Bangladesh is hours away from choosing a new government in February 12 elections, a move expected to bring some political stability, 19 months after former Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister. The events of the past two years have shown that neither the government nor political parties and dignitaries stay in power for long in Bangladesh, but the country’s army – a silent yet powerful force – is a key factor for those who want to stay in power.
Members of the Bangladesh Army stand guard at a makeshift checkpoint in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a day ahead of national elections. Reuters/Fatima Tuz Johora (Reuters)Follow all the latest updates of Bangladesh Election Live
Bangladesh’s army, with its more than five-decade history, has not only helped leaders like Ziaur Rahman, father of one of the contenders for the prime ministership, Tariq Rahman, but also ousted many others. The military, tasked with protecting the country’s borders and its institutions, is deeply embedded within the state. Beyond its formal mandate, it exerts an absolutist influence despite presenting itself as ‘non-political’.
How the Bangladesh Army has played a political roleBangladesh’s military has been a central force in the country’s history since independence in 1971, particularly in the first two decades marked by coups, assassinations and even outright military rule.
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In the early days of independence, the military emerged as a powerful actor amid political unrest. Proof of this is found after the assassination of Sheikh Mujib
In August 1975, the country’s first military coup was staged by Rahman Jr. military officers.
What followed was a period of instability and political violence, which eventually led to the rise of Major General Ziaur Rahman. Rahman, a military officer, rose from army chief to president in 1977. A year later, he founded the Bangladesh National Party (BNP).
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However, four years later, in 1981, he was assassinated by a group of officers in another failed coup attempt. A strong but factional military regime did not enjoy power for long as the country transitioned to parliamentary democracy in the 1990s.
The role of the army behind the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina?After the restoration of democracy, there was a brief military rule (2007–2009) under Sheikh Hasina. During her tenure, Hasina focused on reining in the military, which was already divided.
As Sheikh Hasina thrived on the divide, there were reports of favoritism within the army and promotions were given in defiance of traditional hierarchies. Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman was also reported to be a relative of Hasina.
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By July 2024, when student protests began, the military began a crackdown on students and protesters. But as the protests grew, the military failed to support the government. Although the military was deployed to maintain peace, its actions were limited and mostly symbolic.
However, despite Hasina’s resignation a month later and her escape to India, the military did not seize power.
Instead, it led to a smooth transition after an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came to power.
In post-Hasina Bangladesh, the military has played a role in stabilizing unrest and protests, particularly after the death of student leader Osman Hadi last year. While protesters took to the streets and violence against minorities was reported, the army was involved in the day-to-day administration of the country.
What now for the army?Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s military has evolved into a more professional institution, involved in peacekeeping at home. However, the history of coups and counter-coups in Bangladesh and the downfall of key political figures such as Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman have shown that the military remains a significant force.
