination student movement. Many were treated in military hospitals (CMHs), and critically injured individuals were sent abroad for advanced care.

Following the restoration of democracy, the army has emphasized its commitment to free and fair elections. In public statements, Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman expressed support for the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He assured that the army would not interfere in politics but would support necessary reforms in judiciary, policing, and financial institutions to ensure credible elections in this nation of 170 million people.

The Chief highlighted the importance of patience during this transitional period and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to stabilize the nation through collective efforts. His remarks inspire hope for a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.

The Bangladesh Army has set a remarkable standard in restoring democracy and ensuring national stability. Through their impartial and courageous role, they have demonstrated unwavering patriotism and commitment to the nation's welfare. Their contributions will remain a significant chapter in the history of Bangladesh, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of democracy and unity.

The writer is a Journalist-Columnist, Deputy Head of News, Banglavision