1 month ago
Last Updated:February 26, 2025, 16:58 IST
There is apprehension within the army about potential interference from the Pakistan army through political proxies, a scenario that senior commanders strongly oppose
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (L) and Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus. File pic/AFP
The Bangladesh army chief is seemingly unhappy with the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Top intelligence sources indicate discontent within the Bangladesh army regarding the current regime. There is a prevailing sentiment of distrust, with concerns arising from the government’s perceived doubtful commitment and the nation’s law and order issues, they added.
A significant point of contention is the perceived sidelining of army chief Waker-uz-Zaman.
Appointed during the Sheikh Hasina regime, Waker-uz-Zaman maintained a close working relationship with her, effectively limiting the influence of certain groups. His familial ties to the former administration, with his wife being Hasina’s cousin and his father-in-law serving as the 9th army chief, further solidify this connection.
Sources close to the army chief reveal a growing discomfort with the Yunus government, exemplified by the recent visit of the ISI chief to Dhaka. The ISI chief’s meeting with Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, Quarter Master General (QMG) of the Bangladesh army, who is ranked fourth in seniority, has been interpreted as a snub to Waker-uz-Zaman’s authority.
Known for his belief in democratic processes, Waker-uz-Zaman has consistently acted as an adviser to the government. Sources suggest that he desires early elections to ensure a people’s mandate, expressing concerns over potential influence from the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami or other extremist factions.
The army chief’s concern extends to the military’s image, which he believes has been tarnished by the perceived inaction amidst the country’s challenges. His commitment to elections is evident from his 2024 announcement of the 2025 general election, made during Yunus’s absence.
Further exacerbating the situation is the Yunus government’s perceived strategy of propping up multiple political parties and encouraging student-led political formations. This is seen as a tactic to fracture the mandate, potentially paving the way for Yunus to leverage international pressure in forming a government.
There is apprehension within the army about potential interference from the Pakistan army through political proxies, a scenario that senior commanders strongly oppose. The potential appointment of Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, considered an Islamist and radical, as the new Bangladesh army chief is a major concern, as he is perceived to be favoured by the Pakistan army.
Location : First Published:February 26, 2025, 16:58 IST
News world Bangladesh Army Chief Upset With Yunus Regime Over Law & Order Mess, Pak Meddling: Sources To News18
