Bangladesh Military Intelligence Uncovers Major Espionage Network: Senior Air Force Officers Court-Martialed for Alleged RAW Collaboration



Bangladesh's military intelligence has exposed what appears to be one of the most significant espionage scandals in the country's recent history, resulting in court martial proceedings against senior Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) officers and the forced retirement of high-ranking military personnel accused of working for India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).


The Discovery That Exposed the Network

The espionage network came to light through an investigation into who recorded and distributed a viral video of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dramatic escape from Kurmitola Airport on August 5, 2024. During the student uprising that led to Hasina's ouster, footage emerged showing her departure, prompting Air Intelligence to investigate the source of this sensitive recording.


According to reports published by Daily Amar Desh, the investigation uncovered a sophisticated RAW network operating within the Bangladesh Air Force. The probe revealed that Squadron Leader Abdullah Ibne Altaf had been functioning as what investigators described as a "shadow recruiter" for RAW within the air force.


Court Martial and Convictions

Squadron Leader Abdullah Ibne Altaf has already been court-martialed and sentenced to 10 years in prison for his alleged involvement in the espionage network. He is currently imprisoned in a high-security cell at Kashimpur Jail. The court martial proceedings concluded with Altaf being found guilty of operating as an active agent of Indian intelligence services.


During his arrest by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) on August 14, 2024, authorities reportedly recovered significant evidence from Altaf's possession, including:

  • Two FN-90 and SIGP-229 rifles typically used by Indian para commandos
  • Various electronic devices
  • One crore taka (approximately $120,000) in cash


Forced Retirements of Senior Officers

The investigation led to the identification and forced retirement of six high-ranking Air Force officers accused of RAW involvement. These officers include:

  • Air Vice Marshal MA Awal Hossain
  • Air Vice Marshal Zahidul Sayeed
  • Air Commodore Mohammad Aminul Haque
  • Group Captain Abdullah Al Farooq
  • Group Captain Mohammad Shamim
  • Wing Commander Syed Mohammad

Additionally, two other officers - Flight Lieutenant Rifat Ashrafi and Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Suri - were also reportedly sent on compulsory retirement in connection with the investigation.


Official Response and Denials

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has disputed aspects of the media reports about the espionage network. In a statement issued on August 5, 2025, ISPR described the allegations as "misleading" and claimed that the officers mentioned had "retired naturally in a systematic process after completing the prescribed service age as per the prevailing rules and regulations of the Bangladesh Air Force".


However, ISPR Director Lt. Col. Sami-ud-Daula Chowdhury confirmed to Daily Amar Desh that the six Air Force officers had indeed retired, though he characterized it as normal retirement rather than forced retirement due to espionage allegations.


Historical Context of RAW Operations in Bangladesh

The exposed network represents the latest chapter in a long history of alleged Indian intelligence operations in Bangladesh. According to intelligence analysts, RAW has maintained extensive networks in Bangladesh since the country's independence, with activities spanning political, military, cultural, and economic spheres.


Former intelligence officials have previously detailed RAW's modus operandi in Bangladesh, including:

  • Recruitment through financial incentives and political patronage
  • Exploitation of personal weaknesses including alcohol, relationships, and financial difficulties
  • Use of "talent spotters" to identify potential recruits within key institutions
  • Infiltration of political parties, media organizations, and cultural institutions

The Bangladesh Air Force has historically been a target for foreign intelligence services due to its strategic importance. The 1977 coup attempt led by Sergeant Afsar, which resulted in the deaths of 11 air force officers, demonstrated the vulnerability of the service to internal subversion.


Broader Intelligence Crackdown

The Air Force espionage case is part of a broader pattern of intelligence activities being exposed following Sheikh Hasina's departure from power. The interim government has been investigating various aspects of the previous administration's security apparatus, including the discovery of secret detention centers operated by DGFI.


Recent arrests of alleged Bangladeshi intelligence operatives in India, including the case of Ashraful Alam who claimed to be a deputy superintendent of police in Bangladesh's secret service, suggest ongoing counterintelligence activities between the two countries.


Implications for Bangladesh-India Relations

The exposure of the alleged RAW network comes at a time of heightened tensions between Bangladesh and India following the change of government in Dhaka. The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has been investigating various aspects of the previous administration's relationship with India, including intelligence cooperation.


Reports suggest that RAW officers had attempted to maintain closer ties with DGFI and other Bangladeshi intelligence agencies during the Hasina period, though these efforts allegedly met with resistance following the government change.


International Espionage Context

The Bangladesh case reflects broader patterns of intelligence competition in South Asia. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has also been accused of conducting operations in Bangladesh, while various international intelligence agencies maintain presence in the strategically located country.


The exposure of the RAW network has prompted discussions about the need for stronger counterintelligence measures and the protection of sensitive military installations from foreign penetration.


Legal and Military Justice Implications

The court martial of Squadron Leader Altaf represents a significant use of Bangladesh's military justice system to address espionage charges. Under the Air Force Act of 1953, courts-martial have jurisdiction over various offenses committed by military personnel, including those related to national security.


Ongoing Investigations

Bangldeshi media reported that the military intelligence sources suggest, investigation into the RAW network is ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the extent of foreign intelligence penetration in Bangladesh's military and security apparatus. The interim government has indicated its commitment to addressing security vulnerabilities inherited from the previous administration.


The case of the Bangladesh Air Force RAW network represents a significant counterintelligence success for the country's security agencies, though it also highlights the challenges faced by smaller nations in protecting their military institutions from foreign intelligence penetration in an increasingly complex regional security environment.

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