HRM Rokan Uddin
One day, every officer in uniform—no matter how powerful his position today—will retire and leave the gates of this proud institution behind. Ranks will be folded away, authority will end, and only memory will remain. At that moment, history will not ask how influential one was, but how responsibly that influence was used. It will ask a far more enduring question: what did you do for the institution entrusted to you? This is a moment for reflection, courage, and principled decision-making. The future image and moral standing of our Army depend on it.
Enough damage has already been done to our beloved Bangladesh Army. An institution once admired for discipline, sacrifice, and professionalism—respected at home and abroad—has gradually been dragged into the murky and corrosive arena of partisan politics. While political interference in the military is not new, the scale and intensity of abuse during the last sixteen years of a fascist-style regime crossed all acceptable limits. What should have been unthinkable became routine. What should have been resisted was normalized. The consequences have been devastating, not only for the Army’s public image, but for its internal soul.
Historically, the Army earned its place in the nation’s heart through blood and sacrifice. From the crucible of the Liberation War to the long years of nation-building, it stood as a symbol of unity and resilience. Over decades, it proved its professionalism in national security roles, disaster response, and international peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh became one of the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with tens of thousands of troops serving in some of the most dangerous regions of the globe. These missions brought honor to the uniform, foreign exchange to the economy, and global recognition to the country. The Army was seen as a disciplined, neutral, and reliable force that served the state, not a party.
That reputation has been badly shaken. Successive political governments increasingly treated the Army not as a constitutional institution, but as a convenient instrument to secure power, silent opposition, and enforce political outcomes. During the last sixteen years, this trend has increased dramatically. The Army was repeatedly placed in politically sensitive roles, used for internal power consolidation, and indirectly associated with actions that eroded public trust. Promotions, postings, and commands were widely perceived—rightly or wrongly—to be influenced by political loyalty rather than professional merit. Even the perception of such politicization is poisonous for a military institution.
The Army has paid a heavy price. Its once unquestioned image of neutrality and honor has suffered deep erosion. This loss is not confined to public opinion alone; it has inflicted serious psychological and moral injuries on serving officers, soldiers, and retired veterans. Many who devoted their youth, energy, and loyalty to this institution now feel a quiet shame and inner conflict, watching values they lived by—honor, integrity, professionalism—being diluted. For a force whose strength rests on morale, cohesion, and trust, this kind of damage is profound and long-lasting.
No army in the world can remain strong if its soldiers are morally conflicted and its officers doubt the ethical direction of leadership. History offers countless warnings. In many countries, once-proud armed forces lost their legitimacy not through defeat in war, but through political entanglement at home. When armies are seen as partisan actors, they lose the people’s love. When they lose the people’s love, they lose the very foundation of national defense.
This is why recent developments within the institution are so alarming. Signals of overstepping constitutional boundaries—whether deliberate or born of poor judgment—carry grave consequences. Even decisions taken with “good intentions” can cause irreversible institutional harm if they compromise neutrality. Leadership must understand that the Army’s authority comes not from fear or political backing, but from constitutional legitimacy and public trust. Once that trust is broken, it is extraordinarily difficult to restore.
It must be stated clearly and firmly: the Army does not exist to protect individuals, political parties, or regimes. Its loyalty is to the country and to the Constitution, nothing else. This principle is non-negotiable. Every time the Army is drawn into political engineering, election manipulation, or partisan conflict, the foundation of the state is weakened. In the long run, the Army itself becomes the scapegoat for political failures it did not create.
Enough is enough. There must be no further politicization of the Army. No politician—regardless of power, popularity, or ambition—should be allowed to misuse or abuse this institution again. Political leaders come and go; regimes rise and fall. The Army remains. Leadership must therefore have the moral courage to say “no” when asked to cross constitutional lines. History remembers such moments, and it honors those who protect institutions even at personal cost.
This is not an anti-Army statement. On the contrary, it is a plea born of love, respect, and deep concern. It is a call to protect the dignity of the uniform, the morale of the troops, and the honor of generations who served before. Restore institutional neutrality. Re-anchor every decision in the Constitution. Insulate promotions, postings, and operations from political influence. Rebuild internal confidence by reaffirming that professionalism—not political convenience—guides leadership.
The nation needs a strong, disciplined, professional, and apolitical Army more than ever. In times of crisis—natural disasters, external threats, or internal instability—it is the Army that people instinctively look to with hope. Do not take that away from them. Do not deprive future generations of the pride we once felt without hesitation. And do not rob serving soldiers of the belief that the uniform they wear still represents honor above all else.
One day, today’s leadership will retire. When that day comes, titles will no longer matter. What will remain is legacy. The choice before leadership now is stark and historic: either be remembered as those who allowed a proud institution to drift deeper into controversy, or as those who had the courage to stop, correct course, and save the Army’s honor.
Please—do not mess with this beloved institution any further. Save it. Restore it. Protect it. The nation, and history, are watching.
Author: Retired Brigadier General, Geo-Political and Security Analyst
hrmrokan@hotmail.com
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