Bangladesh’s military has undergone a major reshuffle that appears aimed at internal consolidation, according to top intelligence sources in Dhaka.
The changes, issued by Army Headquarters, affect key strategic commands and the country’s premier military intelligence agency, shortly after the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Sources told Global Defence Corp that the changes are not meant to reorient Bangladesh toward a Pakistan–China security axis, but rather to stabilise the command structure as political dynamics shift post-Hasina regime.
Indian RAW linked Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, currently serving as defence adviser in India and attached to the DGFI, has been promoted to major general and will be posted as GOC of the 55th Infantry Division upon completion of the necessary formalities and his return to Bangladesh.
Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman was appointed this position in India as a collaborator between Indian RAW and DGFI to recruit and finance Indian RAW operations in Bangladesh.
Evidence‑based breakdown of what the available reporting says about India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and its alleged activities involving the Bangladesh Army. Reporting alleges that RAW had unusually broad access to Bangladesh’s state institutions during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
Former Bangladesh Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan provided evidence of Indian RAW activities inside Bangladesh’s DGFI building.
This is the most concrete and institutionally grounded piece of information in the search results. What he testified:
– RAW personnel regularly visited DGFI headquarters.
– These visits were reportedly facilitated by a senior adviser to the PM.
– RAW officers were given a dedicated meeting room inside DGFI.
– They provided lists of individuals they identified as militants.
This testimony does not prove operational control, but it does indicate:
– Unusual access for a foreign intelligence service.
– Direct interaction with Bangladesh’s military intelligence apparatus.
– Potential overlap between domestic and foreign intelligence operations.
For a former Army Chief to publicly testify to this is significant.
Bangladesh’s NSI reportedly uncovered a RAW operation recruiting Bangladeshis into extremist networks. These operatives were allegedly used to infiltrate Pakistan under jihadist cover. Arrests in Bangladesh reportedly exposed parts of this network. This suggests RAW’s activities in Bangladesh extend beyond bilateral issues and into regional proxy operations.
Generals seen as close to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have taken on key roles, a move that sources say strengthens Tarique Rahman’s influence over the military by reassigning or sidelining officers perceived to be aligned with the Yunus interim administration.
The restructuring is intended to ensure the army backs the elected BNP leadership, particularly after the removal of Sheikh Hasina exposed the Indian deep state within military institutions, sources added.
A key appointment is that of Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury as the new chief of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), signalling a push to recalibrate military intelligence and focus on internal security threats. He replaces Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, who has been deputed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador.
Lieutenant General Muhammad Mainur Rahman has been appointed chief of general staff (CGS) of the Bangladesh Army. Prior to the appointment, he served as general officer commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC).
He succeeds Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, who has recently retired.
Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan’s transfer to the foreign ministry removes a figure backed by the Yunus camp, reducing factional risks while leveraging his experience in a diplomatic role — a move seen as shifting certain portfolios from military to civilian oversight.
The reshuffle also includes the appointment of Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman as principal staff officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division. He previously served as the GOC of the 24th Infantry Division in Chittagong.
Meanwhile, outgoing PSO Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador.
Meanwhile, the elevation of Maj Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, believed to be close to the BNP, as Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division is expected to deepen coordination between the political leadership and the military.
Changes in divisional commands, particularly in the 24th and 55th Infantry Divisions, are aimed at addressing border pressures linked to instability in Myanmar. Officers such as Ferdous Hasan and Hafizur Rahman are being positioned to manage potential spillovers from Arakan Army activity, sources said.
The reshuffle also reflects the army chief’s preference for officers like Lt Gen Mainur Rahman over more contested candidates, signalling an emphasis on merit-based leadership and cohesion within the ranks.
The Army Headquarters orders also include several field-level command changes. Major General JM Emdadul Islam has been appointed commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC), while Major General Ferdous Hasan Salim has been posted as GOC of the 24th Infantry Division.
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