CA Urges Armed Forces’ Support for Peaceful February Polls

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today spoke at the DSCSC Course-2025 certificate distribution function held at the DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called on the armed forces, police and all law enforcement agencies to extend their full support in ensuring that the upcoming national elections—scheduled for the first half of February—are held peacefully and in a festive atmosphere.

“This is the time for the election. We look forward to it and will announce the date in the first half of February. We again need the support of our armed forces, police and all law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He noted that the transition from last year’s mass uprising to a nationwide election was a major national undertaking. The goal, he said, was to make the polls a celebration of unity, hope and democratic aspirations.

Professor Yunus made the remarks while addressing the certificate distribution ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 at the DSCSC Complex in Mirpur Cantonment.

At the outset of his speech, the Chief Adviser congratulated all graduating officers and urged them to apply the knowledge, discipline and leadership skills acquired from the course for the advancement of the nation.

“It is an immense pleasure for me to be present at the graduation ceremony of the DSCSC Course-2025. My heartiest congratulations to all the graduating officers,” he said.

Praising DSCSC as a distinguished military institution, he added, “I am particularly proud to be here. This institution is one of the best in the country, and also recognised internationally.”

Addressing the graduates, he said he believed their time in Bangladesh had helped them become familiar with the country during a defining moment in its history.

“You are lucky to be in Bangladesh at a time when the country is going through tremendous transition and transformation. We have repeatedly said that we are moving towards a new Bangladesh,” he said.

Referring to the student-people’s uprising last year, which ended the past regime, he said the movement had ignited new hopes and aspirations among citizens. “These are not just Bangladeshi aspirations. This is a global aspiration,” he added.

He said both foreign and Bangladeshi trainees might have absorbed the significance of the moment they witnessed during the course, noting that even for Bangladeshis such an experience is rare.

Speaking about the role of the armed forces during the 2024 uprising, the Chief Adviser said they fulfilled their duty by standing firmly with the people. “Bangladesh is a lucky country. All the armed forces, under the leadership of their commanders, stayed committed to the people,” he said.

He noted that this unity had ensured a swift end to the crisis and helped stabilise the nation. “That is why we could move forward with implementing the aspirations and hopes of the nation—because the armed forces stood behind the people.”

Discussing the interim government’s reform agenda, he said returning to past practices would make the sacrifices of the uprising meaningless. “Unless we build the country of our dreams, the sacrifices will be in vain. Reform is essential, but knowing exactly what must be done is even more important so that we do not repeat past mistakes.”

On the trial process related to the July uprising, he said, “Those who committed terrible acts must be brought to justice.”

Addressing international participants, Professor Yunus said their presence reflected Bangladesh’s strong global defence ties. He expressed hope that their connection with the staff college and with Bangladesh would continue in the years ahead.

According to ISPR, a total of 311 officers completed the DSCSC course this year, including 170 from the Bangladesh Army, 45 from the Navy, 36 from the Air Force and three from the Police.

Additionally, 58 officers from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Liberia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Turkey and Uganda also completed the course.

This year’s batch included 14 female officers, among them one from the Bangladesh Police, reflecting the institution’s commitment to women’s inclusion and empowerment.

The DSCSC is an internationally acclaimed institution dedicated to preparing mid-level officers for higher responsibilities and leadership roles. Since its establishment, it has trained 6,814 officers, including 5,329 from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, 20 from the Police, and 1,465 from 45 friendly foreign countries.