The Bangladesh Army will return to the barracks once stability is restored in the country following the 13th national election, said Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman, General Officer Commanding of the Army Headquarters’ Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC).

He expressed optimism that the election would help bring stability and restore normalcy in law and order.

Speaking at a press conference at the Officers’ Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday, Lt Gen Mainur said, “As you know, the army’s duty in peacetime is to prepare for war. We have been deployed outside for the past 15 months, and we may have to remain so for some more time after the election.”

He noted that the army’s training has been disrupted due to long deployment, adding that the challenges being faced by the troops in carrying out their duties are unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history.

The ARTDOC chief also alleged that a vested quarter is spreading false and fabricated propaganda on social media to undermine the army’s leadership.

I want to assure you that every member of the army remains loyal to the Chief of Army Staff and the senior leadership. There’s little need for counteraction against falsehoods on social media — truth must be proven by truth,” he said.

Lt Gen Mainur further said that between 90,000 and 120,000 army personnel will be deployed across the country during the election.