Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman faces a defining test of leadership as fifteen serving officers accused of crimes against humanity remain in military custody instead of civilian detention. This unequal treatment undermines public confidence in justice and contradicts the spirit of the nation’s Constitution.
Article 27 of the Constitution states that “all citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law.” No uniform or rank should place anyone above that principle.
The army chief has both the authority and responsibility to act. Transferring the accused officers to civilian detention would reaffirm the military’s commitment to the rule of law and restore faith in the fairness of the judicial process.
At this moment, Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman can demonstrate that the Bangladesh Army stands not for privilege, but for equality and justice — values at the heart of the republic.