Having learnt its lessons from the past, the Bangladesh army  has resolved to stay out of politics, said Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

"Meddling in politics is harmful for the army. Such things have happened in the past and we have learned from them." Waker-Uz-Zaman said in an interview with the daily, Prothom Alo. The army must not interfere in politics, he said.

The four-star general was answering a question hinting that there were apprehensions among  the people about the army's interest in politics and that this had happened before.

The General  said the army's interference in politics has never been good for them. "So, it is my pledge that during my tenure as army chief, I will not meddle into politics. I will not let the military interfere in the political affairs."

He added, "Only politicians can replace politicians. The army can't be an alternative for politicians."

When pointed out that the army's Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) had meddled in political affairs before, the army chief said that DGFI was an autonomous agency but the army did not want to do anything of that sort.

Waker-Uz-Zaman recalled his experience from 1/11 (referring to the two-year tenure of a military controlled caretaker government) that had left a bitter taste. "There is a higher risk of army officers breaching discipline with long term deployment in the field." 

Acknowledging that interference in politics during those two years had not boded well for the army, the army chief said he would happily send his soldiers back to their barracks as soon as the police were ready to resume their duties in earnest.

The army is currently aiding the civil administration vested with magistracy powers, he said.

Asked about the army's support for the interim government, Waker-Uz-Zaman reiterated the army's full-fledged support for the incumbent government, saying, "We will assist the chief advisor in whichever manner he seeks our cooperation."

He said he would not mind aiding the government even if it inconvenienced the military. "We will do it in the interest of the country and nation." Regarding a question about the government assailed with numerous demands from diverse groups, the army chief thought people should restrain themselves and not become a burden on the interim government. That, he said, would make it easier for the incumbents to hold quick elections and pave the way for an elected government.

Regarding the relationship with India, Waker-Uz-Zaman said that the military was very keen to maintain  cordial relations with the neighbour. He said Bangladesh was dependent on India for a wide range of things as was India on Bangladesh.