Bangladesh's political crisis has continued since the ouster of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. In the past few months, several protests were held in the nation. Now, restlessness can be observed in the political leadership of Bangladesh after Khalilur Rahman has been appointed as the National Security Adviser (NSA).
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Appointment may rise tension within interim govt
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Khalilur Rahman was appointed on April 9 when Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman was not present in the country. It is being said that the appointment of NSA has raised eyebrows, especially Zaman's, of those who were not taken into confidence by Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the Bangladesh government.
Decision was made when Zaman was on foreign trip
According to NorthEast News, there are serious questions about Khalilur Rahman and Waker-Uz-Zaman’s relations. Rahman was already an adviser to the High Representative for the Rohingya issue and priority affairs, and the NSA’s post increased his might in the interim government. General Waker-Uz-Zaman has responsibility for internal and external security, and the decision to make Khalilur Rahman as NSA was taken when he was on tour to Russia and Croatia.
‘Confrontation between NSA and Zaman is inevitable’
Bangladeshi political analysts say a confrontation between Zaman and the NSA is inevitable. Rahman spends most of his time in Washington. Supreme court lawyer Major (Retd) Sarvar Hussain believes that appointing Rahman as NSA is an attempt to present him in a similar fashion to India's Ajit Doval.
‘Post of NSA should be given to senior diplomat’
Hussain further said it seems his move is trying to keep a balance between Zaman and Rahman, but the appointment of NSA should be cancelled. He said the post of NSA should be given to a senior diplomat or a former officer of Bangladesh Army. He said he does not view Rahman as the right person for the post.
Rahman and controversy
Rahman had several controversies in the past. Rahman's name surfaced in the murder of a former official in 2001. Hussain pointed out the incident, stating that his background should be verified for the crucial post. He said surprisingly, Muhammad Yunus did not discuss the appointment with higher-level consultations.
Another political analyst of Dhaka, Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah said the interim government has eight advisers who hold a foreign passport and Rahman has a passport of the United States. His decisions may preserve the interests of the United States in the future.