Editorial
Ex CA's wise words
Government should heed these
The remarks of Justice Habibur Rahman, that military involvement in politics and administration is likely to affect the country and the military equally adversely, are very wise words indeed. Come as they do from a highly erudite and experienced personality of our country they are sagacious, prudent and timely observations. We endorse his remarks which he made at a national citizens' dialogue recently.
His comments are not as though the issue had never been broached before but perhaps had never been so forthrightly and clearly articulated. His comments have touched the responsive chords in the minds of most people, and for this reason his observations merit close attention. It has basically brought to the fore what had been really in the public mind vis a vis the military's role as a state institution.
Happily, the chief of army staff had himself on many occasions following the changes of January 2007, expressed his minds on the same issue, and his sentiments have been unambiguous and quite in consonance with the ex-chief justice's feelings All this is a good augury.
However, one cannot but note with concern the odious attempts over the years by some opportunists, a section of politicians, academics and some professionals, to fish in troubled waters. These elements have been proffering unsolicited advice and misleading ideas regarding what they feel should be the future role of the military in the governance of the country.
We wonder whether those that are trying to put ideas in our minds are themselves convinced of what they are suggesting or is it a way for them to ingratiate themselves with the military. We are happy to note that the armed forces had displayed remarkable maturity during the period preceding January 11, 2007, in much the same way as they did preceding the resignation of President Ershad in 1990.
We should by now have realised that tailor-made democracy and commanded systemic changes don't work. This has been amply proved globally and regionally too. It will be a folly to suggest that it will work in our country now. The primary role of the armed forces is well defined by our constitution and we are certain that the military, as the most disciplined institution, would abide by it.
It will be well for all of us to heed the wise words.
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