Controversial Remarks by Retired Bangladeshi General Draw Diplomatic Concern

 A retired senior military official in Bangladesh has sparked widespread controversy after suggesting a provocative course of action in the event of heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. The comments, made by Maj Gen (Retd.) ALM Fazlur Rahman, a former director-general of the Bangladesh Rifles (now Border Guard Bangladesh), have drawn swift criticism and prompted formal distancing by the interim Bangladeshi administration.

In a Facebook post written in Bengali, Rahman proposed that Bangladesh consider occupying India’s northeastern states should New Delhi launch a military operation against Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy seven states of North East India. In this regard, I think it is necessary to start a discussion on a joint military system with China,” he wrote.

Rahman currently serves as the chairperson of the National Independent Commission of Inquiry, investigating the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny. His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and have raised concerns over their potential diplomatic implications, particularly given his former high-ranking position and perceived proximity to the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

In response, the interim government of Bangladesh issued a firm clarification, stating that Rahman’s remarks were made in a personal capacity and do not reflect official policy.

“The Interim Government does not share his views in any shape or form and does not endorse such rhetoric,” said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser. “Bangladesh respects the sovereignty and independence of all nations and expects the same from others. We urge all not to drag the government of Bangladesh in reference to Major Gen Fazlur Rahman’s personal comments,” he added.

The incident follows Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China, during which he reportedly encouraged stronger Sino-Bangladeshi economic cooperation. While speaking about regional development, Yunus highlighted the strategic geography of India’s northeastern states. “Seven states of India, eastern part of India, called seven sisters… they are landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, bring it out to the whole rest of the world,” Yunus said.

While Yunus’s comments were focused on trade and connectivity, the timing and nature of Rahman’s remarks have added a layer of sensitivity, underscoring the complex geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

The Indian government has not yet formally responded to Rahman’s statements.