The emergence of three power centers within the Bangladesh Army could create significant challenges. According to a report by The Economic Times, although the situation is not yet a full-blown crisis, tensions between generals influenced by the Awami League and those aligned with Islamic factions are creating difficulties for the army.
Awami League supporters unite
The current army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is seen as a moderate leader and is currently in control of the army. However, two other power centers have started to rise. One of these is reportedly led by General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, who is supported by Major General Mohammad Moin Khan from the 9th Division. The 9th Division is considered the most powerful unit in the army and is known for its loyalty to the Awami League.
Islamic faction gaining strength
The second power center is said to be led by Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman. He is reportedly connected to Islamic hardliners, including Mahfuz Alam, an advisor to Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Mohammad Yunus, and several student leaders. Faizur Rahman previously served as the head of the army’s intelligence agency, DGFI.
Risk of rebellion within the army
There are rumors that Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman may have been involved in a plot to remove Bangladesh’s president while General Waker-Uz-Zaman was abroad. Various reports claim that if interim government advisor Mohammad Yunus leaves Dhaka and resigns from his position in the coming months, Faizur Rahman could also be part of a conspiracy to remove the army chief.
The rising tensions and power struggles within the army could pose a serious threat to the stability of the institution and the country as a whole.
How Bangladesh is not new to coups
In the 1980s, Bangladesh faced a lot of political chaos, with military coups and counter-coups shaking the country.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s first Prime Minister and the father of Sheikh Hasina, was assassinated along with most of his family in a military coup. This event started a long period of military rule. Later that year, two more coups took place, and General Ziaur Rahman eventually took control in November.
Ziaur Rahman was later killed by rebels who attacked the government guest house where he was staying in Chittagong. Although the attack was carried out by a small group of army officers, the army stayed loyal and stopped the rebellion.
After Rahman, Abdus Sattar became the leader, but he was removed in a bloodless coup led by Hussein Muhammad Ershad. Ershad took over as the head of martial law and eventually became the president.
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