Justice demanded for ex-Armed forces officers dismissed for 'political reasons' by AL govt

A group of former members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces have demanded job reinstatement for the officers who were terminated during the Awami League regime on "political grounds".

At a press conference, titled "Roadmap to establishment of an Anti-Discrimination Armed Forces, Bangladesh 2.0", at the Raowa Convention Hall in the capital today, they also demanded justice for the officers who were subjected to oppression during the AL regime.

Two key coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement – Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam were present.

Presenting the keynote paper, former Navy Commander Nesar Ahmed Julius said respect and justice must be restored for those officials who have endured injustice.

"As the first step towards the recovery, the injustice done to the dismissed officers must be acknowledged," he said.

He also called for immediate formation of an impartial committee by the government to review the cases of the affected officers and provide justice. "Arrangements should be made for their rehabilitation so that they can contribute to various important sectors of the country."

The former Navy commander also called for introducing a financial rehabilitation package to ensure financial security for the affected officers' families.

"In addition, to ensure that no future government can exploit the Armed Forces for political reasons, an impartial reform commission should be formed to amend the existing martial law and other conflicting laws including human rights," he added.

He mentioned that the impartiality and professionalism of the country's Armed Forces have repeatedly been compromised owing to various political situations and the interests of the ruling quarter.

"There have been abuses of military laws and regulations. Killings and enforced disappearances have been committed in a planned manner, and meritorious officers of the force have been unjustly convicted in military courts and dismissed without pension," he said.

File complaints against AL cohorts who opposed student movement: Sarjis

At the press conference, Anti-discrimination Student Movement coordinator Sarjis Alam said those who opposed the student movement and acted as the cohorts of the fascist [Awami League] government should be sacked from their jobs.

"They should also face a proper trial," he said, urging the submission of complaints against those who had attacked the student movement protests, or had involvement in attacks.

He also called on the interim government and its advisers to execute their responsibilities diligently from their respective positions.

Sarjis also demanded the repeal of the existing constitution, saying that trial of all misrulings cannot be ensured with the current constitution in place.