Rokan's Journal

By: Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc

Introduction

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh have always remained the steadfast guardians of the nation. Be it a natural disaster or a national emergency, political unrest or a foreign threat—when all else faltered, it was the Army, Navy, and Air Force that stood by the people with unwavering loyalty and supreme sacrifice. Yet, it is profoundly unfortunate and unacceptable that those who pledge their lives to defend the sovereignty of the nation are today facing systemic neglect, institutional silence, and political marginalization.

The events surrounding the July 2024 people’s revolution, followed by the political transition in Bangladesh, have brought to light a glaring disparity: while many members of the civil and police administration who were sidelined or victimized during the past 16 years of fascist governance have been rapidly promoted, reinstated, and rehabilitated with benefits—no such measures have been taken for the deprived members of the Armed Forces. Even after 11 months, not a single corrective step has been implemented. This discriminatory treatment has created deep frustration and resentment among both serving and retired members of the defence community.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Sacrifice

Historically, the Armed Forces of Bangladesh emerged from the very heart of the Liberation War of 1971. From the valiant Mukti Bahini fighters to the newly raised units of the post-independence army, their blood and sweat shaped the foundations of a sovereign Bangladesh. In the decades that followed, the Armed Forces remained a symbol of discipline, unity, and national resilience. Their role during catastrophic floods, cyclones, pandemics, and even political chaos has always been decisive and people-centric.

It is not the judiciary, nor the police, nor the bureaucrats—but only the Armed Forces—who take a sacred oath to embrace the ultimate sacrifice, if required, for the protection of the motherland. This is a unique moral and professional contract with the state, and it deserves reciprocal respect, dignity, and justice.

The Unjust Silence after the July Revolution

During the July 2024 revolution, when the state trembled under the weight of public uprising against prolonged authoritarian misrule, the Armed Forces once again stood with the people. Their restraint, discipline, and quiet coordination ensured a peaceful transition and avoided what could have turned into a bloodbath. The political change was possible because the military chose national interest over personal gain—order over chaos.

Yet, the very institution that enabled this transition has been overlooked in the post-revolution rehabilitation process. Several civilian officers who were marginalized for resisting the fascist regime were overnight given two to three promotions, granted benefits, and restored to the system. Similar gestures were shown to members of the police and civil bureaucracy. But the Armed Forces—particularly the officers who were forcefully retired, denied promotion, or victimized through manipulated Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs)—have received nothing but silence.

Despite repeated appeals—through the media, social platforms, political leadership, veteran associations like RAOWA, and direct applications by the deprived officers—no decision has been taken. Even the internal Review Boards formed at the three services headquarters had submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Chief Adviser’s Office months ago. The Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force have also reminded the Chief Adviser personally. But the files continue to gather dust. Why?

Colonial Shackles and Institutional Muteness

Part of the problem lies in the archaic British-era military regulations, which restrict officers from voicing their grievances publicly. This code of silent obedience, meant for the battlefield, is now used as a political tool to suppress justice. Unlike bureaucrats or police officers, members of the Armed Forces are institutionally silenced even when wronged. This institutional handicap is now being exploited to delay or deny justice.

It must also be asked: is there an invisible bias at play here? Why is the Chief Adviser and his administration showing reluctance in correcting the injustices faced by the Armed Forces? Is there a fear of empowering a patriotic institution that cannot be politically manipulated? Is this hesitation rooted in a broader anti-military sentiment?

A Widening Civil-Military Disconnect

The recent behaviour of the government—especially its refusal to consult the Armed Forces on matters of national security—points to a growing civil-military disconnect. In various steps taken by the present government regarding security, border management, and defence modernization, the Armed Forces were either kept uninformed or consulted only superficially. This alienation is dangerous for the national interest.

Bangladesh faces grave strategic threats: border incursions, cyber espionage, regional instability, and hybrid warfare. Yet, defence modernization has seen no priority. Even defence procurement and infrastructural upgrades are suspended or slowed down. Can a nation sleep in peace when its first line of defence is underfunded, neglected, and demoralized?

A Plea and a Warning

The retired and deprived members of the Armed Forces are not asking for favours—they are asking for justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. This injustice has begun to fracture the moral backbone of the military institution. It has seeded frustration among officers, alienated veterans, and tarnished the spirit of service.

If the government fails to act decisively and immediately, it risks sending a dangerous message—that patriotism and sacrifice are punished, while sycophancy and political opportunism are rewarded. This is not how a republic should treat its most disciplined, tested, and loyal institution.

Conclusion

The nation owes its peace, progress, and sovereignty to the sacrifices of its soldiers—both known and forgotten. The July Revolution was not the end of a movement; it was the beginning of a new social contract between the people and the state. In this new Bangladesh, justice must be equal, recognition must be fair, and no one should be left behind—especially not the guardians of the nation.

The Chief Adviser must now rise above bureaucratic inertia, political hesitation, and personal biases to correct this historical wrong. Let not the files of the brave continue to gather dust in the drawers of indifference.

Justice for the deprived Armed Forces members must not be delayed any further.