Military, admin should work together

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed has urged the military and civilian administrations to work together in the national goal of building "Sonar Bangla."

The army chief said the assistance of the civilian administration is an important factor in facilitating the Bangladesh Army to carry out its responsibilities.

He was speaking to reporters after addressing the first session on the third day of the Deputy Commissioners' Conference yesterday morning.

"We have discussed the areas. We all agree that there is no alternative to working together. At present we have a very good relationship. We want to go further by capitalising on it," he added.

Asked about proposals from the DCs in this regard, General Shafiuddin said there was no such proposal specifically.

"But we have discussed the areas in which we have the potential to enhance our civil-military relations," the army chief added.

Regarding the issues emphasised in the conference, he said, "Environment is very important for me to do any work together."

"The more communication, the less becomes the communication gap. The less communication gap, the better it will be for us to work," he said.

Responding to a question about his role in the electoral field, the army chief said, "Our first responsibility is to protect the country's sovereignty."

"In addition to that, we carry out nation building activities in aid to civil power. We assist law enforcement too," he added.

"Whenever the civilian administration thinks that the army can stand by their side under the direction of the government, we will respond to their call and of course we will be by their side to fulfil our duty," he said.