Throughout Bangladesh’s history, the Army, its Chiefs, and even the ordinary members of this beloved force have always commanded the highest respect. However, after the fall of the outlawed Awami League-led Grand Alliance Government following the Anti-Discrimination Movement on August 5, 2024, that honor seems to have somewhat diminished. My heart, like that of many students, youth, and people of this country, has felt the pain.

This same heart that writes silently and speaks fearlessly, without greed or temptation, is now heavy with questions. When I saw the headline on August 4, 2025 — “Former Army Chief Harun-Ar-Rashid found dead at Chattogram Club” — I was deeply pained and compelled to read further. The report said: “His body was recovered from a room at the club on Monday afternoon. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Club authorities stated that Harun-Ar-Rashid had been staying in the room overnight, and when there was no response in the morning, they opened the door and found him unresponsive. Doctors believe he may have died of cardiac arrest during the night.”

This death has not only saddened me as a politically, educationally, militarily, diplomatically, and economically aware citizen of the new generation, but also filled me with questions. Chief among them: Why did a retired army chief choose to stay in a club room instead of his own luxurious home? Was this truly a natural death or something more sinister?

Only a proper investigation can uncover the truth. Therefore, I strongly demand a thorough inquiry, along with heightened security measures for all former army chiefs.

Alongside this concern, I call on the current government or interim administration to publicly disclose information regarding recent allegations against Major Sadekul Haque Sadek, accused of training selected cadres from the now-banned Awami League and its affiliates.

In a country earned through the sacrifice of 3 million lives, the peddlers of so-called "freedom" have spread confusion in the past, and they continue to do so. Now is the time to unite against all conspirators.

The fact that a military court has already been formed to investigate the political involvement of the officer in question proves how far the situation has escalated. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) told the media: “Selected cadres from the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were trained in areas like Mirpur, Vatara, Katabon, and Purbachal. On July 8, nearly 400 AL members were trained at a convention center in Vatara. Participants were issued special tokens two days prior. Major Sadek was responsible for overseeing this training.”

The obvious question arises: If more than 25,000 AL and affiliated operatives were arrested in the ‘Devil Hunt’ operation, where did these 400 come from?

If the police and administration are now more proactive than ever, why couldn't they apprehend these 400 terrorists or Awami League members? Does this mean the police remain as corrupt as before?

ISPR also reported: “Major Sadek’s wife, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sumaiya Jafrin, collaborated with him. During their absences from work, they coordinated with Sajeeb Wazed Joy (Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son) to organize training sessions. This entire plan to overthrow the government is reportedly being directed from Kolkata by former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, along with ex-DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and other AL leaders and former police officers. Strategic support is also being provided by fugitives in Delhi — former SB chief Monirul Islam and ex-DGFI head Lt. Gen. Mujibur Rahman.”

Given such dire conditions within the law enforcement and military sectors, the statement from Brigadier General Nazim-Ud-Doula on the Gopalganj incident seemed both concerning and hopeful. He told the media: “Much has been said about Gopalganj. Every life is valuable. We do not wish to see any loss of life. What happened there was unfortunate. But why the law enforcement had to use force is being investigated by a high-level committee headed by a judge. Let’s wait for that. We rescued people based on the threat to their lives, not based on political affiliations. We would take the same action again if needed. Saving lives is our top priority.”

This statement gives me some courage. At least someone is still thinking about the people of this nation — a nation plagued daily by mugging, robbery, violence. My question to the authorities: Do you have any real plan to protect and save us from this chaos?

If your intention is truly to serve this nation, then act now. Otherwise, we risk sliding into complete societal and economic breakdown — even civil war. Over the past year, through unplanned decisions, this unqualified and utterly clueless government — including its chief advisor — has turned the country into a state of anarchy.

We have seen the confessions of student Al Imran, who testified in a war crimes case during the Anti-Discrimination Movement against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. He said: “While I was receiving treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Sheikh Hasina visited. When she understood I was a protester, she said, ‘No treatment, no release.’ I overheard this. Later, I realized what it meant — I was denied surgery, forced to buy medicine externally, and was almost taken to jail after they amputated my leg.”

Now, in August 2025, if the people still don’t feel safe, can’t speak freely, if there are no real steps to stabilize prices or improve education, if the cultural sphere remains chaotic, if the economy is left to suffer while the government distracts citizens with PR campaigns — then soon we might hear yet another “No treatment, no release.”

That is why I write this article today, with all the courage I can gather. I don’t know if I’ll remain safe. I don’t know if I’ll be abducted again like I was on March 15, 2018 under the Awami League-led Grand Alliance government. But still, I must speak

The writer is a journalist .