Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser urges armed forces’ support for peaceful polls at DSCSC-2025 graduation

At the DSCSC-2025 graduation in Mirpur, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus calls on Bangladesh’s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies to support peaceful elections next February and help build a “new Bangladesh.”

S Arefin November 20, 2025 3 minutes read

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on Bangladesh’s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies to help deliver a peaceful national election next year.

He made the appeal while speaking as chief guest at the graduation and certificate distribution ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course-2025 in Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.

Yunus also congratulated the graduating officers and praised DSCSC as one of the country’s and region’s leading military institutions.

DSCSC graduation underscores role of professional leadership

The Chief Adviser said it was an “immense pleasure” to attend the DSCSC-2025 graduation and to recognise the officers’ hard work.

He urged graduates to use the “knowledge, wisdom and determination” gained at the college to strengthen national security and public service.

Yunus described DSCSC as an institution with a strong international reputation for preparing mid-level officers for higher command and staff roles.

Elections and armed forces: support for peaceful, festive polls

Turning to politics, Yunus said Bangladesh is moving from last year’s mass uprising toward national elections planned for the first half of February next year.

He stressed that a peaceful, “festive” vote would require collective support from the armed forces, police and all law-enforcement agencies.

According to the Chief Adviser, their cooperation is essential to turn the election into a celebration of people’s aspirations rather than a source of tension.

Bangladesh in transition after the July uprising

Yunus reminded officers that they were graduating at a historic moment, as Bangladesh undergoes “tremendous transition and transformation” after the student-led July 2024 uprising that toppled the previous regime.

He said the movement created new hopes at home and abroad, calling these expectations part of a wider global desire for justice and democracy.

The Chief Adviser credited the armed forces with helping end the crisis quickly by standing with the people during the protests.

International officers and women strengthen DSCSC-2025 cohort

This year, 311 officers completed DSCSC Course-2025, including 170 from the Army, 45 from the Navy, 36 from the Air Force and three from the Bangladesh Police.

Another 58 officers came from 24 friendly countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, reflecting Bangladesh’s growing defence links.

Notably, 14 female officers, including one police officer, graduated this year, underlining the college’s focus on inclusion and women’s leadership in security institutions.

Reforms, justice and vision for a “new Bangladesh”

Looking ahead, Yunus said the interim government has embarked on a “big project of reform” to build a “new Bangladesh” that honours the sacrifices of protesters.

He insisted that those responsible for violence during the uprising “must be brought to justice,” arguing that accountability is vital to lasting stability.

Addressing both Bangladeshi and foreign officers, he urged them to pair military skill with moral courage, so that power is used to serve people, not dominate them.

The Chief Adviser concluded by expressing hope that DSCSC graduates would carry Bangladesh’s story of transition and reform back to their units and countries.

As a result, he said, the college’s influence would extend far beyond Mirpur, helping shape a security culture rooted in professionalism, democracy and respect for human dignity.

Image: Chief Adviser’s Facebook