Tarique govt. reshuffles Bangladesh Army, calls back defence advisor in India

Days after Bangladesh National Party’s (BNP) Tarique Rahman took charge as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, the government effected a reshuffle at the top level of the Bangladesh Army on Sunday (February 22, 206). It appointed a new Chief of General Staff (CGS) and recalled the defence advisor in India, the Bangladesh media reported.

Lieutenant General M. Mainur Rahman, who previously served as the chief or General Officer Commanding of Army Training and Doctrine Command, has been appointed the CGS, reported Prothom Alo.

The defence advisor at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, Brigadier General Md. Hafizur Rahman, was called back to take charge as the General Officer GOC of an infantry division in the promoted rank of a Major General.

The reshuffle will affect key strategic commands and the country’s military intelligence agency.

The principal staff officer, Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hasan, was replaced by the just-promoted Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman. Lt. Gen. Hasan has been attached to the Foreign Ministry to be appointed as an ambassador abroad.

Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury has been appointed the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, the report said. A Brigadier General at the Bangladesh Army Headquarters, he will take charge of the post upon his promotion to Major General.

The BNP won a two-thirds majority in the February 12 elections. Mr. Rahman, 60, took oath on February 17, replacing the 18-month interim administration of Muhummad Yunus.