Army reaffirms support for Bangla govt

Bangladesh's powerful army has reaffirmed its support for the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a mutiny by paramilitary troops killed at least 80 people, mostly army officers.

Bangladesh's powerful army has reaffirmed its support for the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a mutiny by paramilitary troops killed at least 80 people, mostly army officers.

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“Let me tell you all again that the Bangladesh army is subservient to the government,” army chief General Moeen U. Ahmed told reporters.

“We are a people’s army serving the nation and upholding democracy. Please stay calm. We are trying to address the situation and resolve (disputes) with the help of everyone,” he said after a meeting with Hasina at her residence late on Friday.

The impoverished South Asian nation has suffered several military coups since Independence in 1971. This week’s mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) border guards was over pay and command and was not politically motivated, officials said. Reuters