Armed forces chiefs stress neutrality ahead of polls

The chiefs of Bangladesh’s Army, Navy and Air Force on Tuesday visited Gazipur district as part of preparations for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum 2026.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met senior military officials, law enforcement agencies and civil administration representatives from Gazipur, Narsingdi and Narayanganj districts during the visit.
A coordination meeting was held at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, where discussions centred on maintaining law and order and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to ensure the election is conducted in a peaceful, fair and impartial manner,  says an ISPR press release. 
Emphasis was placed on comprehensive security planning and close collaboration between the armed forces, police and civil authorities.
The three service chiefs underlined the need for professionalism, neutrality and discipline in the performance of duties, calling on all personnel to exercise patience and maintain a citizen-friendly approach throughout the election period.
During the visit, the chiefs also inspected the activities of armed forces members deployed in support of civil authorities under the “In Aid to the Civil Power” framework and issued operational guidance on the ground.
Senior officials from the armed forces, civil administration and law enforcement agencies, along with representatives from various media organisations, were present during the inspection and meetings.