Major General (Retd) Dr Md Nayeem Ashfaque Chowdhury

is the Chief Executive Officer, Prime Bank Foundation.

By this time the secular student-led July Revolution is recognised as the second independence of Bangladesh after 1971. Sudden ouster of tyrants came as a big relief to the nation on one hand, but left behind a power vacuum in every sector of administration, and society. Security sector is no exception. A stable security sector is a prerequisite to normalcy in all other sectors, let aside reform or development. A thorough evaluation of the entire spectrum of the security sector is indispensable to achieve stability.

The security situation in Bangladesh is now precarious, as Bangladesh Police, the main actor of ensuring internal security, has largely been inactive since August 5, 2024. Although the police resumed operations on August 15, they have done so hesitantly and without confidence, relying on the protection of the Bangladesh Army.

Spectrum of security sector

The broad spectrum of the Security Sector encompasses Management and Oversight Bodies, Professional Security Providers, and Justice and Rule of Law Actors.

Management and Oversight Bodies include elements such as the executive branch, national security council, legislative bodies, and ministries of defence, home, planning, and foreign affairs, as well as financial management units like audit and planning departments.

Professional Security Providers consist of the armed forces, police, paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, customs and immigration services, fire brigade, civil defence, and BNCC.

Justice and Rule of Law Actors include the judiciary, law ministry, prisons, criminal investigation and prosecution services, human rights commissions, ombudsmen, and customary and traditional justice systems.

Given the vast scope of the security sector, I am concentrating on the Armed Forces and briefly addressing the two key intelligence organisations, NSI and DGFI.

There are a number of strong points of the current interim government. Firstly, since the Liberation War of 1971, the country has not experienced such national unity as seen today. Over 95% of the population is united under the leadership of the current Interim Government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Secondly, Generation Z, which had previously shown little interest in national politics and affairs, is now actively engaged in nation-building and guiding the country toward a better future. This unprecedented shift in attitude should be leveraged fully.

We have observed a persistent brain drain of talented youth from Bangladesh to developed countries due to frustration, lack of opportunities, and unfavourable conditions in educational institutions and the job market, as well as widespread politicisation, corruption, nepotism, lawlessness, and inequalities.

Thirdly, the mid and lower ranks of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are discontent with the previous regime’s misrule, corruption, and misconduct. They are unified and committed to fostering positive change, having been well-informed about national issues through social media.

Finally, the global community, including major international non-state actors like the UN, EU, and OIC, generally supports the current government, with the exceptions of India and possibly Russia. China has adopted a cautious approach and may be waiting for an opportune moment to engage with the new government.

Way Forward

Immediate Actions to Address Security Crisis

1. Purge Corrupt High-Ranking Officers:

*              Removal and Investigation: Immediately remove (may up to be retirement) all high-ranking military officers known for corruption or alleged involvement in misdeeds during the previous regime. Prevent them from leaving the country and initiate investigations based on evidence and stakeholder input. Freeze their accounts and take them into custody if allegations are initially substantiated. Identify and prosecute their accomplices.

*              Gradual Replacement: Systematically replace the entire cohort of officers, prioritising those with extreme loyalty to the previous regime.

*              Empower Junior Officers: Appoint capable junior officers as acting heads of formations/institutions/entities rather than retaining corrupt seniors in leadership positions.

2.            Overhaul Intelligence Organisations:

*              Replace Compromised Personnel: Replace officers at all levels of intelligence organisations, as their selection was based on loyalty to the Awami League rather than merit.

3.            Prosecute Corrupt Retired Officers:

*              Arrest and Judicial Proceedings: Apprehend known corrupt retired officers like Major General Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui (Retired) and General Aziz (Retired). Initiate prompt judicial proceedings and restrict their travel. Identify and prosecute their accomplices.

*              Extradite Fugitives: Bring back corrupt officers who have fled the country. Initiate legal proceedings even in their absence to send a clear message that no one is above the law.

4.            Review Promotions and Dismissals:

*              Investigate Politicised Promotions: Establish a Board of Officers to review all promotions from Lieutenant Colonel (and equivalent) to Lieutenant General (and equivalent) since 2018. Identify officers responsible for promoting unsuitable candidates. Find out if there were any promotions which took place by-passing the normal procedure.

*              Reassess Unjust Dismissals: Form a Board of Officers to review all dismissals and forced retirements under the previous regime since 2009 to address potential injustices.

5.            Address Past Atrocities:*l               Reopen BDR Killing Inquiry: Revive the investigation into the BDR killings and bring all perpetrators to justice.

6.            Combat Corruption and Mismanagement:

*              Thorough Investigation: Launch a comprehensive investigation into corruption, nepotism, illegal vendor selection, and misappropriation in procurement, construction, projects, and supply chains throughout the Armed Forces, particularly since June 2018.

7.            Confront anti-Bangladesh False Narratives:

*              Comprehensive Measures: Comprehensive measures need to be undertaken against the propaganda being spread by India’s Hindutva regime by government machineries, research centres, involving academics, journalists, think tanks, etc. Utilise potentials of Gen Z to the fullest. Carry out effective and efficient diplomacy to counter all anti-Bangladesh narratives.

8.            Address the Power Vacuum

*              Employ able, and competent retired military personnel: There are many patriot, able, and competent retired military personnel who can be employed following a structured policy in different capacities as per their qualification to fill up the power vacuum.

Mid to Long-Term Actions to Strengthen Security and Military

1.            Redefine Intelligence Agencies’ Roles:

*              Review and Clarify Mandates: Conduct a comprehensive review of the vision, mission, objectives, tasks, jurisdiction, and employment of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI). This will provide a clear framework for officers to resist illegal orders from superiors or the government.

2.            Preserve Historical Narratives:

*              Document Liberation War and Military History: Compile and preserve accurate accounts of the Liberation War and the history of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to foster a sense of national identity and pride.

3.            Reform Military Policies:

*              Merit-Based System: Review and revise all relevant policies, ensuring that recruitment, promotion, and posting are strictly based on merit.

4.            Review International Agreements:

*              Scrutinise Past Deals: Review all agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, DGFI, NSI, and other armies/intelligence organisations during the previous regime, especially those with India. Review Line of Credit from India.

5.            Restore Professionalism:

*              Revive Traditions and Focus on Core Roles: Reinstate good traditions and practices within the military, emphasising professionalism and adherence to classical roles. Recall all officers from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and limit military involvement in civilian projects to exceptional circumstances.

6.            Reform Veterans’ Organisations:

*              Revitalise RAOWA: Review and reform the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Welfare Association (RAOWA) to ensure it serves the interests of patriotic veterans and is not influenced by political factions.

7.            Improve Welfare for Retired Soldiers:

*              Authorise Rations: Provide retired soldiers with ration benefits, similar to those received by retired police personnel, to improve their quality of life.

*              Enhance Healthcare Access: Address the inadequate healthcare services available to retired soldiers by exploring ways to expand capacity and improve access to health care at Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs) or other remote places.

All these actions are essential for building a professional, accountable, and well-supported military that serves the nation’s interests and upholds its values.

By implementing these measures, Bangladesh can strengthen its security apparatus and ensure a stable future.