Bangladesh Government Conducts Second Army Reshuffle in a Week
The Tarique Rahman-led government in Bangladesh has implemented a second significant reshuffle within the army in just one week. According to sources, this move involves the transfer of high-level officers who have faced criticism for their alleged pro-Pakistan and pro-Jamaat-e-Islami roles. These officers were also accused of keeping Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman under pressure with support from the former interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.
Reshuffle Strengthens Army Chief's Position
The recent reshuffle has notably fortified the position of Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, as per insider reports. This transfer of army officers is part of a broader series of changes the Tarique-led administration is making to government structures. These changes include ending the services of contractual appointees from the interim government, effectively breaking what sources describe as the old chain of pro-Jamaat and pro-Pakistan high-level officers.
In addition to military adjustments, several officials in other services aligned with the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami have been removed. The most prominent among them is Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. This purge aims to realign government institutions with the current administration's policies.
Key Appointments and Transfers Detailed
On February 26, the Tarique-led defence ministry announced specific transfers. Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, who served as commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), has been transferred to the position of Quartermaster General. Major General Hossain Al Morshed, previously the GOC of the 19th infantry division and Ghatail area commander, has been appointed as the new adjutant general at army headquarters. He replaces Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, who is now the commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology.
This follows an earlier reshuffle on February 22, which saw changes in key positions including the chief of general staff, principal staff officer, and chief of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. Prior to these military adjustments, thirteen officers, including the secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, were removed from their posts. Eight of these individuals were appointed on a contractual basis by the interim government, highlighting the administration's efforts to overhaul previous appointments.
Background on Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman
Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, a relative of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been widely credited for the immense support of the armed forces during the conduct of recent polls. In 2024, amid violent protests against her government, Sheikh Hasina flew to India in a military helicopter, an event that underscored the military's role in political stability. Zaman's leadership during this period has bolstered his standing within the armed forces and the government.
The ongoing reshuffles reflect the Tarique Rahman-led government's strategic moves to consolidate control and eliminate perceived opposition influences within the military and other state institutions. By targeting officers with alleged ties to Pakistan and Jamaat-e-Islami, the administration aims to ensure loyalty and streamline operations in line with its governance objectives.
