Is Pakistan's Infiltration of Bangladeshi Security Agencies Now Exposed?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Dhaka, Dec 29 (NationPress) A recent report reveals alarming collusion between Pakistani and Bangladeshi security forces, which includes military training and infiltration within Bangladesh’s top security agencies, such as the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI).
The report indicates that plans for a National Armed Reserve, expected to consist of approximately 8,800 radicalized Muslim youth, have emerged following extensive discussions involving Pakistani officials and the Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical Islamist party in Bangladesh, along with its student wing, the Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Notably, Golam Azam, the infamous former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami who sought refuge in Pakistan after the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh, has resurfaced through his son, Brigadier (Retd.) Abdullahil Aman Azmi. On December 23, Brig Azmi engaged with Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner, Mohammad Wasif, in Banani, leading to speculation about his potential support from Islamabad for the upcoming Home Ministry Advisor position.
Sources from Bangladesh’s security and military sectors have disclosed that Azmi operates a “parallel leadership” within the Bangladeshi Army, with Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman reportedly showing deference towards him.
Described as the “nucleus” of a growing right-wing extremist ideology within the Army, Azmi is linked to a faction sympathetic to Jamaat-e-Islami’s political agenda, according to the report.
Even more concerning, classified documents indicate that several radicalized retired Bangladeshi military officers in the Banani Defence Officers Housing Scheme (DOHS) have been clandestinely meeting with Pakistani intelligence agents to form an Islamist militia under the guise of a ‘National Armed Reserve’.
Reports reveal that at least four residences on two roads within the Banani DOHS are commonly utilized by Brig Azmi and other retired military personnel to convene with their Pakistani counterparts.
Moreover, there are senior active officers in the Bangladeshi Army who maintain contact with Brig Azmi, including key figures from the Armed Forces Division, the Military Secretary’s branch, and the Navy.