Dhaka, February 23, 2026 — In a significant move just days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister, the Bangladesh Army has announced a major reshuffle at its senior command levels, including key appointments in strategic armies and intelligence agencies.
The reshuffle comes shortly after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Rahman, secured a two-thirds majority in the February 12 elections, ending 18 months of rule by Muhammad Yunus. Rahman officially took the oath on February 17, marking the beginning of his government.
Key Appointments and Changes
According to Dhaka Tribune reports, Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman, previously serving as the Chief of General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS). He succeeds Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, who recently retired.
Additionally, Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury, currently a brigadier at Army Headquarters, has been appointed Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He is set to assume the role upon his promotion to major general, replacing Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, who has been assigned as an ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The principal staff officer (PSO), Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, has been replaced by the recently promoted Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman. Hasan has been transferred to the foreign ministry to serve as an ambassador abroad.
Recalls and Promotions
The BNP-led government has also recalled Brigadier General Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, who was serving as the defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India. Rahman has been promoted to major general and appointed as the GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.
Further changes include Major General JM Imdadul Islam, who previously commanded the 55th Infantry Division, being appointed as the Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC).
Context and Significance
The military reshuffle aligns with the political shift brought about by Rahman’s government, underscoring a strategic reorganization at the highest levels of Bangladesh’s armed forces amidst a politically charged environment. The move signals a new phase in Bangladesh’s military and political landscape following the recent electoral victory.
