This is the first time that Bangladesh’s much-feared intelligence outfit admitted to past wrong doings and extra-constitutional means that it adopted during the 15-year uninterrupted rule of the Awami League.
The stunning and swift political change in Bangladesh effected by the July-August mass upheaval has forced the country’s brutal and much-feared Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) to change course, introspect and reform itself.
The DGFI top brass today promised that it will now reorient itself to the changed political circumstances and not resort to any strong-arm, Gestapo-like tactics against any person. This was articulated by DGFI’s new Director General Major General Mohammad Faizur Rahman before a select group of media persons at the agency’s Dhaka Cantonment headquarters.
Speaking to the hand-picked journalists drawn from TV news channels and newspapers, Maj Gen Rahman said that it was time for the DGFI to turn over a new leaf and “become a professional intelligence agency” that would adhere to the rule of law and undertake all necessary reforms.
This was the DGFI’s first public acknowledgment of the strong-arm and unconstitutional means that its officers used when the Sheikh Hasina regime was in power. While Maj Gen Rahman’s admission of wrong-doing was more in the nature of putting the blame on the erstwhile Awami League regime, his attempt to project a “new image” was part of a strategic decision to lessen public approbation.
While Maj Gen Rahman sought to extend a “hand of peace and reconciliation”, he urged the journalists not to report on the proceedings, including his extempore speech. “It was hard to believe and watch the new chief take such a reconciliatory position,” an officer said on condition of anonymity.
Before being appointed as the new DGFI chief, Maj Gen Rahman served as the Defence Services Command and Staff College Commandant. He replaced Maj General Hamidul Haque who was moved to the insignificant position of Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory Managing Director.
Knowledgeable Bangladeshi military sources revealed that the DGFI had “toned” down and taken to a “self-restraining course” last year when senior officials in key positions “realised” that the Sheikh Hasina regime had “over-extended” itself in its pursuit of absolute and brute power.
Maj Gen Rahman said that the refurbished DGFI will now no longer take recourse to underhand measures in relation to the media. In other words, Maj Gen Rahman said that “henceforth no DGFI officer will pull rank to call up media houses and dictate which news story to carry or not”.
Over the last 15 years, the DGFI would often work in tandem with Indian security agencies on a host of “common issues” such as insurgency, terrorism and so-called “anti-state activities” that supposedly had national security implications.
While Maj Rahman did not explicitly state what relations the DGFI under him would maintain with security agencies of neighbouring countries, other sources indicated that a “reassessment” of such ties would be made in the weeks and months to come.
Key Aspects of the DGFI Reform Plan
- Enhanced Transparency: One of the primary goals of the DGFI reform plan is to increase transparency within the agency. By adopting more open practices and improving communication, the DGFI aims to build trust with the public and stakeholders. This includes clarifying the agency’s roles and responsibilities and ensuring that its operations are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
- Modernization of Operations: The DGFI is committed to modernizing its operations to better address contemporary security challenges. This involves updating technological tools, enhancing data analysis capabilities, and adopting advanced intelligence techniques. The aim is to improve the agency’s ability to respond to evolving threats and provide more accurate and timely intelligence.
- Strengthening Accountability: To address concerns about past practices, the DGFI is focusing on strengthening its accountability mechanisms. This includes implementing internal oversight processes, conducting regular audits, and ensuring that agency personnel adhere to strict ethical guidelines. By reinforcing accountability, the DGFI seeks to prevent abuses and ensure that its operations are conducted with integrity.
- Training and Capacity Building: Recognizing the importance of skilled personnel, the DGFI is investing in training and capacity building for its staff. This includes professional development programs, specialized training in intelligence techniques, and leadership development. The goal is to enhance the capabilities of DGFI personnel and ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex security challenges.
Implications for National Security and Governance
The promised reforms by the DGFI are expected to have significant implications for national security and governance in Bangladesh:
- Improved National Security: By modernizing its operations and enhancing its capabilities, the DGFI aims to strengthen national security. The reforms will enable the agency to better detect and respond to threats, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for citizens.
- Enhanced Public Trust: Increased transparency and accountability are likely to improve public trust in the DGFI. As the agency becomes more open about its activities and adheres to ethical standards, it is expected to foster greater confidence among the public and stakeholders.
- Strengthened Governance: The DGFI’s commitment to reform aligns with broader efforts to strengthen governance in Bangladesh. By addressing past criticisms and adopting best practices, the agency is contributing to a more effective and accountable government.
While the DGFI’s reform plan represents a positive step forward, it also faces challenges. Implementing comprehensive changes in a large and established agency can be complex and requires sustained effort. Additionally, ensuring that reforms are effectively carried out and maintaining momentum over time will be crucial.
Despite these challenges, the DGFI’s commitment to reform is a promising development for Bangladesh. The agency’s efforts to turn a new leaf and embrace modern practices reflect a broader commitment to improving national security and governance.
The DGFI’s pledge to reform itself represents a significant shift in Bangladesh’s intelligence and security landscape. By focusing on transparency, modernization, accountability, and capacity building, the agency aims to enhance its effectiveness and build public trust. As the DGFI moves forward with its reform plan, the impact on national security and governance is expected to be profound, marking a new chapter in the agency’s history.
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