The Bangladesh Army and the government are working hand in hand to safeguard the country's interests and sovereignty, and there is no confrontation or discord between them.
Senior officers of the Army Headquarters made the remarks while addressing reporters at a press conference at the Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment today.
Brig Gen Md Nazim-ud-Daula, director of the Military Operations Directorate (MOD) of the Army, said, "This is our country. Its welfare and sovereignty are deeply connected to all of us. If we want to keep this country safe, we have to do it ourselves. And if anything goes wrong, we are equally responsible for that too."
Responding to a journalist's question about the "humanitarian corridor", he urged the media not to misrepresent the ongoing discussions regarding the government-military relationship.
"I don't believe this issue has reached a point to warrant such criticism or speculation. The government and the Bangladesh Army are working in close coordination and complementing each other. We follow the government's directives. There is no reason to interpret it otherwise," he said.
Referring to recent debates in social media, Nazim said, "Sometimes, even in families, there can be misunderstandings. Similarly, different stakeholders may express varying opinions in the course of running a country. But that does not mean there's division or conflict. Nothing of that sort has happened."
He reiterated that the military has always worked with the government and will continue to do so in the future.
"Let us not overcomplicate things. The government and the army are not at odds. We are working together, and I firmly believe we will continue to do so even more effectively in the days ahead."
Addressing the issue of the "humanitarian corridor" raised in some media reports, Nazim clarified, "When I spoke about the Bangladesh-Myanmar border issue and the activities of ARSA, I never used the term 'corridor.' That is a separate issue. The movement of armed groups at the border has no connection to any corridor matter."
Col Md Shafiqul Islam, Col Staff of the MOD, echoed the sentiment.
In reply to reporters' query about the army's stand on corridor, he said, "The 'corridor' is a sensitive issue. Let me be clear—Bangladesh Army will never be involved in any action that may compromise national security."
Responding to rumours circulating on social media about the army taking power, Col Shafiqul said unequivocally, "There has been no such discussion within the army. We have no intention, no interest, and no information to suggest anything of that sort."
Both officers stressed the military's ongoing commitment to working for the people of Bangladesh.
"We have always worked unitedly for the country's security and will continue doing so with full dedication," Shafiqul said.
When asked about a media report claiming that the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) had ordered 3,000 uniforms from a local garment factory, Nazim said the report appeared credible and was being investigated.
"We've already seen weapons used by KNF in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, resulting in casualties among our troops," he said.
"We're trying to verify for whom the uniforms were made. The division is actively looking into it. We are not taking this lightly—it concerns national security," he added.
He clarified that while KNF is a Bawm-based group, others might be joining them.
"The total Bawm population is around 12,000, including women and children. So, determining whether these uniforms were made for KNF is part of our ongoing inquiry."
Responding to concerns of compromised borders to groups like ARSA or JSS, Brig Gen Nazim firmly said, "Absolutely not. We will never compromise our sovereignty. This is our country, and we will protect it at any cost."
Regarding ARSA's armed movement near the border, he described the Bangladesh–Myanmar border as "extremely sensitive", with the Arakan Army controlling most of Rakhine State.
"In such a power vacuum, movements of armed groups are not unexpected—but we're not turning a blind eye. BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) is on high alert, with army support, to ensure no threat breaches our sovereignty," he said.
Asked whether Lalmonirhat Airport was being activated for Chinese use—given China's proposal to build a hospital in Rangpur—Nazim dismissed any such speculation.
"The airport is being revived to support national needs, including the Aerospace University. I have no information about Chinese involvement. Rest assured, no foreign entity will be allowed to operate in a way that harms our security or national interest."
On reports of Indian authorities pushing undocumented individuals across the border, he said, "Push-ins are unacceptable. BGB is handling it efficiently, and if needed, the army will step in under government instruction."
"For now, BGB is managing well, within international protocols," he added.
At the beginning of the brief, Col Shafiqul shared that over the past 40 days, the army recovered 241 illegal firearms and 709 rounds of ammunition.
Since August, a total of 961 illegal firearms and 285,761 rounds of ammunition have been seized.
He added that in the last month alone, 1,969 individuals linked to crimes were arrested, including listed criminals, abductors, smugglers, fraudsters, extortionists, and muggers.
As part of the anti-narcotics drive, 487 drug dealers were arrested in the last 40 days, and 4,400 since August.
A large amount of illegal substances such as yaba, phensedyl, cannabis, and illicit liquor was also seized.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, the army conducted a two-week special traffic operation to ensure safe and smooth travel.
They also took steps to prevent extortion and ensure public safety at cattle markets through regular patrols and special drives.
Following the directives of Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, soldiers are actively engaged in maintaining law and order across 62 districts—including remote riverine areas—through coordinated efforts with relevant ministries, law-enforcing agencies, local administration, other government bodies, the media, and the general public, added Col Shafiqul.