A heated altercation broke out between on-duty army personnel and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka-17 constituency candidate, Dr. SM Khalikuzzaman, after he was stopped from entering the Dhaka Cantonment with an armed gunman.
According to a video that has recently circulated widely on social media, the incident occurred when Dr. Khalikuzzaman attempted to enter the cantonment area in his private vehicle. Security personnel at the checkpoint informed him that, under cantonment regulations, private firearms and armed bodyguards are not permitted inside the restricted military zone.
The army personnel clarified that while Dr. Khalikuzzaman himself was allowed to enter, his gunman would have to remain outside the gate. They also assured him that internal security within the cantonment is provided by the army itself.
However, the Jamaat candidate refused to comply with the rule and accused the military of discrimination. He alleged that special privileges were being extended to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman while he was being obstructed.
During the exchange, Dr. Khalikuzzaman made several controversial and offensive remarks directed at the army personnel, accusing them of acting in political favouritism and of pushing the country toward destruction for personal interests after “August 5.” He questioned who would be responsible for his safety if he entered without his gunman and claimed that senior officers had sought favors from his party after recent political developments.
Throughout the confrontation, the on-duty soldiers repeatedly addressed him respectfully as “Sir” and attempted to de-escalate the situation by calmly explaining the rules. One soldier is heard saying, “Sir, we are not stopping you from entering. But carrying weapons inside the cantonment is prohibited. We will ensure your security inside.”
Despite repeated assurances, Dr. Khalikuzzaman remained unconvinced. After a prolonged argument, and as the army personnel stood firm on enforcing the regulations, he eventually decided to turn his vehicle around and leave the area. Before departing, he instructed others to record the interaction and left the scene expressing visible frustration.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Many users have criticized the candidate’s behavior toward army personnel in a sensitive and high-security zone, while others have highlighted concerns about candidate security during the ongoing political climate. Observers, however, have widely praised the army personnel for handling the situation with restraint, professionalism, and patience.
