Youth military training possible if govt approves, says Abdul Hafiz

He says deputy commissioners have proposed to provide military training for youth

Bangladesh’s deputy commissioners, or DCs, have proposed the introduction of universal military training for the country’s youth, aiming to bolster national defence and enhance law enforcement cooperation.

Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to the chief advisor on defence and national solidarity development, spoke of the recommendation at the conclusion of the three-day DC Conference on Tuesday.

“On behalf of the deputy commissioners, a proposal has been made to provide universal military training for the youth,” Hafiz said.

“They can receive military training and participate in the country’s defence.”

He emphasised that while the military is prepared to implement such a programme, the decision ultimately rests with the government.

“The principal general staff of the Army has spoken positively about this. It is a good initiative, but the decision is political,” he said.

“There are financial considerations. We have informed the government that this is a matter that is up to the public and the government’s decision. If the government gives the instructions, the armed forces are ready to act.”

Currently, a company of the Ansar and Village Defence Party, or VDP, is being trained in each Upazila and Union to provide basic instruction to youth. However, Hafiz noted that the programme remains limited in scale. The DCs have suggested expanding it significantly.

The conference also explored ways to deepen collaboration between the military and the country’s civil administration, particularly in maintaining law and order.

“There is an ongoing discussion on how the military can be more involved with the civil administration to improve the security situation,” Hafiz said.

“The deputy commissioners have proposed increasing the number of orientation programmes that bring together administrative officials and military personnel, expanding them beyond the central level to regional divisions.”

Security concerns dominated discussions at the conference, particularly the activities of the armed group Kuki-Chin National Front, or KNF, also known as the Bawm Party, which has been active in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.

“Kuki-Chin are engaged in terrorist activities across several Upazilas,” Hafiz said.

“Their actions are damaging the region’s tourism industry, causing job losses, and driving local youth toward extremism. Our operations will continue until they are dismantled.”

The KNF has been pushing for an autonomous “Kuki-Chin State” that would exclude ethnic Chakma, Marma, and Tripura communities, favouring smaller indigenous groups such as the Bawm, Khyang, Pangkhua, Lusai, Khumi, and Mro.

Compounding the security concerns, authorities have yet to recover a substantial cache of weapons lost amid the turmoil following the student-led uprising of Aug 5, 2024.

As Hasina fled to India, law-enforcing agencies lost 1,400 weapons and 250,000 bullets amid the unrest.

“These arms remain unaccounted for across multiple districts. If they fall into the hands of terrorists, the law-and-order situation could deteriorate further. Our operations will continue,” Hafiz said.

Deputy commissioners from several districts have called for increased security measures, particularly in remote areas.

The deputy commissioner of Narsingdi has specifically requested expanded counterinsurgency efforts in six remote unions of the district and enhanced operations in char areas that have historically served as havens for criminal groups.

Amid concerns over security, the conference also acknowledged progress in marine conservation efforts.

Hafiz highlighted the success of the Navy and Coast Guard in curbing the illegal capture of jatka, or juvenile hilsa fish, a measure that has led to an increase in hilsa production and exports.

He said, “Supply has increased, and we are now able to export. Hilsa is more accessible in the markets for everyone.”

“PEOPLE HAVE THREE BASIC NEEDS FROM DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS”

Hafiz, emphasised the vital role of district administrators as the government’s representatives on the ground.

“The people have three basic demands from them,” said Hafiz.

“People's expectations are not unattainable. They want to feel secure, Deputy Commissioners, law and order, military training, military, youth, Bangladesh, Abdul Hafiz to sleep without fear, to move about freely. They want to afford the essentials of daily life.”

“And they want to access government services without facing unnecessary obstacles.”

Describing the challenges facing the local administration ahead of Ramadan, the special assistant to the chief advisor called it a “three-sided” test.

“These include controlling commodity prices, ensuring farmers have access to irrigation materials, and maintaining law and order,” he said.

He also warned of efforts to sow unrest.

“The acolytes of dictatorship are trying to become active in different districts—they want to destabilise the country.”