Only the Military Can Restore Order Now

Although the matter had been apparent for some time, the events of the past few days have made it even clearer: freeing Bangladesh from mob violence, dismantling the reign of locally-supported terrorists, ending rampant extortion, halting the ongoing persecution of minorities—both overt and covert—and, above all, eliminating widespread disorder across various state sectors, activating the police as an effective arm of the state, ensuring national security, and holding timely elections—none of this is possible now without the leadership of the Army Chief and a united military.

A Theatrical Distraction, Quickly Understood

Following the Army Chief’s latest unequivocal statement about national security and the urgency of elections, a very low-grade political drama unfolded—something one might liken to “village politics.” However, the country’s conscious citizens quickly grasped the real reason behind it.

The purpose of this drama and the inaction in addressing the aforementioned issues are now evident to all. A particular group, enamored with the pleasures of power, knows that without clinging to power or its proximity, they cannot sustain that comfort.

BNP: The Only Viable Electoral Force

Among the currently active political parties, only the BNP has any real potential to gain power through elections. With the Awami League currently banned, Jamaat-e-Islami stands as the next largest party. But as a cadre-based organization, Jamaat has not developed the strength to win more than three to five seats without BNP’s support. Other religion-based parties may have some voter bases, but none have the power to win seats in opposition to a party like BNP. In fact, if the election is fair and money doesn’t flood the process, many independent and respected candidates could win due to their local reputations.

Sixteen Years of Resistance, but at What Cost?

For over 16 years, BNP has waged both violent and non-violent movements against the Awami League as part of its role as a rule-based political party. In response, the Awami League has engaged in suppression. BNP leaders have repeatedly gone to jail as political prisoners, only to be released again, sometimes adorned with flower garlands.

Many local Awami League leaders have resorted to prosecuting and suppressing BNP workers rather than building their own organizational structures. In many cases, they’ve undermined social and local governance structures, further pushing society into lawlessness—a lawlessness that is now unfolding in its most extreme form under the protection of the current regime.

A Society That Has Endorsed Disorder

The country is now not just heading toward complete disorder—it would have descended even further had the military not served with such sincerity, bearing all forms of humiliation. Only the Creator knows where Bangladesh would be without them. It’s not just criminals; many within our society, either consciously or unconsciously, have supported this private-army-led mob violence. That alone will be a significant topic for future research.

“The Country Has Always Been Like This”?

On February 5, I called a close supporter of the current regime—someone I consider very dear—and asked, “Brother, is this country now to be run by private armies?” He replied, “Hasn’t it always been like this since independence?” Hearing this, I had nothing more to say.

Like him, I too have witnessed the 1969 uprising, the Liberation War of 1971, and the mass movement of 1990. In each case, students and participants returned to their education or professions after the events. No one formed private armies. Mob violence in this country is an entirely new phenomenon.

A Nation Watching Its Last Defense Step Forward

Whatever the case, the general public is more aware of the country’s condition than I am. So, there is nothing new to add there. What’s important is that the direction in which the country is heading has become terrifyingly clear from the Army Chief’s remarks and the military spokesperson’s briefing. The Army Chief has called for swift elections to safeguard both the nation and the military—the last organized refuge of the state.

The Drama Continues, but the Power Lies Elsewhere

Yet, after his statement, a political drama followed, and some have suggested that the ball is now in the court of those running the interim government. I do not believe this. If they contest elections, their vote count would likely not exceed 250 to 300. Among their staunch allies, only one party might win three to four seats—and that too only if the Awami League remains banned and the vote doesn’t split three ways.

Under such conditions, the ball is now in BNP’s court. And only the Army Chief and his military leadership can now carry out the necessary task.

Why Is BNP Hesitating?

Oddly enough, it seems BNP is failing to handle or pass the ball smoothly. Several months ago, I ran into BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud at an event and asked him a brief question: Why, after the government fell on the 5th, the main opposition party and force behind a 16-year-long movement—BNP—was not able to take the driveing seat? His answer: “We believed.” Since it was a public event, I didn’t pursue further. But in politics, believing is one thing—seizing the driver’s seat is another.

Nine Months Later, a New Political Landscape

Moreover, international politics is no longer where it stood on August 5. In the past nine months, much has changed—like rivers Padma and Meghna flowing with new water.

Being born in a Hindu household, I’m quite familiar with a certain metaphor: after immersing an idol, once its colors and clay wash away, only straw tied to bamboo floats on the river or pond. That straw, no matter what, is not a deity. The people of Bangladesh have surely recognized the straw for what it is.

And it appears BNP has too, judging by the statements of Amir Khasru Mahmud and Salauddin Ahmed. Yet, a sense of hesitation still seems to linger within BNP—at least, that’s the perception of the country’s conscious public.

A Heavy National Responsibility Now Falls on BNP

The stark reality before us is this: if Bangladesh is to hold elections, if it is to reach a stable state to make those elections possible, a large share of the national responsibility falls on BNP.

BNP leaders, no doubt, are far more seasoned in politics than small-time journalists like me. But still, one fact remains clear—aside from the Army Chief and the military, no powerful entity stands firmly in favor of elections.

The Only Path to Stability

Hence, political parties like BNP, other political forces, and the general population that seeks a fair and peaceful election must now make the right decision. That decision has already become evident: without the Army Chief and the military, no one sincerely wants to create a peaceful environment. No one truly wants to hold an election.

At this moment, as the major political party in the country, BNP must take initiative so that the Army Chief and his military—under any agreed format—can take responsible charge. Under their supervision, a stable, mob violence-free, terror-free, and peaceful environment must be created. Only then can the military, the police, the civil administration—and ultimately, politics and the public—become strong in their respective places.

Education Collapse and the Cost of Delay

For the past nine months, the country’s education system has been collapsing. One generation after another is being destroyed. The nation must be freed from this downward spiral. The losses faced by the country’s youth and student communities during this time will cost millions of families for years to come.

Therefore, in this chapter of history, the army and the BNP must shoulder great responsibility in the interest of the country and its people.

The author is a journalist awarded with the highest state honor; Editor of Sarakhon and The Present World.