Bangladesh Army’s Internal Power Struggle Gives Edge To Pakistan In Latest Headache For India | Exclusive
Amidst the turmoil in Bangladesh, ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik’s visit to Dhaka --- the first such visit in decades --- is being is seen as a sign of Pakistan’s ambition in the Northeast
A potential crisis is brewing in the Bangladesh Army as a deep rift has emerged between the Army Chief and a top general, raising concerns about external influences and the military’s future role in the country.
At the heart of the tension lies a clash of ideologies and allegiances. General Waker-uz-Zaman, appointed Army chief in June 2024, is widely respected as a balanced leader with a pro-India tilt. In stark contrast, Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman, the Quartermaster General (QMG), is seen as harbouring pro-Islamist and pro-Pakistan sentiments, putting him at odds with the Army chief’s vision.
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Rahman’s controversial meeting with the Pakistani ISI chief in early 2025, reported by CNN-News18, has further fuelled tensions within the army. The meeting, reportedly aimed at establishing an intelligence-sharing network, was perceived as a direct challenge to Zaman’s authority and a sign of external forces meddling in Bangladesh’s military affairs.
Adding to the turmoil are reports, though unverified, of a failed coup attempt orchestrated by Rahman. While the details remain murky, the alleged attempt underscores the severity of the rift and the QMG’s ambition to assert his influence.
Zaman, a staunch advocate for a professional and apolitical military, has publicly expressed his frustration with the interim government’s instability and emphasised the need for the army to return to barracks once stability is restored. He has also issued stark warnings about the potential consequences of undermining the police and armed forces, stating that such actions could lead to Bangladesh’s downfall.
Rahman, on the other hand, appears to favour a more active role for the military, potentially aligning with Islamist factions within Bangladesh and drawing support from Pakistan’s ISI. His perceived loyalty to external actors has raised serious concerns about his true agenda and the potential for further destabilisation.
The power struggle within the Bangladesh Army has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising concerns about its stability and the potential for further unrest. The clash between Zaman’s vision of a neutral and professional military and Rahman’s alleged ambitions, fuelled by external forces, has created a dangerous and unpredictable situation. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Bangladesh’s military and the future of the nation itself.
CHANCES OF COUP?
Zaman, meanwhile, has hinted at a potential coup in Bangladesh, expressing concerns over the country’s stability and sovereignty.
Zaman has warned of a potential threat to the nation’s independence, implying that the country might be under external influence. General Zaman stressed his desire to see Bangladesh in safe hands, hinting that a military takeover might be an option if the situation doesn’t improve.
According to top intelligence sources, the army chief’s recent statements suggest growing concern over external influence in Bangladesh. He appears to be urging a return to stability and democratic processes, hinting that a military takeover is possible if the situation doesn’t improve.
ISI CHIEF’S DHAKA VISIT RAISES CONCERNS
Amidst the turmoil in Bangladesh, ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik’s visit to Dhaka — the first such visit in decades — is raising security concerns for India. The visit, officially aimed at creating an intelligence-sharing network, is seen as a sign of Pakistan’s ambition in the Northeast.
Intelligence assessments suggest that the ISI seeks to exploit divisions within the Bangladesh Army, which is split between those loyal to the Awami League and those aligned with Islamist factions. The ISI aims to cultivate ties with student groups capable of disrupting elections and potentially destabilising the government.
With Khaleda Zia’s political future uncertain, the ISI sees an opportunity in Jamaat-e-Islami cadres, despite their limited support base. By uniting student groups and Jamaat-e-Islami, the ISI hopes to create unrest in Bangladesh and potentially use these groups to foment trouble in India.
Lt Gen Malik’s meeting with Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, the Bangladesh Army’s Quarter Master General, is significant. Rahman is believed to be close to Islamist factions and faces serious allegations related to the destruction of evidence and enforced disappearances. His appointment as head of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) after Sheikh Hasina’s departure raises further concerns about growing ISI influence within the Bangladesh military.
This development follows earlier reports of Jamaat-e-Islami’s activities against India, highlighting the complex security challenges facing the region. The ISI chief’s visit underscores Pakistan’s intent to exploit internal divisions and cultivate proxies in Bangladesh, posing a potential threat to India’s security along its eastern and North-eastern borders.
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