Former armed forces members, who were dismissed during the Awami League regime, suspended their agitation on Sunday, May 18, following assurances of the release of their leader Md Naimul Islam and progress on their demands.

The group dispersed after discussions at the National Press Club, concluding at 7:30 pm.

Md Kamruzzaman, a protesting former soldier, told reporters, “We demanded the release of our arrested colleague, Md Naimul Islam. As office hours have ended and he has been sent to jail, our delegation and Lieutenant Iftekhar will pursue his release tomorrow.”

He noted that immediate release was not feasible due to the late hour.

On the demand for job reinstatement, Kamruzzaman said efforts would be made to restore jobs for those with 10 years of service, while others ineligible for reinstatement would be considered for pensions.

He added, “The Bangladesh Army has shown goodwill, offering two options: those who completed recorded activities need not reapply, but others must submit applications by tonight for review by Brigadier General Arif. We expect these discussions to reach the Army Chief.”

Kamruzzaman emphasised that the group would provide a written commitment not to use the situation for political purposes.

However, he warned, “If Naimul is not released tomorrow, we will stay in Dhaka and resume protests.” Regarding their demands, he expressed optimism, saying, “The army acknowledges the discrimination we faced and is approaching this humanely. They spent nearly four hours with us, showing respect for our service.”

Earlier in the day, despite a ban on meetings, rallies, and demonstrations, a delegation from Army Headquarters engaged in talks with dismissed armed forces members who had announced a `long march` to Jahangir Gate with four demands.

The group had threatened a `long march` to Jahangir Gate if their demands were unmet by 2 pm.

Following the announcement, the Army Headquarters delegation met the protesters’ representatives, led by acting coordinator Jamal Hossain, inside the Press Club.

Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division, also attended the meeting.

The demands of sacked armed forces members include: Reinstatement of jobs with full salary, allowances, and benefits from the date of dismissal; full pension with all government benefits for those unable to be reinstated; amendment of the legal framework and unilateral judicial system, including Article 45 of the Constitution, under which dismissals occurred; and immediate release of their principal coordinator, Naimul Islam, arrested on May 17.