Dhaka, May 18 (V7N) – A group of former members of the Bangladesh Army, discharged from service, staged a protest at the premises of the National Press Club on Sunday, demanding reinstatement, remission of punishment, and financial compensation. They also addressed various media outlets to voice their grievances.

In response to the protest, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a press release the same day, confirming the incident and addressing the claims made by the protesters.

According to the ISPR, a delegation from the Bangladesh Army visited the protest site in an effort to reach a peaceful resolution. The delegation listened to the protesters’ statements “with great patience and sincerity” and assured them that the army would take necessary steps to verify and resolve their demands in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

The army also advised the former personnel to submit their complaints directly to the relevant authorities rather than through any third party or under the banner of any external organization.

The ISPR noted that the army had received a total of 802 applications from dismissed personnel, of which 106 have already been resolved. The remaining applications are currently under review and are being handled “with utmost sincerity and humanity.”

However, the ISPR expressed regret over some “undesirable behavior” exhibited during Sunday’s demonstration, stating that it undermined the discipline and values of the armed forces. The situation escalated when some of the protestors reportedly blocked the delegation’s vehicle, threw bricks and stones at law enforcement personnel, and used “inaudible and inappropriate” language.

Despite the Bangladesh Army’s efforts to manage the situation peacefully throughout the day, law enforcement agencies were ultimately forced to intervene and disperse the disorderly group.

“Any provocative activity or behavior that goes against the public interest or harms the image of the armed forces is never acceptable,” the ISPR stated. It added that the army remains committed to handling the matter with patience, compassion, and sensitivity.

The statement concluded with an appeal for responsible behavior from all quarters, urging respect for the country’s constitutional framework and the discipline of its armed institutions.

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