The members of the retired army have also played an active role in the uprising of the students from their respective positions. They also held a rally for the downfall of Sheikh Hasina. Officers and members of various levels in service also cooperated in that movement. They also want to cooperate with the state reform movement of the current interim government formed after the student uprising.
The speakers said these things at the seminar on ‘Contribution of armed forces in July-August 2024 revolution and post-revolutionary role’ organized by Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAWA) at Rawa Complex in the capital on Saturday. This seminar was supported by ‘Rawa Research and Study Forum’ (RRSF).
RRSF Director of Research Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Nasimul Gani said, students-people’s uprising has given a new opportunity to build the country. Patriotic, dedicated people and proper supervision are needed to build the desired country.
He said, it is necessary to clarify what this revolutionary government and the students want and what role the general public, students and the armed forces will play in this regard. What is needed now is a group of dedicated patriotic people. The armed forces can be fully aligned with the aspirations of the masses.
Stating that manpower can be appointed from four places for the country’s reform work, he said, it is possible to do the reform work with retired members of the military, retired public and private officers, expatriates and related parties from abroad.
Demanding the prosecution of criminals. Nasimul Gani said that the previous government has destroyed the army and intelligence forces. Anarchy has been created by incompetent recruitment everywhere, including the armed forces. Many crises and 4 million cases are left behind. Money is still being spread for the counter-revolution. Identified criminals should be brought to justice on the float.
Lt. claiming that the role of the armed forces in the popular uprising was at the forefront. Colonel Musharraf said that all levels of officers, from former and current soldiers, are partners in this success. But even after a month of the coup, we are neglected.
Lt. Colonel Musharraf said that the members of the armed forces played a role in the uprising in two ways. Retirees have stepped directly into the field and servicemen have contributed in the final period. After the killing of Abu Said, all levels of the army entered the field. They split into small groups and started protesting and public relations. The protest started from Mirpur DOHS on July 18. This is the first physical movement.
Speaking as a special guest at the seminar, Professor Mahbubullah said that there have been many attempts to wipe out the military forces in the past. One of these is the case of BDR. 57 officers and their family members were killed. He was not prosecuted. The mirror room trial has not been initiated. These must be done. If these heinous crimes are not prosecuted and those involved in it, who were Kushilav, are not brought to justice and if they are not given the punishment they deserve, then our freedom and sovereignty will continue to be in jeopardy.
Professor Dr. Shahiduzzaman said, I think it is the infinite mercy of Allah that we were able to return to our reality before Indian forces entered Bangladesh and made a permanent presence. He also said, whenever I go on TV talk show, I never say Awami League government. I always say terrorist regime. Awami League fully matches the definition of terrorism. They are not a political party, they are a terrorist organization. They seized power thrice as terrorists.
Emphasizing on fixing the law and order situation and the intelligence agencies, Lt. (retd.) Abu Rushd said, hundreds of our officers have been dismissed for no reason, for political reasons, among them are many trained and experienced officers. They may be assigned to various places on a voluntary basis. Then gradually train others and place them in these positions. Then maybe we can fix this security system.
Dr. Zaheed ur Rahman said, I definitely agree with what he said about your post-revolutionary role. This large workforce should be utilized by those who are available, including officers, JCO soldiers and those who are capable. And we have to do it. Commenting that there was a planned conspiracy to destroy the army, he added, “I think we should have a very powerful armed forces.” If not, we will be in great danger in this world and in the future. In this case, Rawa has to play an important role.
Lt. Conducted by Colonel (Retd.) Manish Dewan, the program began with prayers and prayers for the souls of all the martyred students who were martyred in the July-August 2024 revolution. Senior former retired officers of the armed forces were present in it. At the end of the program, several of them gave their feedback and various demands on what to do in the coming days.
