CA advises streamlining army role in assisting civil admin

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has stressed streamlining the current army role along with a clearly defined command structure and close coordination among all forces in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections.

The direction from the head of post-uprising government was spelt out during discussion when Chief of the Army Staff General Wakar-Uz-Zaman called on him Monday.

"During the meeting, the Chief Adviser discussed the army's role in assisting the civil administration under the present circumstances," said a spokesperson for the CA about what transpired in the discussion.

He thanked the military for their continued contribution to the maintenance of law and order.

"I have made a solemn commitment to the nation to deliver an election that would stand out in terms of voter turnout, participation of new and women voters, global confidence in safety and security, and its atmosphere as a celebration of democracy and the rule of law," said the chief of the interim government.

General Wakar-Uz-Zaman, in turn, assured the Chief Adviser of his full cooperation with the interim government.

He urged the Chief Adviser not to pay heed to rumours circulating around. "The entire army is committed to making the government successful in all its initiatives and programmes."

Earlier in the day, media reports said, the army chief also paid courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban around 11:00am and briefed him about his recent visit to China.

As per protocol, whenever the army chief goes abroad on an official visit, he must brief the President, the supreme commander of the armed forces, upon return.

"During the meeting, General Waker also informed the head of state about the country's law-and-order situation and the activities of the army in maintaining it," a competent source was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, reports said, the army chief called on Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Sunday.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com