New Delhi: Bangladesh’s new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rehman has initiated a sweeping reshuffle of top military positions and simultaneously restored full visa and consular services for Indian citizens, moves that have drawn close attention in New Delhi and regional strategic circles.

Within days of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP)-led government being sworn in on February 17, Dhaka set the changes in motion on February 23, appointing a new Chief of General Staff (CGS) and a new head of military intelligence, along with other key postings in the armed forces’ top hierarchy.

Among the notable appointments, Brigadier General Md. Hafizur Rahman has been named the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) after being recalled from his role as defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India, according to Prothom Alo. Lieutenant General M. Mainur Rahman, previously serving at the Army Training and Doctrine Command, has taken over as CGS, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim.

The reshuffle also saw Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, former head of military intelligence, moved to the Foreign Ministry as an ambassador, with Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury replacing him in the intelligence role. Analysts view the changes as a consolidation effort by the new administration, replacing officers who held key posts during the interim government and the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The developments are being closely watched given the historically influential role of the armed forces in Bangladesh’s political transitions, especially after the turbulence following the 2024 popular uprising and the 2026 elections that brought the BNP to power.

In a parallel diplomatic signal, Bangladesh has restored full visa and consular services for Indian citizens across all its missions, after a temporary suspension during the election period. The decision is widely seen as an attempt to ease tensions and revive bilateral engagement.

The move follows India’s earlier suspension of certain visa categories for Bangladeshi nationals in December. New Delhi had indicated on February 20 that services would be resumed, shortly before Dhaka announced the reopening of tourist, business, and other visa facilities for Indians.

The visa curbs had come in the wake of the fatal attack on youth leader Osman Hadi in Dhaka last December, which triggered political tensions and allegations of minority-targeted violence.

Recent statements from officials on both sides have emphasised strengthening people-to-people ties, expanding business and medical travel, and deepening security cooperation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing readiness to work closely with the new government in Dhaka to stabilise and advance bilateral relations.