"In the long view of history, when the dust of today's crises has settled, it may be said that the Bangladesh Army did not rise to dominate-but to defend, to develop, and to deliver."
In the volatile aftermath of August 5, 2025, Bangladesh found itself teetering on the edge of disorder. Political tensions, communal violence, and rampant crime threatened to undermine the country's progress. Amid the swirling chaos, one institution rose with resolve and resilience: the Bangladesh Army. While a particular segment of society continues to peddle narratives that paint the military as a failed force, the evidence tells a strikingly different story. Far from being a disruptive or authoritarian presence, the army has acted as a stabilizer, a restorer of order, and-perhaps most importantly-a bridge among divided political forces. Its multi-faceted involvement in national security, disaster response, communal harmony, and industrial stability has proven indispensable.
A Nationwide Mandate: The turning point came on September 17, 2024, when the transitional government extended judicial and executive authority to the Bangladesh Army across 62 districts. This mandate was not an act to extend the role of the Army but a pragmatic response to widespread breakdowns in law and order. In the months that followed, the army demonstrated not just muscle, but method. It arrested more than 7,800 suspects from across the country since August 5 of the previous year. These weren't indiscriminate round-ups-those detained included juvenile gang members, smugglers, drug traffickers, kidnappers, extortionists, and other hardened criminals. Simultaneously, over 9,000 illegal weapons and 285,000 rounds of ammunition were seized in coordinated operations, effectively dismantling several organized crime networks.
Tackling Unrest: A Tactical Triumph: Between March and April 2025 alone, the army tackled 232 unrest situations. These included political conflicts (76 incidents), government office-related unrest (24 cases), education-related disturbances (37 incidents), and 95 incidents of varied nature, such as spontaneous violence, road blockades, or union clashes. What's remarkable is the discipline with which these operations were conducted. Unlike the brutal crackdowns seen elsewhere in South Asia, Bangladesh Armed Forces maintained a policy of restraint and proportional response. In doing so, they minimized casualties while maximizing operational success-rarely seen in similar deployments globally.
Bridging the Political Divide: What stands out in this complex web is the inclusive approach of the Bangladesh Army in dealing with all political stakeholders. Rather than alienating any single party, the military has maintained open communication channels across the board. This ability to act without antagonism is both rare and commendable in South Asian politics, where partisan divides often blur national priorities. The army's role has thus evolved-not as a disruptor but as a stabilizer, seeking to bridge divides without overstepping constitutional limits. In an era when militaries elsewhere are accused of power grabs or political engineering, Bangladesh's armed forces are scripting a narrative of restraint, balance, and patriotism.
Ensuring Industrial and Communal Harmony: Few sectors have tested the Army's coordination skills as much as the garment industry-the country's economic lifeline. From late 2024 to early 2025, the sector saw over 600 incidents of unrest, ranging from wage protests to violent clashes. With strategic mediation and physical security, the Army enabled 2,089 garment factories to continue operations safely. Only one factory remains closed. This period also witnessed 67 episodes of industrial instability-mainly in Gazipur, Ashulia, and Savar. The Army stepped in to resolve disputes, clear road blockages, and mediate between factory owners, the BGMEA, ministries, and workers. Similarly, during Durga Puja, the army established 133 additional camps and deployed over 10,000 troops to safeguard communal peace.
Responding to Natural Disasters: The army's capacity as a humanitarian force was exemplified during the floods in Feni (August 2024) and Satkhira (April 2025). It not only spearheaded rescue operations and embankment repairs but also launched a relief and financial aid initiative, enabling citizens to contribute to national recovery. Two patrol teams were stationed in the inundated areas of Satkhira, offering both logistical support and hope.In Sajek, 1,400 stranded tourists were safely evacuated by army personnel during a three-day strike-another quiet but effective operation that rarely makes headlines.
Defusing Extremism and Insurgency: In an increasingly polarized and volatile regional context, the army has taken proactive measures against extremism. On March 8, 2025, it detained 15 members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, reaffirming its commitment to secularism and national integrity.Meanwhile, the Chittagong Hill Tracts saw counter-insurgency operations against militant groups like the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). In Rangamati, intelligence-led raids led to the seizure of ammunition and insurgent equipment-critical in neutralizing threats that could spiral into larger armed conflict.
Medical Aid and Social Support: Not to be overlooked is the Army's contribution to social stability through humanitarian outreach. In the wake of the student movement, over 2,500 injured students received treatment in Combined Military Hospitals (CMH). 867 students continue to receive care, illustrating the military's commitment to human dignity beyond the battlefield. This same spirit of public service was evident in army hospitals across the country, which have increasingly become frontline institutions not only in times of protest but also in health emergencies.
Upholding Law Without Repression: In a remarkable show of coordinated action, the army-alongside other law enforcement agencies-arrested 2,457 suspects from March 17 to April 17, 2025. These included individuals involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession. 320 illegal firearms and 564 rounds of ammunition were confiscated during this period.These figures are not just statistical triumphs. They symbolize restored faith in law enforcement, a resurgence of order, and a message that crime will not be tolerated, no matter who the perpetrators are.
Beyond the Myths: A Force for Nation-Building: Despite undeniable evidence of its constructive and non-partisan role, a vocal minority continues to cast the army in a negative light. These portrayals are often politically motivated, designed to erode public confidence for short-term gain. But ground realities contradict these narratives. The army is not vying for political control-it is working, often behind the scenes, to protect national interests, uphold constitutional frameworks, and restore public trust.
What Bangladesh is witnessing is the emergence of a new military ethos: one rooted in civic responsibility, democratic accountability, and strategic pragmatism. In a region where armies frequently seize power or back political favorites, Bangladesh Army is charting a different course-one of nation-building, not nation-breaking. As the country continues its journey through turbulent times, the Bangladesh Army remains a pillar of strength, not a shadowy force lurking behind democratic institutions. Its role is not just that of a sentry but that of a silent architect-building peace, enabling governance, and protecting the promise of a stable and prosperous Bangladesh.
