Pakistani General Stands Before Dr. Yunus With Baton in Hand, Ignoring Protocol — What Message Did He Send?

Special Correspondent

Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza paid a courtesy call on Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday night.

In a photo of the meeting released by the Chief Advisor’s press wing, General Mirza is seen carrying a baton under his arm, which is usually carried as per the formal customs of the army. This stick is known as a “swagger stick” in military parlance.

However, carrying this stick during a courtesy meeting with the head of government or state of another country is completely against diplomatic etiquette, which is why there is widespread criticism about it.

Did the Pakistani general try to belittle and belittle Bangladesh, which was achieved through the great liberation war by defeating Pakistan, which had been oppressing and oppressing Bangladesh for 23 years, and physically portray the present-day Bangladesh as subservient to poor Pakistan? Such a question has already been raised.

What is a swagger stick and why?

Historically, the stick was used by high-ranking military officers during drills, training, inspections, and ceremonial functions. It was primarily used as a means of measuring distance, giving orders, and facilitating communication with soldiers.

Over time, the swagger stick became a military tradition and symbolic accessory. Today, it is considered a symbol of authority, leadership, and command. It is also used as a display of an officer’s rank, sense of responsibility, and confidence.

The swagger stick is still an important element of parades, inspections, transfer of command ceremonies, or other military ceremonies. During drills or briefings, officers use it to give instructions, correct mistakes, or emphasize important points.

Therefore, the use of a swagger stick is primarily associated with military environments and traditions. However, it has now sparked a debate in diplomatic circles about the extent to which carrying it in one’s hand is acceptable according to international protocol during a diplomatic meeting.

What does the law of Bangladesh say?

Strict security measures are in place when meeting the Prime Minister or Head of Government in Bangladesh. According to the country’s prevailing law, no person can enter the premises of the Head of Government with a baton, stick or any similar object.

The Office of the Chief Adviser and the Special Security Force (SSF) maintain maximum vigilance in this regard. Everyone is searched through metal detectors before entry, and any weapon-like objects—such as batons, sticks, metal-tipped umbrellas, sharp pens, or other tools—are strictly prohibited.

According to Bangladesh’s Arms Act and Public Safety Policy, batons are classified as either defensive or offensive weapons. While one can carry one as part of personal security, it is not permitted in high-security areas or in the presence of the head of government.

Only authorized security agencies—such as the SSF, police, or protocol officers—may carry such equipment while on official duty. This rule also applies to foreign nationals, unless special diplomatic permission has been obtained.

In addition, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, carrying weapons, sticks, or any stick-like objects in public or sensitive areas is completely prohibited.

It is clear from this provision that carrying objects such as batons or swagger sticks in the presence of the head of government is legally prohibited.

Political context and protocol issues

The picture of this meeting between Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus and Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, reflects the two different institutions of the two countries—one a civilian head of government, the other a military officer.

However, the fact that General Mirza is holding a swagger stick in the picture makes it appear as a military gesture and a symbolic image of power, which raises questions about diplomatic etiquette. Normally, such formal meetings convey a message of coordination, trust and cooperation to the public. But here, the military affiliation and violation of protocol have created political interpretations and reactions.

Aspects of protocol violation

The group photo also showed that formal protocol was not followed. According to the rules, the head of state or government himself stands in the middle, and an equal number of representatives stand on either side.

But in the published photo, four people are seen standing on the right side of the chief advisor and six on the left side.

On Yunus’ left were Foreign Secretary Khalilur Rahman, two major general-rank officers from the Army Headquarters, and a lieutenant colonel.

On the other hand, on the right side were General Mirza, the acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Dhaka, a commodore of the Pakistan Navy, two brigadier generals of the army, and an embassy official.

It is noteworthy in the picture that none of the Bangladeshi army officers had a baton or swagger stick in their hands, but it is visible in the hands of the Pakistani general.

As a result, the apparent message is that Shamshad Mirzai is the highest-ranking person in terms of military presence, and the rest are in the position of subordinate officers.

This visual symbolic message has now sparked new debate in diplomatic and political circles.

There is intense criticism.

Liberation War researcher and author Hasan Morshed wrote on this subject:

The stick that Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is carrying under his armpit is a swagger stick. Military officers carry it as a symbol of their authority. It is diplomatic etiquette for a military officer not to carry this stick when he meets the head of government of his own country or another country. Because no matter how great a general he is, he is not equal to a head of government. He will not carry the symbol of authority in front of the head of government.

He compares some incidents and says:

British Chief of the General Staff General Sanders did not carry this stick when he met former Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda. Five-star General Eisenhower, the head of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II, was still without a stick when he met British Prime Minister Churchill. Even Soviet generals observed this diplomatic etiquette when meeting the heads of government of a weak state.

It can also be considered a historical photo of Indian General Jagjit Singh Arora meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of Bangladesh.

Words, symbols, similes, body language – they often convey many things. Denying them does not make them false.