Last week, India played a crucial role in assisting Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman to thwart a coup attempt orchestrated by pro-Pakistani generals. These generals had planned to overthrow him and seize control of Bangladesh’s 1.63 lakh-strong army. While the immediate threat has been defused, General Waker’s position remains precarious.
This attempted coup, which was foiled with India’s help, also significantly weakened Bangladesh’s Islamist factions, both within the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus and among external forces.
Emerging details indicate that the plot to oust General Waker was backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which was displeased with the general for resisting attempts to establish closer military ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan. These efforts had the endorsement of Mohammad Yunus as well as Bangladesh’s Islamists, many of whom had opposed the 1971 Liberation War that freed the country from Pakistan.
Since the forced exile of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, the Bangladesh Army, under General Waker’s leadership, has remained one of the few institutions to resist the growing Islamist influence. General Waker had earned the ire of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement (ADSM) and Islamists, particularly for facilitating Hasina’s safe passage to India during the August crisis.
Sources within Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) revealed that the ADSM and Islamist factions had intended to capture Hasina and hold a public trial, accusing her of mass murders, a move designed to placate the Islamists who were sidelined during her 15-year tenure. General Waker’s opposition to closer military cooperation with Pakistan, as well as his refusal to back anti-India initiatives from the interim government, only intensified tensions.
The Coup Plot
Lieutenant General Muhammad Faizur Rahman, the Quartermaster General (QMG) of the Bangladesh Army, was chosen to lead the coup. Rahman, known for his staunch Islamist views, is also closely aligned with the Pakistani military and has advocated for stronger military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He has been described as the ISI's trusted ally within the Bangladesh Army.
Rahman’s history includes a controversial meeting with ISI Chief Lt Gen Asim Malik during a visit to Dhaka in January, which General Waker had opposed. Rahman did not inform his superior about the discussions, a sign of open defiance. Along with Rahman, Lt Gen S M Kamrul Hassan, a key figure in the Armed Forces Division, was complicit in the plot.
The coup’s framework had strong support from figures within the pro-Pakistani and Islamist circles in Bangladesh. Rahman had even met with ADSM leaders, who are also affiliated with the interim government, and received backing for replacing General Waker with him.
India’s Role in Foiling the Coup
India’s intelligence network uncovered the coup plot in early February and promptly alerted General Waker. With India’s help, General Waker rallied support within the army, while New Delhi contacted key international players like the United States, warning them of the regional instability that a pro-Pakistani army chief would bring. India made clear that such an outcome would strengthen Islamist forces and have long-term negative effects on regional security, including India’s own security interests.
The United States concurred with this assessment and worked with India to dissuade Mohammad Yunus and his government from supporting the coup. India even facilitated secure communication between General Waker and top US security officials, helping him brief them on the internal threats from Pakistan and Islamist elements.
Despite the conspirators’ efforts, General Waker managed to outmaneuver them. His plane was diverted to Tejgaon airbase upon his return to Dhaka, where loyal officers were waiting to ensure his safety. This swift action, coupled with India’s early warning, helped neutralize the coup attempt.
Aftermath and Continuing Threats
As of now, Lt Gen Faizur Rahman is under house arrest, with a court martial likely to follow. However, the threat to General Waker remains. Pro-Pakistani and Islamist elements within Bangladesh’s military and political establishments are still active and will continue to challenge his leadership.
India has advised General Waker to stay vigilant and expedite disciplinary action against Lt Gen Rahman to deter further coup attempts. How Waker handles the remaining internal opposition and political pressures will play a crucial role in determining the future stability of the Bangladesh Army.
This foiled coup marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for Bangladesh’s political and military direction, with international ramifications, particularly in relation to India’s security concerns in the region.
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