MUTINY IN BANGLADESH BORDER FORCE, SITUATION IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 000196 SIPDIS NEW DELHI PLEASE PASS FAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/24/2019 TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC PINS ETRD BG SUBJECT: MUTINY IN BANGLADESH BORDER FORCE, SITUATION IN DHAKA TENSE REF: DHAKA-OPS CENTER TELCONS Classified By: Ambassador James Moriarty, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d) SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) A confrontation between officers and enlisted men in the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR),a paramilitary force charged with securing Bangladesh's borders, flared into a violent clash Wednesday morning, February 25, at BDR headquarters in Dhaka. The confrontation, allegedly over grievances regarding pay and benefits on the part of BDR enlisted personnel, quickly spiraled into a gunbattle. The Government of Bangladesh has called in police, the Rapid Action Battalion (an elite police unit mainly responsible for countering terrorism),and the Bangladesh Army to contain the violence. As of Wednesday afternoon, local time, there were unconfirmed reports of several casualties, and a loose cordon existed around BDR headquarters. The situation remained very much in flux, however, with reports continuing of casualties, gunfire, mortar fire and black smoke in the area. A GOB delegation met with the rebellious troops, who demanded redress for their grievances. Mission DHAKA held two Emergency Action Committee meetings (reported septel),restricted Mission personnel to the diplomatic enclave (located northeast of BDR Headquarters),issued a Warden notice and contacted the State Department Operations Center. Thus far, there are no reports of American citizens caught up in the violence. CLASH DURING GATHERING OF BDR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) According to reports from several host nation contacts and the media, a national conference of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) officers (who all serve in the BDR on deputation from the Bangladesh Army) and enlisted personnel at BDR headquarters in southwest DHAKA turned violent Wednesday, February 25. The incident started after enlisted men complained about the failure of BDR commanders to respond to enlisted requests regarding pay and benefits. The BDR is currently celebrating "BDR Week" in conjunction with the anniversary of its founding, and as a result, most of the BDR's officers, including many stationed outside Dhaka, were at BDR headquarters at the time of the mutiny. The BDR is responsible for border security and control of smuggling. ¶3. (SBU) There is some speculation that today's battle erupted after enlisted BDR personnel complained that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had not announced any improvements to pay or working conditions during a Tuesday visit to BDR headquarters in commemoration of BDR Week. Regardless of the reasons for the dispute, it quickly spiraled out of control. Information is still sketchy, but there is no question that a pitched battle continues to rage around BDR headquarters. There are reports that senior BDR officers are being held hostage by the mutineers. GOVERNMENT TRYING TO CONTAIN THE VIOLENCE -------------- ¶4. (SBU) There are conflicting reports about casualties and the situation of BDR officers, including the head of the BDR, Major General Shakil Ahmed. BDR headquarters appears to be in the hands of rebellious BDR troops. The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) ordered police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Army to established a cordon around BDR headquarters. Sporadic reports continue of violence spilling into the streets of Dhanmondi, a prosperous residential neighborhood north of BDR headquarters (and a one-hour drive from the Embassy given normal traffic). ¶5. (SBU) According to media reports, a delegation of leaders from Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government met with the mutinous troops; the mutineers allegedly promised to stand down if their grievances were met, if security forces surrounding the headquarters withdrew, and if the mutineers received amnesty for their actions. As of 16:00 local, a delegation from the BDR has reportedly gone to meet with Sheikh Hasina at her official residence. Reports of casualties, gunfire, mortar fire and black smoke around the BDR headquarters continue. Local authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and have closed area businesses, including New Market, one of Dhaka's largest open-air markets, located just outside the gates of BDR headquarters. DHAKA 00000196 002 OF 002 MISSION DHAKA ON ALERT -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Shortly after receiving reports of the violence, Mission DHAKA held an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting (septel). The EAC decided to confine all Mission personnel and their families to the diplomatic enclave until further notice. (NOTE: Dhaka's diplomatic enclave lies 10-12 kilometers northeast of BDR headquarters (a one-hour drive given normal traffic) and includes most diplomatic missions, all Embassy housing, the American International School of DHAKA (AIS/D) and the American Club. END NOTE.) The Ambassador consulted with his diplomatic counterparts, all of whom said they planned similar actions. ¶7. (SBU) AIS/D canceled afternoon and evening activities. The American Chamber of Commerce, set to open its 18th annual U.S. Trade Show tomorrow, postponed a Trade Show dinner scheduled for Wednesday evening. The Consular section issued a warden notice urging Americans in DHAKA to stay away from the BDR headquarters and Dhanmondi neighborhood and avoid unnecessary travel within the city. Thus far, there are no reports of American citizens caught up in the violence. COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C) The outcome of this conflict will be a true test of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's fledgling government. At present, civilian and military leaders are coordinating their response. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has expressed dismay over the tragedy, and there are no reports of unrest spreading to other branches of the security forces or to BDR units outside the capital. We will continue to watch the situation closely and are in close contact with military and police officials, as well as senior government officials and Members of Parliament. MORIARTY