General Waqar-uz-Zaman took charge as the Chief of Bangladesh Army. After taking charge, he told reporters in his office, "I will always be engaged in the needs of the country and the people." I will fulfill the responsibility given by the government to help the civil administration in various fields including disaster management. Army will also work for world peace.
Regarding the Myanmar border situation, he said, "We are always ready without doing anything provocative."
Outgoing Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed handed over responsibility to the new Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman in his office on Sunday (June 23) noon. Then in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina General Waqar-uz-Zaman was given the badge of promotion as General by Chief of Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan.
In the afternoon he hold a courtesy meeting with President Md. Sahabuddin at Bangabhaban. On the same day, various farewell ceremonies of the outgoing army chief were completed.
Earlier, General Shafiuddin laid wreath at Shikha Anirban in the morning. He was given a farewell guard of honor at Senakunja. He planted saplings there. Both took part in a photo session after the handover ceremony at the headquarters.
Then, as per custom, the outgoing army chief climbs into an open jeep decorated with flowers. Army officers dragged him with a rope. At this time, officials from both sides of the road started giving flowers. He took them very passionately.
Waqar-uz-Zaman, the new army chief told the journalists, "First of all, I am grateful to Almighty Allah." It is a serious responsibility. Everyone will pray so that I can fulfill that responsibility beautifully.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, 'I have worked with her. My working experience with her is very good. Whenever I asked that decision; She made that decision very quickly. Bangabandhu gave us an independent country. Thank you also to Bangabandhu. Thank you to all the martyrs. My gratitude to the freedom fighters. Because, they dedicated their golden days for us.
He said, 'Army works with the help of civil power. When the government gives us the responsibility to deal with disaster, we will fulfill that responsibility. We are working for world peace. I will always be engaged in the needs of the country and people.
He said, 'I will work to keep the army disciplined at all times. We are doing training all the time. I will see that the training continues. The Army is performing challenging duties in UN peacekeeping missions. Whenever we are tasked with building the country and nation; only then will we fulfill that responsibility.
Regarding the border situation in Myanmar, the new army chief said, 'We are engaged with all countries. We are also engaged with Myanmar. Our Defense Attaché is in the country. They (Myanmar) are in a civil war in their own country. I don't think they will do anything aggressive at this point. However, the army is always ready. Navy has increased patrols. The border guard is also ready.
He also said, "We have no unresolved issues with Myanmar except the Rohingya." We want them to take back the Rohingyas. Besides, I don't see any hatred or any other kind of problem towards them. We are continuing to try to solve the Rohingya issue in a peaceful way. We are never disappointed.'