Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07DHAKA311
2007-02-26 05:53:00
SECRET
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:
ARMY CHIEF ENVISIONS ELECTIONS IN 18-24 MONTHS
how-toVZCZCXRO7274 RR RUEHCI DE RUEHKA #0311 0570553 ZNY SSSSS ZZH R 260553Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3298 INFO RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 9671 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 1514 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 8948 RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 7794 RUEHCI/AMCONSUL CALCUTTA
S E C R E T DHAKA 000311
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2017
TAGS: MARR PGOV PREL KDEM BG
SUBJECT: ARMY CHIEF ENVISIONS ELECTIONS IN 18-24 MONTHS
REF: USDAO DHAKA IIR 6 925 0537 07
Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 d.
(C) Chief of Army Staff General Moeen covered a wide range of
topics in a February 25 meeting with Ambassador (reftel). Of
particular note, Moeen:
-- doubted elections would occur before 18-24 months, saying
it would take one year just to do complete a voter ID card
project once it is approved;
-- maintained the military supports but does not control the
government, but remarked that without military support the
government would fall;
-- insisted there would be no martial law so long as he is
army chief;
-- denied that the army is in any way abusing detainees,
detailing the steps he has taken to enforce discipline among
troops and officers.
-- indicated that all Bangladeshis support the government
except for one million "corrupt" persons tied to political
parties; and
-- predicted that by the end of this week first incident
reports would be filed on at least 50 percent of detainees.
PASI