Mobs and rumor-fueled terrorism are causing widespread confusion, fear, and anxiety across the country. We are witnessing the horrors of mob terrorism. These acts of terrorism are terrifying us. These recurring, unwelcome incidents have raised many questions in the public mind.

Rumors, however, are like air, surrounding us in ways we can’t perceive. It feels as though all of Bangladesh is living in a sea of rumors, and people are confused, unable to distinguish between fact and fiction. While the government has been vocal against mob violence, it remains silent on the issue of rumor-mongering, allowing it to spread like a contagious disease. Social media has become the biggest factory for these rumors, with people spreading them freely.

Most concerningly, the primary target of this rumor terrorism has become our glorious armed forces, the symbol of national unity and sovereignty born from Bangladesh's War of Liberation. After the mass uprising of 5 August, the armed forces have protected the country for the past 13 months. The thought of what the situation would have been like without them is chilling. They also played a glorious role in the July Revolution. When the armed forces decided they would not spill blood, that they would not fire on the people, and instead supported the public movement, the scene of the revolution changed dramatically.

The 15-year autocratic rule quickly fell. The current interim government was formed under the supervision of the armed forces. During this time, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman worked tirelessly, holding discussions with all political parties. He met with political parties at Bangabhaban with the Honorable President, and the process of forming an interim government began. The army played a glorious role in the fall of autocracy and the establishment of a new constitutional government in Bangladesh. However, we have observed that since the July Revolution, certain groups seem to be engaged in a campaign of slander specifically targeting the army. What is most notable is the armed forces’ display of patience and restraint during this time. They have taken precautions to ensure these false campaigns do not escalate. Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman has clarified his position on this matter multiple times. The ISPR has also provided accurate explanations for various incidents.

Recently, however, the rumors about the armed forces have crossed all limits. Not only are these rumors sensitive, but they also pose a threat to state security. A fabricated story about a disagreement between the armed forces and the government has been circulating. Fictional tales are being spun about a courtesy call between the Army Chief and the Chief Adviser. Many are creating a storm with this story on social media, making various statements and declarations. We must deeply understand why this misinformation and falsehood are being spread. There is a profound conspiracy behind it.

Meanwhile, Dr. Muhammad Yunus's government has announced an election for February. Last Sunday, the Chief Adviser's press secretary explicitly stated, "The election will be held in February at any cost. No power on earth can stop the election." The government is committed to holding a free, fair, and neutral election. In this context, there is no alternative to the armed forces for organizing such an election. The Election Commission has already made a crucial decision to include the armed forces in the definition of law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the armed forces will play a vital role in ensuring a peaceful election. In the past, whenever the armed forces have played the role of a law enforcement agency during elections, a fair and beautiful election has taken place. We can mention the elections of 1991 and 2001 in this regard, both of which are considered historically successful and fair. The people expect the armed forces to play a crucial role in this upcoming election as well, especially given the current law and order situation, which has raised public doubts about the feasibility of holding a free and fair national election. In such a reality, the armed forces are the public's only hope. For the past 13 months, the Bangladeshi armed forces have been the people's sole source of trust. A certain group is now working to destroy this trust, a group that wants to drag the country into a dark age. Those who want to create chaos and civil war are constantly slandering the armed forces.

The Army Chief has met with the Chief Adviser multiple times over the past 13 months. This is a matter of state etiquette. The Army Chief meets with the President and the Chief Adviser after returning from foreign tours to brief them. Since the armed forces are still on duty to maintain law and order, it is also a routine duty for the Army Chief to brief the country's chief executive on the law and order situation. However, rumors are being spread about the meetings between the Chief Adviser and the Army Chief to create a negative impression and distrust of a sensitive institution like the army. Attempts are being made to create public mistrust of the army by spreading falsehoods about division and disunity within the ranks. This is part of a deep-seated conspiracy.

The Bangladeshi armed forces are a professional institution. They have played a glorious role not only domestically but also around the world. The Bangladeshi armed forces are the largest participants in UN peacekeeping missions, with the highest number of members. In this context, a certain group wants to fish in troubled waters by tarnishing the image of the armed forces. Those involved in this kind of slander and rumor terrorism are, in fact, enemies of the state. They can be considered to be against the sovereignty and independence of the country. We know that rumors spread faster than the truth. Many people now voraciously consume these rumors on social media. Believing or not believing is a different matter, but if a lie is told continuously, people eventually start to believe it.

We have seen the government take a strong stance against mob violence recently. A strong statement was issued by the Chief Adviser after a destructive incident at a shrine, reaffirming the government's position against mobs. Just as the government has taken a stand against mobs, the time has come to take a stand against rumor terrorism. Those who do not want an election, those who want to create chaos in the country, and those who want to throw the people into a miserable state are the ones spreading these rumors. The upcoming national election is a test for Bangladesh's peaceful democratic transition. The armed forces are the most crucial institution for establishing a stable democratic state. The armed forces have remained steadfast for the past 13 months, working day and night to protect the lives and property of the people under any circumstances. So where does this organized, planned rumor-mongering against the armed forces end? Do they want to drag Bangladesh into darkness? Do they want to weaken the armed forces by spreading rumors?

But we must remember one thing: our armed forces are soaked in the love of the people of this country. Our armed forces are a symbol of public trust and confidence. These rumors may cause temporary confusion in the public mind, but attempts to create a distance between the Bangladeshi armed forces and the people will ultimately fail. In times of crisis, disaster, and distress, the armed forces have repeatedly stood by the people as saviors. Therefore, no matter how much these rumors and misconceptions are spread, the people expect that the armed forces will ultimately stand by them and make the greatest sacrifice for democratic transition.

Audite Karim: Playwright and Columnist
E-mail: [email protected]