Bangladesh Air Force Officers Removed Over Alleged RAW Links

Defence affairs analysis

A wave of controversy has engulfed the Bangladesh Air Force following reports that seven officers were removed from service over alleged links to India’s intelligence agency, RAW. While some sources claim espionage and internal sabotage, the military’s official stance disputes these allegations.

According to investigative reporting by Amar Desh and defense sources cited by Global Defense Corp, Squadron Leader Abdullah Ibne Altaf was court-martialed and sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly acting as a shadow recruiter for RAW. He is currently held in a high-security cell at Kashimpur Jail, and authorities reportedly recovered foreign weapons, encrypted devices, and large sums of cash from his vehicle during the arrest.

Six senior officers were also implicated:

Air Vice Marshal M. A. Awal Hossain

Air Vice Marshal Zahidul Saeed

Air Commodore Mohammad Aminul Haque

Group Captain Abdullah Al Farooq

Group Captain Mohammad Shamim

Wing Commander Saiyed Mohammad

These officers were reportedly forcibly retired for their alleged involvement in the network. However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a formal statement on August 4 dismissing the claims as “baseless and misleading.” ISPR clarified that the officers retired under standard procedures upon reaching service age limits and denied any connection to foreign intelligence.

The incident has sparked debate over internal security protocols and media responsibility. ISPR urged outlets to verify sensitive information before publication, warning that unsubstantiated reports could damage reputations and destabilize public trust.

As investigations continue, the case underscores growing concerns over foreign influence and internal vetting within Bangladesh’s defense institutions.