ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has confirmed that troops deployed outside barracks for nearly two years will return to their stations once the newly elected government takes office.
The announcement came during an address to all ranks at the Chief of Army Staff Darbar in Dhaka on February 15, 2026.
This development signals a major shift toward restoring civilian control and normalcy in the South Asian nation, which has experienced prolonged military involvement in internal security since mid-2024.
The Bangladesh Army has remained heavily deployed across the country following the mass uprising in August 2024 that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Troops were mobilised initially to maintain law and order amid widespread protests and the subsequent collapse of police functions.
General Waker-uz-Zaman, who assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff in June 2024, played a pivotal part in the transition by refusing to use force against civilians during the unrest.
His decision facilitated Hasina’s departure and paved the way for the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser.
Since August 8, 2024, the interim administration has overseen reforms and prepared for general elections, with the army continuing security duties due to ongoing challenges in restoring full police capacity.
The prolonged deployment has strained military resources and raised concerns about its impact on primary defence responsibilities.
In recent months, the army leadership has repeatedly expressed the need to return troops to barracks to refocus on professional training and external threats.
General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasised in his address that the bulk of forces would withdraw immediately after the new government assumes power and issues formal directives.
However, he clarified that a limited contingent would remain deployed temporarily to support law and order until the Bangladesh Police regain complete operational control.
This phased approach aims to prevent any security vacuum during the handover to civilian authorities.
The statement aligns with earlier positions from the army, which in late 2025 indicated a desire to end extended field duties following successful elections.
Analysts view the announcement as a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to constitutional norms and democratic transition.
The army’s role since 2024 has drawn comparisons to its historical interventions, though recent actions have highlighted a preference for neutrality rather than direct rule.
The interim period under Yunus has faced debates over election timelines, with the army advocating for polls by late 2025 or early 2026 to expedite normalisation.
Successful elections and a stable elected government are seen as essential for the army’s full withdrawal from civilian policing roles.
Observers note that the military’s cooperation with the interim setup has been crucial in maintaining relative stability amid political uncertainties.
The decision to return to barracks is expected to boost public confidence in the democratic process and reduce perceptions of military overreach.
It also allows the Bangladesh Army to prioritise modernisation, UN peacekeeping commitments, and border security responsibilities.
General Waker-uz-Zaman expressed appreciation for the troops’ performance during election duties and extended deployments.
He underscored that the army’s primary mandate remains defending national sovereignty, not prolonged internal security tasks.
The confirmation has been welcomed by political stakeholders anticipating a return to elected governance.
As Bangladesh prepares for the post-election era, the army’s planned withdrawal represents a key milestone in the country’s ongoing political transformation.
This step reinforces the principle of civilian supremacy while ensuring a smooth transition to restored institutional balance.