Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today directed troops deployed in aid of civil authorities to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism, and restraint as the country prepares for the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

The army chief visited Patuakhali and Khulna to review the overall law and order situation ahead of the polls and to inspect army personnel deployed under the “in aid to the civil power” arrangement.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) disclosed the update in a press release today.

During the visit, he observed the activities of deployed troops on the ground, issued necessary operational directives, and exchanged views with the civil administration, ISPR said.

As part of the tour, General Waker held a meeting at the Patuakhali deputy commissioner’s conference room with senior military officials, divisional and district administrators, and representatives of various law enforcement agencies.

A similar coordination meeting was later held at the Khulna divisional commissioner’s office.

Discussions at the meetings focused on inter-agency coordination and overall security management to ensure that the upcoming national election is held in a peaceful, fair, and credible manner, the release said.

Senior army commanders, divisional commissioners, senior officials of the civil administration and law enforcement agencies, and members of the media were present during the visit.