Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), on Tuesday criticised the recent comment made by the Chief of Army Staff regarding elections, saying the military has no authority to speak about political matters.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Democracy is the Only Way to Resolve Crisis", held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, he said, “We have seen the army introduce a new narrative in politics. The army chief said elections must be held in December. This is not their jurisdiction. The military should stay within cantonments.”

He said, “We urge that the military be separated from politics. The armed forces must go through a reform process. Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen wider cantonment roads and taller buildings, but we haven’t seen any arms, drills or readiness. Instead, their bellies have only grown.”

Nasir Patwari called on the military to become real soldiers of the people and train themselves with modern warfare knowledge, if needed, to defend public interests. 

“You must not meddle in politics,” he added.

MSK/