Army personnel returning to barracks as situation stabilising: Army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today (21 May) said that army personnel, who had been deployed across the country during a critical period in 2024, are now gradually returning to barracks as the national situation is stabilising.

Speaking at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the Bangladesh Army Firing Competition at Cumilla Cantonment, he said, “The army carried out duties in the field when the country needed it. As stability has returned, troops are gradually going back to the barracks.”

He noted that the nation will remember the army’s role during critical times with profound gratitude.

Congratulating the champion and runner-up teams, he praised the participants for demonstrating exceptional skill in the competition despite remaining engaged in field duties over the past 18 months. He later distributed prizes among the winning teams.

The firing competition began on 16 May under the overall management of the Headquarters 33 Infantry Division. A total of 17 teams, including various formations of the Bangladesh Army, logistics areas, five independent brigades, and the Para Commando Brigade, participated in the event.

The 17 Infantry Division secured the championship title, while the Para Commando Brigade emerged as the runner-up.

The event was attended by the master general of the Ordnance (MGO), commandant of the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory, general officer commanding (GOC) of the 33 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Cumilla Area, GOC of the 17 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Sylhet Area, along with senior officers from army headquarters and various formations, and soldiers of different ranks.