In an unofficial statement, junior officers of the Bangladesh Army have declared their unwavering support for the nation’s citizens and vowed to resist any curfew commands. They condemned the brutal suppression of innocent students and pledged to uphold freedom, justice, and the integrity of the army, distancing themselves from any political interference.
While the validity of this letter has not been independently verified, a US-based online news portal confirms that Mr. Zulkernain Saer of Al Jazeera has authenticated the letter and its sources. Saer stated, “We can confirm the validity of the letter and the sources it came from, hence this backup. This aligns with reports of current military activity in the country.”
In their statement, the junior officers wrote:
“With humble respect to our command channel, we, the Junior Officers of the Bangladesh Army, form the strongest backbone of both the Army and the nation. The combat uniform we wear was not earned through bribes, quotas, or favors. We achieved this uniform after years of rigorous training at the Military Academy and other military institutes. Our training involved enduring hunger and sleepless nights. We sacrificed our vibrant youth to become ‘Proud Members of the Bangladesh Army’—the highest pride of the nation.
Today, in this grave situation, the nation needs the Bangladesh Army on its side. Initially, it wasn’t necessary, but now our citizens are requesting our help. Instead of aiding them, we are preparing troops to confront them! Why should our citizens seek help from the outside world when the Bangladesh Army is still active on their land?
Our training and command channel consistently teach us, ‘Country comes first, above all.’ Yes, since wearing this uniform, we have internalized this, but only within our minds. Outside, we have been forced to stand against the common people and against what is right for too long. But not anymore. It is high time! Our humble submission to our respected Chief of Army Staff and the command channel: please do not issue us any unlawful commands. We stand with the common students who started their movement with a righteous demand and with the common people of the country. If a single bullet is fired against our innocent people or any violence is perpetrated by our uniformed personnel, it will forever damage the army’s reputation.
We have witnessed the brutal and unprecedented killing of innocent students by the ruling side. Those who have cut off a democratic country from the rest of the world for the last 30 hours, buried freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and instructed to shoot common people on sight for their righteous protest, do not fit to run the country anymore. We do not subscribe to any political ideology. Like all other armies, we hope to keep our Army above any political interference and on the side of freedom and righteousness with full pride.”
