Army, DGFI see major leadership shake-up
Staff Reporter :
The newly formed BNP government has initiated sweeping changes at the highest levels of the military and signalled imminent restructuring within the police, underscoring its intent to recalibrate the country’s security leadership.
Less than a week after being sworn in on February 17, the administration announced a major reshuffle, with Army Headquarters issuing orders on Sunday effecting significant changes in key command positions of the Bangladesh Army, officials at the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman has been appointed as the Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Bangladesh Army, one of the most powerful positions within the force’s command structure.
Prior to his new assignment, Lt Gen Mainur served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), where he oversaw training, doctrinal development and strategic planning.
In another notable move, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, who had been serving as the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and appointed as an ambassador.
The reassignment of a serving three-star general to a diplomatic role is being viewed by analysts as a strategically significant decision, potentially reflecting the government’s approach to defence diplomacy.
Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman has been appointed as the new Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.
Before this posting, he commanded the 24th Infantry Division as GOC. His elevation to the PSO role places him at the centre of inter-services coordination and strategic military oversight under the Prime Minister’s Office.
The reshuffle also affects divisional commands and regimental leadership. Major General J M Imdadul Islam has been transferred from the 55th Infantry Division to the East Bengal Regimental Centre.
Meanwhile, Major General Ferdous Hasan, who was serving as Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, has been appointed GOC of the 24th Infantry Division.
In a promotion and fresh posting, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, previously serving at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, has been promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.
Beyond these six positions, multiple sources said that changes are also taking place at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the country’s premier military intelligence agency.
According to the sources, the current Director General of DGFI, Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, is being reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his place, Brigadier General Kaiser Rashid of the Military Operations and Planning (M&P) Directorate is being promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Director General of DGFI.
Although the government has not publicly outlined the rationale behind the reshuffle, the simultaneous changes in operational command, strategic staff roles and military intelligence leadership indicate a comprehensive restructuring at the top tier of the armed forces establishment.
Meanwhile, adjustments at the highest levels of the Bangladesh Police are also on the horizon.
Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter saying,“There will be some changes; give us a little time.”
While specific posts were not mentioned, officials familiar with the matter suggest that key positions at police headquarters and metropolitan commands may see new appointments in the coming days.
The developments mark an early and decisive move by the new administration to reshape the leadership of the country’s armed forces, intelligence services and law enforcement agencies as it begins its tenure.
Further formal notifications regarding intelligence and police appointments are expected shortly.