Dhaka's Power Realignment

Early military reshuffles and bureaucratic changes signal Tarique Rahman’s intent to stabi governance, consolidate authority and ensure a credible democratic transition

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rime Minister Tarique Rahman seems to be settling down fast, setting his priorities right.

One major task he undertook very soon after assuming office wasa reshuffle in the Army. According to an order (February 22), the Director General of Forces Intelligence (DGEI), Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury, is tipped to become Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, replacing Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, who has been posted to the Foreign Ministry as an ambassador. Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, General Officer Commanding of the 24 Infantry Division in Chattogram, has been promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD). He succeeds Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hasan, who had been serving as the PSO of the AFD since 22 August 2024 and has now been assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. Also, Lieutenant General Mohd Mainur Rahman, previously servingat the Army ‘Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), has been appointed Chief of General Staff (CGS) at the Army Headquarters.

Significantly, the changes also affect Bangladesh's military representation in New Delhi. Brigadier General Mohd Hafizur Rahman, currently serving as the Defence ‘Adviser in the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and attached to Military Intelligence, has been promoted to Major General and will assume command of the 55th Infantry Division upon returning to Bangladesh. The 55 Infantry Division is headquartered in Jessore, bordering India and hence considered very crucial.