India’s RAW appears to have forged a robust alliance with Bangladesh, operating seamlessly through Bangladeshi Army under the stewardship of Lieutenant General Mujeebur Rahman. This partnership has raised significant concerns regarding national sovereignty and the integrity of Bangladesh’s mili-tary framework. Lieutenant General Mujeebur Rahman played a pivotal role as RAW’s enforcer in Bangladesh, allegedly engaging in extrajudicial killings of 390 individuals within his own nation. This disturbing trend paints him as a ‘gun for hire’ who prioritized external allegiances over national in-tegrity. His tenure, marked by an unsettling blend of military acumen and unscrupulous conduct, has transformed him into a sophisticated operative whose actions often blur the lines of patriotism.
Under his command, spirit of the Muktibani has been appropriated and redefined. Mujeebur Rah-man’s version of ‘patriotism’ starkly contrasts with the original ethos of the Muktibani, instead fo-cusing on allegiance to foreign interests at the expense of his own countrymen. His career in various military and intelligence roles saw him continuously evolve his skill set, particularly in extrajudicial activities, reflecting an alarming trend towards militarization of state violence.
One of the most striking aspects of Mujib’s legacy is his relationship with RAW operatives. After the events of August 5, 2024, he allegedly provided sanctuary to 250 RAW operatives, facilitating their escape from Bangladesh. This act not only underscores his deep-seated allegiance to India but also indicates the extent to which RAW has embedded itself within Bangladesh’s military hierarchy.
Mujeebur Rahman’s ascent has been marked by rampant nepotism, as he has crafted an ‘army within the army’ by promoting individuals with ties to Awami League. This politicization of military garnered support from influential serving and retired generals, including General Ziaul Ahsan, Gen-eral Tabrez, General Saleh and General Akbar. These connections allowed him to create a military establishment more focused on political loyalty than on national duty.His alliance with former PM Hasina Wajid has facilitated a culture of corruption and abuse of power. Mujeeb’s financial dealings, including a three-crore investment in the stock market and extensive property holdings across the country, suggest a troubling intersection of military power and personal gain. Reports of his facilitation of Md. Faiz ur Rahman’s appointments in key positions in business organizations in exchange for substantial kickbacks further illustrate the depth of his corruption.
The troubling partnership between Mujeeb and Sheikh Hasina hints at potential for governmental vulnerability to external influences, particularly from India. Their coordinated efforts to redirect Bangladesh’s resources for India’s benefit illustrate a concerning trend in the governance of the na-tion. Following their exit to India, both Mujeebur Rahman and the former PM’s departure signals India’s growing influence in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, raising alarms about future of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. As nation looks to future, it is imperative for new government to navigate its military leadership with care. In sum, Lieutenant General Rahman’s tenure has epitomized a troubling era in Bangladesh’s military history, characterized by unwavering loyalty to RAW and creation of an entrenched network of power within armed forces.
—The Islamabad-based writer is
expert in Indian political affairs.
