Moeen U Ahmed

General Moeen U Ahmed ndc, psc
Moeen as Lieutenant General
Native name	মঈন উদ্দিন আহমেদ
Born	21 January 1953 Alipur , Begumganj ,Noakhali
Allegiance	Bangladesh
Service/branch	Bangladesh Army
Years of service	1975–2009
Rank	General
Commands held	GOC: - 19 Infantry division, Ghatail 24 Infantry division, Chittagong Chief of General Staff Chief of Army Staff
Battles/wars	Counter Insurgency Operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts, UN Peacekeeping Missions.
Relations	Naznin Moeen (wife) Nihat Ahmed and Sabrina Ahmed (children)

General Moeen Uddin Ahmed (Bengali: মঈন উদ্দিন আহমেদ) was the thirteenth Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army from 15 June 2005 to 15 June 2009 with last one-year extension during his illegitimate rule.^[1] Previously, he worked in Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan as a Defence Attaché, where he was superseded by Brigadier General Abdul Wadud during Awami League period from 1996-2001, prior to that he served as a UN Peacekeeper in United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda.

Moeen Uddin Ahmed is the first army chief of staff who was commissioned in the newly formed Bangladesh Military Academy then at Comilla (now at Chittagong). At the beginning of his job in army as a second lieutenant, he served Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, who became president after 1975 change-over at Bangabhaban more than 3 days. Besides, he has established himself as the first regular four-star general after liberation war, although the first official four-star general was country's commander-in chief of liberation war and liberation forces General M. A. G. Osmani, who led the war of independence in 1971 and second person was General Mustafizur Rahman, who was promoted from Leave Preparatory Retirement (LPR) by AL regime in 1996-2001. Moeen was, behind the scene, the main actor, although unlawfully as well as obviously by gun power, as the Chief of Army Staff during the 2006–08 Bangladeshi political crisis, violating constitution.^[2][3]

Military career

Moeen U Ahmed completed his preliminary education Pakistan Air Force College Sargodha in the erstwhile West Pakistan.^[4] He belonged to the 16th entry (831 – Fury House), which stayed there from 1965 to 1970.

Moeen Ahmed joined BMA Comilla at 10 January 1974 and started his military career on 11 January 1975. He was commissioned in the 2nd battalion of East Bengal Regiment. He received "Chief of Army Staff's Cane" from Bangladesh Military Academy (then at Comilla) while A T M Jahir (later Lt Gen) was awarded "Sword of Honor". Before joining army, he served Bangladesh Air Force for a year as a flight cadet, he was in Russia for flying training but he was dismissed due to health conditions. He started his instructional career as Weapon Training Officer and then Platoon Commander in BMA in Chittagong. He received NDC as army chief after becoming Lt. General, which course has been designed for colonel level officer.^[5]

Besides, commanding two infantry battalions as Lieutenant Colonel, he also served in Army Headquarters, Military Operations Directorate. He served as Colonel Staff of an Infantry Division. He has served in Defence Services Command and Staff College as Directing Staff in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Senior Instructor of Army Wing in the rank of Colonel and Chief Instructor in the rank of Brigadier.

In 2007 he became the first four star general of Bangladesh.^[4]

Controversy

Appointment allegations

It is alleged that, Moeen became army chief, cancelling a senior general Major General Rezzakul Haider, psc's appointment after the file was signed by Prime Minister and on way to President for approval using his batch mate in army Major Sayeed Eskandar (Retd.),^[6] brother of Khaleda Zia. He also used then outgoing army chief Lt. Gen. Hasan Mashud Chowdhury in his favor. Besides, Moudud Ahmed, Barkatullah Bulu and some other Noakhali people worked for him to make army chief. Moeen entered army with corruption as his height was below. He used RAW in his favor and at the same time he bluffed ISI, saying that he was posted Defence Counsellor in Islamabad during Awami League period in 1996–2001. Under that rule of Sheikh Hasina, he was superseded by Brigadier (later Major General) Abdul Wadud. Sheikh Hasina was informed that Moeen U, Ahmed was made army chief by Khaleda Zia, superseding nine senior army officers.^[7][8]

Maj. Gen. Aminul Karim played main role in favour of Gen. Moeen to take over^[9] and made plot to kill Adviser Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury on 26 February 2007 and 7 September 2007 while Brigadier General Amin (similarly later rewarded as Maj. Gen. as was in good book of army chief) gave life threat to Chowdhury on 15 September 2008 in London^[10] they used intelligence agency and uniformed people for the purposes.^[11]

2006–08 Bangladeshi political crisis

US Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Gen. Moeen U Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army, attend a press conference after meeting at Army Headquarters

General Moeen was the key force behind the declaration of emergency in the country on 11 January 2007 widely known as 1/11 phenomenon.^[12] He upgraded his rank from Lt. General to General during his illegal tenure when there was no regular government; the caretaker government is not mandated to work other than routine work and managing parliamentary elections. He also extended his tenure of army chief, which is fixed for a time period, for one year in same way.^[13] He has been accused of playing a controversial role by helping the caretaker government of Bangladesh to retain power after constitution stipulated three months' duration. Although never publicly admitted, he has been identified as the main driving force behind the non-elected government but he has also been praised for arranging voter ID cards before 29 December 2008. He and the government has been accused domestically and globally to de-politicise the country. Hundreds of political figures, including two ex-prime ministers, ministers, lawmakers and local government heads, have been imprisoned by the regime accusing them of corruption.^[14] Although some of these figures were notoriously corrupt, most of them do not have any specific allegation against them. The regime's anti-corruption drive has been widely praised and criticized around the globe. Reacting his political statement Sheikh Hasina said if you have ambition to do politics come without uniform.

However, he raised much controversy during the tenure. Some quarters also hold him responsible for degrading Army's fame and reputation among the general mass. He arguably also displayed non-soldier like attitude both during and after the tenure. Moeen U Ahmed trid to sell property in Bangladesh and gladly received US Green Card.^[15][16][17] Presidential Adviser Mukhles Chowdhury alleged that the incident of 1/11 caused serious harm to the morale and professionalism of the army, which was used for serving personal interest.^[18] Political parties observed 11 January as a black day^[19]

Political involvement

Moeen assured Hussain Muhammad Ershad to make him the President and breached the agreement.^[20] As he betrayed Ershad, Dr Kamal Hossain, B Chowdhury and Dr Muhammad Yunus, he was also betrayed by Hasina. Moeen has some advisors like Matiur Rahman, Mahfuz Anam and A M M Bahauddin.^[21] They helped Moeen in implementing 'Minus Two Formulae'^[22] Moeen published a political book with uniform^[23] and he gave formula of own brand democracy beyond his capacity and jurisdiction violating his service code and the constitution.^[24] Advisor to the President Mukhlesur Rahman Chowdhury was against Moeen's plan to declare Martial Law^[18][25][26] and he made it impossible by mobilising international support.^[27] Moeen ousted de facto head of the state Mukhles Chowdhury from power and ruled the country for two years.^[28] making the President a puppet.^[29] Moeen wanted to be the President^[30][31][32] Moreover, he sent Brigadier General Fazlul Bari to US State Department after coup of 11 January 2007 to take approval of Martial Law or allow him to be the President,^[33] which was written by Daily Manabzamin Chief Editor later. Moeen formed a political front 'Jago Bangladesh' when he was army chief. He was born in Chittagong District. Mahmudur Rahman and other journalists' reports were published in the daily Amar Desh about Moeen's corruption in Trust Bank, where he was chairman and his elder brother Ikbal U Ahmed was managing editor again unlawfully. Moeen started depoliticising Bangladesh.^[34] Later, Maudud Ahmed admitted that politicians were persecuted and suggested to put Moeen and his associates on trial for their violation of constitution and corruption.^[35]

Family life

He is married to Naznin Moeen, and they have a son and a daughter; Nihat Ahmed and Sabrina Ahmed.

References

1. "Zv‡iK †Kv‡KvB wQj Lv‡j`vi `ye©jZv". বাংলাদেশ নিউজ২৪ (নাওবিডি). The Daily Kalerkantho. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
2. "Politicians' failure led to Jan 11 changeover: speakers". New Age. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
3. "'Jan 11 a full-scale military takeover'". New Age. 13 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
4. "ILLUSTRIOUS STUDENTS". PAF College Sargodha. PAF College Sargodha. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
5. http://www.ndc.gov.bd/images/stories/NDC%20Journal_09.pdf
6. "General Moeen Purge 1/11 Key Players in Power Struggle To Regain Supremacy". Countercurrents.org. 11 January 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
7. Assistant Secretaries of Secreataries. "Luxurious Cars were bought by looted money were used in BNP's road-march: Sheikh Hasina hit by looted money used in BNP's road-march: Sheikh Hasina". Albd.org. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
8. "General Moeen purge 1/11 key players in power struggle to regain supremacy". EBangladesh. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
9. "General Moeen Purge 1/11 Key Players In Power Struggle To Regain Supremacy". countercurrents.org.
10. "Bangladeshis demand trial of Gen (retd) Moeen U Ahmed". Pakistan Defence.
11. "Famous Bangladeshis - By Bangladesh Channel". bangladesh.com.
12. "WikiLeaks: How president Iajuddin was asked to resign". Priyo. 21 September 2011.
13. "Phantom of the Opera | Julfikar Ali Manik". Outlookindia.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
14. Social Post (19 October 2007). "Khaleda and Hasina to be free if corruption charges fails:Moeen". News.oneindia.in. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
15. "দেশের পাট চুকাতে দেশে ফিরছেন জেনারেল মঈন!". Banglanews24.com. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
18. "1/11 is a black scar on the history of the nation. It pushed the country 20 years back". Newsfrombangladesh.net. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
19. BNP observes 'Black Day' 11 January 2010 bdnews24.com
20. "এরশাদের ভারতপ্রেম রাজনীতিতে নতুন ছক!". Banglanews24.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
21. "Mr. Motiur Rahman, please explain yourself". In the Middle of Nowhere. 16 June 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
22. "Minus-two formula". Frontline.in. 10 August 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
23. "Blog Archive » General Moin's Story—Some Comments". Untold Facts. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
24. "Bangladesh needs own brand of democracy: Moeen | Politics". bdnews24.com. 20 February 2008. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
25. "সামরিক শাসন জারি করতে চেয়েছিলেন জেনারেল মঈন - প্রথম পাতা - The Daily Ittefaq". ittefaq.com.bd.
26. "জরুরি অবস্থা নয়, সামরিক শাসন জারি করতে চেয়েছিলেন জেনারেল মইন : সাক্ষাৎকারে মোখলেসুর রহমান চৌধুরী". amardeshonline.com.
27. "Famous Bangladeshis | By Bangladesh Channel". Bangladesh.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
28. "Dhaka under unique martial law". Globalpolitician.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
29. "Cable Viewer". Wikileaks.org. 7 January 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
30. "General Moeen wanted to become president". Theindependentbd.com. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
31. "Moeen wanted to take over power". Retrieved 23 August 2012.
33. "Moeen U Ahmed wanted to be president: Moudud". The Daily Star. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
34. "'Toxic democracy' prevails: Emajuddin". NewsToday. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
35. "Moudud wants Moeen tried". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 18 September 2014.

External links

• "General Moeen U Ahmed takes over as Army Chief". Archived from the original on 19 November 2007.
• "Bangladesh army chief's tenure extended". Archived from the original on 12 June 2012.