Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for the Dhaka-17 constituency in the upcoming national election, has issued an apology following a heated exchange with Bangladesh Army personnel at a cantonment checkpoint.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparked significant criticism from various quarters, including military veterans’ associations.
The Incident at the Checkpoint
The confrontation began when SM Khaliduzzaman attempted to enter the Dhaka Cantonment area accompanied by an armed personal gunman. According to military protocol, the entry of private firearms or unauthorized armed personnel into the cantonment is strictly prohibited.
In the viral footage, security personnel are seen politely explaining the security regulations to the candidate. However, SM Khaliduzzaman reacted with visible agitation, questioning why his security was being restricted. During the exchange, he made several provocative remarks, alleging that the military was being “controversial” and “destroying the country” for personal interests.
“You are cleaning the roads with your tongues for Tarique Rahman (BNP Chairman), but why can’t we enter? You are making the army controversial for individual interests,” Khaliduzzaman was heard saying in the video.
Despite his protests, the duty officer remained firm, explaining that while he was safe inside the cantonment, private gunmen were not permitted. The officer eventually coordinated with superiors to allow the candidate to pass, provided the gunman remained outside or followed protocol.
Ex-Forces Association Demands Public Apology
The video triggered a sharp reaction from the Ex-Forces Association. In a statement signed by the association’s President, Lieutenant Colonel Saifullah Khan Saif (Retd.), the organization condemned the candidate’s “arrogant and derogatory” behavior.
The association argued that political identity does not place anyone above the law or military discipline. They issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding a public apology and threatening to declare SM Khaliduzzaman persona non grata (unwelcome) within the cantonment if he failed to comply.
SM Khaliduzzaman Issues Apology
Following the backlash and the ultimatum from the veteran’s group, Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman took to his official Facebook page on Tuesday (February 3) to clarify his position and express regret.
In his post, he described the event as an “unwanted situation” involving the “guardians of our sovereignty.” He stated:
- Recognition of the Military: He referred to the Bangladesh Army as the “pride and glory” of the nation.
- Regret for the Incident: He expressed his sorrow over the misunderstanding and the resulting mixed reactions from the public.
- Warning Against Opportunists: He claimed that a “vested quarter” was trying to exploit the resolved issue for political gain.
“I express my regret regarding the incident and will remain vigilant so that such misunderstandings do not occur in the future, InshaAllah,” Khaliduzzaman concluded in his post.
Context of the Dhaka-17 Race
The Dhaka-17 seat is expected to be one of the most high-profile contests in the 2026 General Election. SM Khaliduzzaman is running as a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate in a field that includes high-profile figures such as BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
