Major Reshuffle in Bangladesh Army Following New Government's Assumption of Power

Following the formation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government, the Bangladesh Army underwent a major reshuffle, appointing a new Chief of General Staff and altering key military roles, including the director general of military intelligence.

A significant leadership change occurred in the Bangladesh Army, as reported by local media. This reshuffle, announced by Army Headquarters, took place shortly after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's new government came into power on February 17. The changes impact key strategic commands and the country's main military intelligence agency.

Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS). Previously, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), according to sources in the defence ministry cited by Prothom Alo.

Key Appointments in Military Intelligence

Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury has been named the director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He is currently a brigadier general at Army Headquarters and will take on his new role after being promoted to major general.

Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, who was serving as a defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, has been recalled. He will now lead an infantry division as GOC with the rank of major general.

Changes in Strategic Commands

The reshuffle also saw Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan replaced as principal staff officer (PSO) by newly promoted Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman. Hasan is set to join the foreign ministry for an ambassadorial role abroad.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority in the February 12 elections. This victory led to Rahman, aged 60, taking his oath on February 17, marking the end of Muhammad Yunus's 18-month rule.

With inputs from PTI