Deep Dissatisfaction in Bangladesh Army Over “Humanitarian Corridor” Issue: Pressure Mounts for Removal of Dismissed Kamrul Hasan

Special Report

Dhaka, May 15, 2025: Deep divisions have emerged within the Bangladesh Army over the issue of the “humanitarian corridor” in Rakhine. Reliable sources indicate that Army Chief General Wakar-Uz-Zaman attempted to remove Lieutenant General Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), on May 11. However, interim government Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has blocked the official notification.

Sources reveal that Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain was removed for opposing the corridor, a stance shared by much of the military. He was dismissed under the pretext of a club bill dispute. National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman, a U.S. citizen, has strongly advocated for the corridor. Yunus and Khalilur reportedly played key roles in Tawhid’s removal.

Yunus and Khalilur insist on implementing the corridor exactly as prescribed by the U.S., while Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid and General Wakar prioritize Bangladesh’s security and sovereignty—the root of the conflict.

A senior interim government official also opposes the corridor, fearing threats to sovereignty. Army officers have taken a firm stance against it, citing national security. Most General Officers Commanding (GOCs) reportedly support General Wakar.

Meanwhile, Khalilur Rahman maintains close contact with U.S. officials. With mediation from U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson, Lt. Gen. Kamrul Hasan—though dismissed—has temporarily avoided formal removal due to the withheld notification. Tensions are rising at Army HQ as Wakar’s faction rejects Kamrul’s continued oversight of non-lethal corridor logistics.

Maj. Gen. Moin Khan of the 9th Division is rumored to be the next PSO, with an official announcement expected next week.

The anti-corridor faction, led by General Wakar, views this as part of U.S. geopolitical strategy, alleging covert support for Myanmar’s Arakan Army and other rebel groups. This dispute forced Wakar to cancel a May 11–23 U.S. visit, including the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) conference in Honolulu.

Conversely, Lt. Gen. Kamrul Hasan and a faction within the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) propose declaring the Bangladesh-Myanmar border a Military Operation Zone (MOZ) to enhance security and reduce pressure on Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). This group seeks to strengthen BGB’s role in border management with India.

These developments raise serious concerns about internal security and sovereignty, with growing anxiety over the military’s divisions and political interference.