In a dramatic escalation of internal tensions within the Bangladesh military establishment, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman has cancelled his scheduled four-day diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, following the arrest of 14 serving officers accused of committing excesses under the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina. The arrests were made in response to warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on October 8, 2025, naming 32 individuals, including former Prime Minister Hasina, her military secretary Major General Kabir Ahmed, and several senior security officials.
The detained officers include major generals, brigadiers, colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors, making it one of the most extensive internal purges in the history of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The move has triggered unrest within the ranks, with reports of dissent surfacing during a high-level meeting on October 9, just a day after the ICT order. Four generals reportedly warned of “large-scale alienation” if the detentions continued without broader consultation.
🧠 Key Developments in Bangladesh Army Crisis
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Army Chief | General Waker-uz-Zaman |
| Cancelled Visit | Saudi Arabia (October 14–18, 2025) |
| Arrested Officers | 14 (including senior ranks) |
| Tribunal Action | ICT warrants against 32 individuals |
| Named Political Figures | Sheikh Hasina, Major General Kabir Ahmed |
| Internal Reaction | Dissent among senior officers |
| Next Steps | Awaiting government clarification and tribunal updates |
The ICT’s action stems from allegations of abduction, torture, and enforced disappearances during Hasina’s 15-year tenure, particularly targeting opposition activists and journalists.
📊 Timeline of Events Leading to Army Chief’s Decision
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 8 | ICT issues arrest warrants for 32 individuals |
| October 9 | Army meeting reveals internal dissent |
| October 11 | 14 officers arrested under tribunal directive |
| October 12 | Reports of Kabir Ahmed evading arrest |
| October 14 | Army chief cancels Saudi visit |
The visit was originally aimed at exploring strategic cooperation and stationing Bangladeshi troops at a Saudi base vacated by U.S. forces.
🗣️ Reactions from Political and Military Circles
- Interim Government Spokesperson: “The tribunal’s orders are binding. We expect full cooperation.”
- Opposition Leaders: “This is long overdue. Justice must be served.”
- Military Analysts: “The timing and scale of arrests could destabilize command cohesion.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Armed Forces | Concerned over morale and operational unity |
| Civil Society | Applauding tribunal’s assertiveness |
| Regional Observers | Watching for signs of military-political rift |
| International Diplomats | Seeking clarity on Bangladesh’s stability |
The ICT’s move is being seen as a test of Bangladesh’s commitment to transitional justice and institutional accountability.
🧾 Breakdown of Arrested Officers and Allegations
| Rank | Number Arrested | Allegation Type |
|---|---|---|
| Major General | 2 | Command-level complicity in disappearances |
| Brigadier | 3 | Torture and illegal detention |
| Colonel | 4 | Surveillance and abduction operations |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 3 | Field-level execution of orders |
| Major | 2 | Intelligence coordination |
Sources indicate that Major General Kabir Ahmed may have fled to a neighboring country, prompting an international alert.
🧭 What to Watch in Coming Weeks
- Tribunal Hearings: Scheduled to begin on October 20
- Government Clarification: Interim PM Mohammad Yunus expected to address Parliament
- Military Realignment: Possible reshuffle in top command positions
- International Response: UN and OIC may issue statements on human rights accountability
The cancellation of the Saudi visit signals a shift in Bangladesh’s diplomatic posture amid growing internal scrutiny.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified tribunal orders, military briefings, and media reports as of October 15, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, diplomatic analysis, or military endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?