BDR Mutiny and Army honor

Like the nation I am disturbed and deeply shocked by the BDR mutiny and aftermath. During the aftermath, we should use our decency and judgment while sharing the shocking images as well as spreading the vivid details of the brutality. We have to ask ourselves what we want by doing those acts.

I have lost friends of my relatives; my heart goes out to those children who lost their parents, to those spouses who lost their loved ones. May almighty give them the strengths to overcome the losses. For the fallen army officers, may almighty rest their souls in peace.

Just think about the alternative of not taking the control immediately under civil administration; If Army were asked to conduct the hostage negotiation or rescue operation, in my opinion, there is higher chance it could result into more casualty.

Think about it a bit. I myself, not being in the Army, was shocked, angered after seeing too many higher officers, colonel, Lt Colonel were killed instantly. Think about the Army brethren and friends of those fallen soldier would react once they saw those while they are loaded with smoking armors, tanks. Pillkhana would have been a blood bath with all those culprit killed along with many more collateral damages. Chances of many more innocent lives along with the perpetrators’ would have perished.

Once the blood bath in BDR headquarter spread around the country, 46 other BDR camp would have experience the call to revolt and more lives would have perished for no higher purpose. However, if that happen, you never know which way public sentiment would go; if things goes out of control and uncontrollable massacre happen. In worst case it could trigger “emergency rule”!

My heart felt thanks to Bangladesh Army for showing their patience for the greater good of the country. My thanks to the chiefs of the armed forces for their trust in civil administration. I appreciate Gen Moen’s advice not to spread rumors as well as he advised to cross check the armed forces offices even if those information are given by the army officer. Because there are lots of emotions going around. Everybody needs a shoulder to lean during this time.

I would ask everybody to refrain from spreading instigating information, especially to the leader of the opposition party. I ask her, what she is expecting to gain by repeating how much brutality those disgruntle BDR men did to the dead body? I challenge her to take a moral position; not a political one, during this national mourning. Please advice a better path and be constructive during this defining moment.

I hope the investigating body takes quick action to hunt those perpetrators. I hope Army would continue to show trust and patience toward democracy and help civil administration professionally.

Honor is what counts. My salute to all the member of Army for their honor and dignity. Above all showing their commitment for the greater interest of the nation. I hope chain of command and senior officers should continue to help mourning officers and show their outmost restrain and respect while battling their emotions.

I am very glad that the chief of the opposition Khaleda Zia hold a grip on herself and made a political move of moral call on March 1st. During this unsettling time, the country need some sense of unity. While people are drowning with grief and pulling every straw of information out there to comfort the suffering, our national leaders and intellectuals should reflect to their senses.

What is happening to the TV media and the news media that, every expert trying to bring their expertise to explain the incident; but the irony of this comes with their own agenda. Hence in lot of cases it exacerbates the anger and frustrations further more. Although, there are people who “gets it” and trying to helpless people to help. We all needed some support to go through this national loss and grief.

This note also publised as a letter to daily newage in Bangladesh: http://www.newagebd.com/2009/mar/03/fb.html