According to Al Jazeera’s investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer claims that R&AW officers are in Bangladesh to disrupt a 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny. Al Jazeera is not known to publish very pro-India content but this time the Al-Jazeera journalist hasn’t published his finding on Al Jazeera. The post appeared on his facebook page with screenshots of 2 Indian officers. This could be a concocted story!

The journalist!

Zulkarnain Saer’s facebook page claims that he has “studied” in Bangladesh Military Academy, showing his direct links to Bangladesh Army. He is a U.K.-based exiled Bangladeshi journalist and a member of Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit. His his bank accounts were frozen after the claims that Chowdhury laundered millions of dollars into the UK. As per reports—in 2021, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of police of Bangladesh pressed charges against Zulkarnain Saer Khan alias Sami and six others in a case filed under the Digital Security Act for “spreading rumours and carrying out anti-government activities“

Sami’s claim — R&AW officers in Bangladesh to disrupt investigation

Bangladesh’s counterintelligence agencies have identified two Indian intelligence officers who allegedly entered the country under false identities. These operatives, along with several unidentified agents, are suspected of working undercover to disrupt and discredit the newly formed commission investigating the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny.

The two officers, ABC (Passport No: M20XXXXX) and XYZ (Passport No: Z76XXXXX), are believed to be linked to India’s intelligence services. Their arrival has raised security concerns, especially as Bangladesh undergoes political changes, suggesting possible foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.Sami claims the officer reached Bangladesh in Nov 2024. (Names and details hidden)

The below is translated version of Sami’s post on facebook:

Two senior officials of the Indian foreign intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing ‘RAW’, arrived in Dhaka on 6 November 2024, the Indian High Commission arranged their visit. The aim was to restore good relations with the two agencies of Bangladesh, the NSI and the DGFI.

After verifying the information and evidence, it has been revealed that on 6 November 2024, two RAW advisor and director-level officials; ABC and XYZ arrived in Dhaka on Air India flight AI XXX. Officials of the Indian Embassy were present at the airport to receive them in Dhaka. It is worth noting that these RAW officials are mainly Indian IPS (Indian Police Service) officers. ABC was sent to RAW on deputation in 2007 from IPS and XYZ in 2013.

Earlier, ABC visited Bangladesh twice (6 September 2023 and 10 November 2023) for only 1 day.

The two officials had originally come to Dhaka to establish intelligence relations with the interim government, but the reception they were used to during the Awami regime was completely different. Earlier, the Indian embassy officials did not follow any protocol, but this time they had to face a completely different situation. The NSI and DGFI clearly informed the RAW officials that there was no scope for establishing any special relations beyond routine relations. They were also advised to deactivate the RAW operators in Bangladesh under cover and deep cover. The officials were extremely disappointed when they did not receive the expected response from the Bangladesh side, which was later evident in the unnecessary misbehavior with the hotel staff at the hotel where they were staying (Hotel Amari, Gulshan 2).

The two RAW officials left Dhaka on 8 November 2024.

Information published online states that the responsibilities of all high-ranking officers of RAW who are sent on deputation are assigned to the Cabinet Secretariat in Delhi through Central Deputation.

With this he also published 2 screenshots with passport details. The post was published on Feb 26.

What is the 2009 rifle mutiny?

This took place in February 2009, a month after Sheikh Hasina came to power.

The Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) revolt, also known as the Pilkhana massacre or Pilkhana tragedy, was a mutiny that took place on February 25–26, 2009, in Dhaka. A faction of the BDR, a paramilitary force responsible for guarding Bangladesh’s borders, seized control of the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana. During the uprising, the mutineers killed BDR director-general Shakil Ahmed, along with 56 other army officers and 17 civilians. They also attacked civilians, took officers and their families hostage, vandalized property, and looted valuables. By the second day, the unrest had spread to 12 other cities and towns. The mutiny concluded when the rebels surrendered their weapons and released the hostages following a series of negotiations with the government.

Same’s failed attempt at dragging Indian officers into the controversy

Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, has always been a pro-India Bangladeshi leader. After the coup in 2024, she flew to India, which provided her with safe shelter. Sheikh Hasina has always maintained a strong bond with India’s top leadership. She shared a symbiotic relationship with India, ensuring that Bangladesh did not entertain Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI, while India, in return, invested in Bangladesh’s infrastructure. This is why Al Jazeera’s journalist’s concocted story falls flat on its face. Under any circumstance, India would prefer to have a pro-India government like Sheikh Hasina’s.

Surprisingly, money launderers like journalist Sami have made UK their safe-haven.