It wasn’t long ago at all. Just the other day, a collective resistance and unity formed against a discriminatory state system and fascist misrule. Only 15 months have passed. To build a just and equitable nation, the strong unity of the armed forces, students, and the people abolished the fascist system, standing shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart.

A single historic decision by the military, the symbol of our national identity, not to fire on the protestors, turned a crucial tide of history. By joining the people’s ranks, they accelerated the final public victory. This unique and splendid gem of memory still shines brightly in history. It continues to uplift the youth who tied the red-and-green flag to their foreheads that day, the mosque’s imam, the neighborhood vegetable seller, and the simple tea-stall owner. Its importance in the history of the ’24 mass uprising is undeniable; it is as radiant as the endless sun. That golden moment of unforgettable unity between the military, students, and the people still awakens the invincible faith of ordinary truth-seekers with its eternal light.

Anyone must admit that this strong bond of friendship between the patriotic armed forces and the student-populace brought the ’24 mass uprising to a successful conclusion. Yet, frequently, we observe an unusual tendency to forget everything, witnessing ugly, vicious, horrifying, and aggressive falsehoods being spread about the military—a crucial stakeholder in the uprising—both at home and abroad. Even amid this onslaught of disinformation, these architects of our territorial integrity keep the lamp of memory lit, proving themselves to be a symbol of effective force for sustainable democracy through their humane and responsible actions. Just as they proved 15 months ago that their patriotism was not blind loyalty to any political power, they have continued to stand by the government as a strong and neutral institution, providing absolute support to protect the nation’s sovereignty after the political change.

They have constantly set an example of how vital the military is to a country’s stability. The honesty and patriotism of the armed forces’ leadership have literally succeeded as a great tonic in implementing such difficult tasks. On the journey toward elections, they have stopped, and continue to stop, the evil intentions of vested interest groups trying to derail the march of democracy. If the armed forces had not stood tall and fulfilled their duties with a strong backbone after the mass uprising, the situation could have been far more horrifying. During this period, they have taken an active role in restoring a peaceful environment, building social harmony with empathy and high humane values, blending duty with compassion.

The world-shaking ’24 mass uprising brought an unprecedented potential to change Bangladesh. It created an opportunity for a turning point in future politics. But now, conflict and disunity are rearing their heads among the uprising’s stakeholders. This division, driven by the desire to secure personal, group, and party power and other interests, has become acute. Intense bickering is a daily affair in the political sphere, both public and private. After the uprising, a search for new enemies, hidden enemies, and new allies is underway. The result is public conflict and instability. Parties have failed to reach consensus on various issues, including a referendum. Before the blood of the students and people could even dry, the national unity and solidarity forged by the uprising are being destroyed. The political parties’ mud-slinging has left the public ‘annoyed’ and ‘miserable.’ Out of this frustration, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman warned all parties about 9 months ago at an event for ‘National Shaheed Sena Dibos’ at the Rawa Club in Mohakhali, saying, ‘If we engage in mud-slinging, fighting, and quarreling among ourselves, the independence and sovereignty of the country and the nation will be endangered. To protect this independence and sovereignty… we must work together, forgetting our differences.’

As time went on, the mutual verbal battles and divisions among the country’s political leadership, instead of the necessary national unity, widened further through the politics of ‘social media influencers’ and conspiracy theories. We are now witnessing all sorts of maneuvers to create a ‘battlefield’ instead of a ‘level playing field.’ Although almost all state institutions collapsed after August 5th, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have survived with their dignity intact, thanks to their high professionalism, patriotism, honesty, and unbroken morale. However, at various times, utopians lost in fantasies and so-called politicians have continued their vile attempts at character assassination against the service chiefs, targeting them in an effort to crack their unwavering resolve. In every instance, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan have handled the country’s overall situation with prudence, demonstrating immense patience and professionalism.

Using social media, rumormongers have also craftily targeted the sensitive intelligence agencies, DGFI and NSI. But, believing in the principle of ‘Country First,’ these two important agencies did not fall into any trap and have given the highest priority to implementing the public’s aspirations. The patriotic armed forces, at times granted magisterial powers during critical moments, have been working tirelessly, responding to the call of their conscience. Recently, at a press conference at Army Headquarters, the GOC of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman, stated, ‘Every member of the army is 100% loyal and faithful to the Army Chief and the senior leadership of the army.’

Disunity in the political arena is at its peak. Amidst this, all calculations for the politics of voting are underway. As the time for the 13th National Parliament election in February next year, announced by the Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in his latest address to the nation, draws closer, the people of the country are eager to exercise their right to vote. A full-blown election atmosphere is blowing across the country. Along with it, the vast electoral field is heating up. The police force has not yet fully bounced back. They are constantly trying to demonstrate their capability. But the law and order situation is extremely messy. This adversity is increasing anxiety. The role of the armed forces will be crucial in maintaining a satisfactory law and order situation during the election period. In the past, the fallen government had cunningly neutralized the armed forces on the electoral field through a web of laws. But this time, the Election Commission (EC) has finalized a proposal to include the ‘Army, Navy, and Air Force’ within the definition of ‘law enforcement agency’ in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). If this is added to the law, no separate order will be needed to deploy the three forces for election duty. The armed forces have also expressed interest in performing duties in the national election, including with judicial or magisterial powers.

According to the Chief Adviser’s speech, the Election Commission will announce the schedule in the first week of December. The EC is making all necessary preparations. Political party candidates have informally begun their campaigns in various places. Approximately one hundred thousand army personnel, along with several hundred thousand more security personnel from different agencies, are receiving training to perform election duties. The government, the armed forces, and the people share one goal: a free, fair, participatory, and acceptable election.

In the last week of October this year, this proposal was presented by the armed forces at a high-level meeting with the Election Commission (EC) and law enforcement agencies. Their argument in favour is that if they are in the field with judicial powers, it will be possible to make quick decisions in any situation. This will make it easier to control the situation. They have also proposed adding provisions to the law, rules, and circulars so that the military can respond if a Returning Officer needs to call them inside a polling center in the interest of maintaining law and order. Although no final decision has been made on this matter, the common people of the country want to see the armed forces in such a role for a free, fair, and acceptable election. They believe that only the armed forces can make a bloodless and fair election possible. ARTDOC GOC Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman has already said, ‘Let a free, fair, and acceptable election be held according to the outline prepared by the government. A timeframe has been given in that outline. We hope that if the election is held, the country’s stability will improve further. The law and order situation will normalize. Then the army will be able to return to the barracks. We are looking forward to that.’

The relationship between the patriotic Bangladesh Armed Forces and the common people is eternal, one of timeless brotherhood. Overcoming all difficult barriers, the military and the people have woven their love and solidarity into that touching melody—’Mother, if your face turns sad, oh mother, I float in tears.’ They have spread their light of unity, friendship, social solidarity, and peace among the masses, layer by layer. In the breath and heartbeat of every member of the patriotic military, the phrase “Country First” resonates. May the foundation of unity between the armed forces and the people remain firm, unwavering, and strong in building the blueprint for a beautiful future.