The Bangladesh Armed Forces, forged in the crucible of the 1971 Liberation War, were envisioned as a professional, disciplined, and apolitical institution dedicated to safeguarding the nation. Yet, over the decades, successive political parties have systematically undermined its growth, autonomy, and professionalism. From purges and enforced disappearances to politicised promotions and allegations of foreign collusion, the military has frequently been used as a political instrument, weakening both its cohesion and its operational effectiveness.
In the immediate aftermath of independence, the Awami League under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sought to consolidate control over the newly formed armed forces. While the contributions of Mukti Bahini veterans were rightly recognised, officers who were perceived as neutral or insufficiently loyal to the party were sidelined or removed. The early military hierarchy was reshaped along political and ideological lines, favouring Awami League loyalists over professional merit. Civilian leaders exercised extensive control over promotions and appointments, discouraging institutional autonomy and creating divisions within the officer corps. This politicisation and mistrust within the ranks contributed to the series of coups that culminated in 1975, demonstrating how early interference had long-lasting consequences.
During the subsequent military rule and Jatiya Party era, political interference continued to undermine professionalism, albeit in different forms. Loyalty to the regime often outweighed competence, with officers promoted or reassigned based on political alignment. Patronage networks flourished, and dissenting officers were marginalised or removed, further weakening cohesion. While the military technically expanded in size and capability during this period, its ethos of apolitical professionalism was compromised, setting a precedent for political interference in future administrations.
When the Awami League returned to power in 1996, the pattern of politicisation intensified. Promotions and postings were manipulated to favour loyalists, while officers suspected of supporting opposition factions were marginalised. Civilian interference in operations occasionally conflicted with strategic priorities, eroding morale and efficiency. Reports of enforced disappearances of armed forces personnel emerged during this period, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Furthermore, investigative proceedings, including references in ICT cases, have highlighted allegations of collusion with foreign intelligence agencies, particularly Indian agencies, to constrain the operational autonomy of the military. These actions politicised the institution and fostered deep-seated divisions within the officer corps.
The subsequent BNP government from 2001 to 2006 continued to politicise the armed forces. Officers perceived as loyal to the Awami League faced early retirement or punitive postings, while party-aligned officers were promoted. The emphasis on political loyalty over professional competence deepened factionalism and eroded meritocracy. Although the military retained operational capabilities, internal cohesion suffered, and officers became increasingly cautious in exercising institutional autonomy.
Since 2009, under the Awami League government, patterns of political interference have persisted and intensified in some areas. Promotions and reshuffles frequently reward loyalty to the ruling party rather than professional merit, fostering resentment within the ranks. The 2009–2010 paramilitary crisis at Peelkhana, which resulted in numerous deaths, has highlighted the deadly consequences of political meddling, and ongoing investigations continue to examine the role of political actors in exacerbating the crisis. Allegations of political influence over defence procurement have also surfaced, with contracts sometimes favouring politically connected firms. Officers expressing independent views risk censure, early retirement, or marginalisation. Allegations of collusion with foreign intelligence agencies further raise concerns about constraints on the armed forces’ strategic autonomy. While the military remains operationally capable and modern, its institutional independence and professional neutrality have been compromised in key areas.
Across all eras, a consistent pattern emerges: political loyalty repeatedly outweighed merit in promotions and appointments, purges and reshuffles created internal divisions, enforced disappearances and suppression silenced dissent, and high-profile crises such as Peelkhana conspiracy illustrated the real-world consequences of political interference. Alleged foreign collusion further eroded the autonomy of the armed forces, and the cumulative effect of decades of interference has been to weaken institutional cohesion, professionalism, and operational independence.
Despite these challenges, the Bangladesh Armed Forces remain a capable and disciplined institution. However, for the military to fully realise its potential, reforms are needed to restore meritocracy, protect institutional neutrality, and ensure operational autonomy. Strengthening these principles is essential not only for the readiness of the armed forces but also for safeguarding the nation against both internal and external threats, ensuring that the military serves Bangladesh rather than political interests.
BDMilitary editorial standards emphasise that understanding these historical patterns is crucial for shaping a future where the armed forces can regain their professional integrity and operate free from partisan interference, fulfilling their constitutional mandate as guardians of national security.
Khaled Ahmed is a seasoned former intelligence analyst and military expert from the Netherlands, bringing over 15 years of specialised experience in operational intelligence, threat analysis, and strategic defence planning. Having served in high-level, classified roles within Dutch military intelligence, he possesses rare expertise in European security architecture, NATO doctrine, and asymmetric warfare. Khaled’s deep operational insight and international perspective enable him to deliver precision-driven intelligence analysis and forward-looking strategic forecasts. A trusted contributor to high-level risk assessments and security briefings, he offers readers clarity on complex defence and security challenges. Khaled leads the National Security and Fact Analysis sections at BDMilitary. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and is fluent in Dutch, French, and Arabic — combining linguistic dexterity with operational expertise to analyse security issues across cultures and regions.
