A senior Bangladeshi military official with close ties to Pakistan has been placed under surveillance for allegedly planning to stage a coup within the Bangladesh Army, sources told India Today. The surveillance order was reportedly issued by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman after learning about suspicious moves by Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman, the Quarter Master General (QMG), aimed at replacing him.
According to sources, General Waker-Uz-Zaman acted after the Army Chief’s secretariat flagged meetings being organised by Lt General Faizur Rahman with key divisional commanders (GOCs) without informing the acting Chief. Lt General Rahman is known for his close ties to Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial political group, and his reported association with Pakistani diplomats has raised further concerns within Bangladesh’s security establishment.
Secret Meetings and Attempted Takeover
Lt General Rahman reportedly called a meeting of key divisional commanders in the first week of March, which was seen as an effort to rally support for a leadership change within the army. However, the Army Chief’s secretariat discovered the plan and issued a warning to senior officers, leading to a withdrawal of support from most divisional commanders.
In the first two months of 2025, Lt General Rahman allegedly held multiple meetings with Jamaat leaders and Pakistani diplomats. These meetings, seen as politically motivated, were flagged by intelligence agencies, prompting General Waker-Uz-Zaman to tighten internal surveillance.
Political Turmoil and Security Concerns
The alleged coup attempt comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with political instability and rising civil unrest. In recent months, protests have escalated into violent clashes, with properties linked to the family of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being targeted. The Dhaka home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s founding leader, was reportedly vandalised during one such protest.
Last month, General Waker-Uz-Zaman blamed the ongoing political turmoil for the deteriorating security situation in the country. “The anarchy we have witnessed is of our own making,” he said at an event, stressing the need for unity and discipline within the armed forces.
Growing Pressure on Bangladesh’s Leadership
The latest developments have put further pressure on the Bangladesh government as it struggles to maintain control over the military and contain the rising influence of Jamaat-e-Islami. Political analysts warn that any internal instability within the army could have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh’s national security and regional stability.
The Bangladesh Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the surveillance order or the alleged coup attempt. However, internal sources indicate that General Waker-Uz-Zaman remains firmly in control and is monitoring the situation closely.
