New Delhi: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party bagged a two-thirds majority in the crucial February 12 elections in Bangladesh. Subsequently Tarique Rahman took oath on February 17, ending Muhummad Yunus’ 18-month rule.
Just days after Tarique Rahman took over as Bangladesh’s new prime minister, the country’s military witnessed a major reshuffle at the top level. Among the changes, the appointment of a new chief of general staff (CGS) has been observed.
An Indian outreach
The new BNP government also recalled Brigadier General Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, who was serving as the defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India. He has been promoted to the rank of major general and appointed as the GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.
While other changes in the military can be seen as attempts by the new government to consolidate power internally, recalling the defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India can be seen as a move by the new government to placate India’s anxieties and offer a hand at friendship, especially after the strained relations that have occurred since Hasina’s ousting and during the Yunus rule.
Changes in the military
A spate of internal changes in the Bangladeshi military have also taken place after the new BNP government has come to power. Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman, who was previously serving as the chief of General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), has been appointed as the CGS.
Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury, serving as a brigadier general at Army Headquarters, has been appointed director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He replaced Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, who has been deputed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. Major General JM Imdadul Islam, who was heading the 55th Infantry Division, has now been appointed Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC).