Bangladesh Army’s Internal Power Struggle and Its Implications for Regional Security
The Bangladesh Army is facing a power struggle between Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and Quartermaster General Lt Gen Mohammad Faizur Rahman, amidst increasing external influence from Pakistan. Zaman advocates for a professional military, while Rahman exhibits pro-Islamist and pro-Pakistan tendencies. The ISI chief’s visit to Dhaka heightens security concerns, as it reflects Pakistan’s strategic ambitions in the region and the potential for further unrest within Bangladesh.
In the midst of escalating turmoil in Bangladesh, a significant crisis is emerging within the Bangladesh Army due to a deepening rift between Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and Quartermaster General Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman. General Zaman, appointed in June 2024, is characterized as a balanced leader with favorable views towards India. Conversely, Lieutenant General Rahman is suspected of harboring pro-Islamist and pro-Pakistan sentiments, which contrasts sharply with Zaman’s military vision.
Tensions have intensified following Rahman’s contentious meeting with ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik, purportedly aimed at forming an intelligence-sharing network. This encounter has been perceived as a direct affront to Zaman’s authority and indicative of external influences encroaching on Bangladesh’s military. The alleged failed coup attempt orchestrated by Rahman further exacerbates the situation, revealing the significant ambition behind the QMG’s actions.
General Zaman advocates for an impartial military and has expressed discontent with the current instability of the interim government. He has emphasized the necessity for the military to retreat to barracks once stability is regained, warning that undermining law enforcement could lead to dire consequences for Bangladesh. Rahman, however, seems to endorse a more interventionist military role, potentially aligning with Islamist factions and leveraging support from the Pakistani ISI, raising suspicions about his intentions.
The ongoing power struggle has created unease throughout Bangladesh, threatening the stability of the nation. The divergent approaches of Zaman, who envisions a neutral military, and Rahman, allegedly influenced by external forces, contribute to a volatile environment. The forthcoming months will be critical in shaping the future direction of both the military and the nation.
General Zaman has underscored concerns regarding a potential coup, expressing anxiety over the sovereignty and stability of Bangladesh. He has indicated that if conditions do not improve, military intervention might become a consideration, reflecting a growing concern regarding external meddling.
In addition, Lt Gen Asim Malik’s first visit to Dhaka in decades signals security apprehensions for India. This visit, which officially intends to establish an intelligence-sharing initiative, showcases Pakistan’s aspirations within Bangladesh and the Northeast. The ISI’s aim is to exploit divisions within the Bangladeshi Army between pro-Awami League members and those aligned with Islamist factions.
The ISI appears poised to capitalize on the political ambiguity surrounding Khaleda Zia by forging alliances with Jamaat-e-Islami and student groups that may disrupt elections and destabilize governance. The meeting between Malik and Rahman, closely associated with Islamist factions and facing serious allegations, raises alarms about the ISI’s encroaching influence within the Bangladesh Army. This complex situation accentuates the multifaceted security challenges in the region and highlights Pakistan’s strategy to manipulate internal fractures to bolster its influence in Bangladesh, thus posing potential risks to India.
The internal strife within the Bangladesh Army reflects significant ideological divides that may have far-reaching implications for national stability and regional security. The contrasting visions of General Zaman and Lieutenant General Rahman reveal a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s military landscape, with external influences threatening to exacerbate these tensions. As the situation evolves, the potential for destabilization in Bangladesh poses significant challenges for both the nation and its neighbors, particularly India.
Original Source: www.news18.com
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