Dhaka, May 14 — In a dramatic turn of events highlighting rising tensions within Bangladesh’s interim establishment, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has cancelled his planned visit to the United States, originally scheduled to begin on May 11. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka, Syed Amed Maroof, has been recalled to Islamabad under controversial circumstances.
According to senior sources in Bangladesh’s security establishment, interim authority Chief Adviser Dr. Mohammad Yunus has made multiple attempts over the past six weeks to limit the Army Chief’s autonomy. Despite initial clearances, pressure was exerted within the last few days to halt Gen Zaman’s foreign travel, which was to include a high-level five-day engagement in Washington. The move is seen as part of a broader internal struggle between the interim civilian leadership and the military hierarchy.
While the official explanation for the trip’s cancellation remains undisclosed, sources confirmed that the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) at the Armed Forces Division (AFD), Lt Gen Kamrul Hassan, has taken on a significantly more visible role in the Army’s strategic affairs — suggesting an internal recalibration of authority.
Adding to the intrigue, Pakistan’s envoy to Bangladesh, Syed Amed Maroof, abruptly departed for Islamabad on May 11, the same day Gen Zaman’s U.S. visit was cancelled. Northeast News has obtained documents confirming Maroof’s sudden departure, which reportedly stems from his controversial association with a 23-year-old Bangladesh Bank employee.
Maroof had recently visited Cox’s Bazar (May 9–10), where intelligence sources allege he met representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Notably, Maroof departed for Islamabad dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans, bypassing standard diplomatic protocol — a move that has raised eyebrows within both the diplomatic and intelligence communities in Dhaka.
Multiple attempts were reportedly made to formalize restrictions on Gen Zaman’s travel, but resistance from within the Army — particularly from at least six General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and other senior officers — helped preserve his position. Gen Zaman continues to command considerable respect within the ranks, complicating efforts by the interim government to sideline him.
The developments come amid growing instability and deepening political uncertainty in Bangladesh, as the interim government navigates complex internal dynamics, regional security challenges, and increasing scrutiny over its management of the military and diplomatic affairs.
