- Source: Mohammad Saiful Abedin
Mohammad Saiful Abedin, BSP, ndc, psc is a retired major general in the Bangladesh Army. He was General officer commanding (GOC) of the 24th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Chattogram Area. He is the former director general of DGFI. He previously served as Commandant of Defence Services Command & Staff College (DSCSC). He also served in 71 Mechanized Brigade as Commander.
Early life and education
Abedin graduated from Mirzapur Cadet College in 1984. He was selected at the ISSB for the 15th (BMA) Long Course and was commissioned in the East Bengal Regiment on 25 Dec 1986. He was awarded with the coveted 'Sword of Honour' for best all-round performance and 'Osmani Gold Medal' for best academic performance at his commission.
He obtained Bachelor of Science from Chittagong University, Masters in Defence Studies from National University of Bangladesh and Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University, Canada. At present he is pursuing M.Phil. on Strategy and Development under Bangladesh University of Professionals and PhD on international relations under Jahangirnagar University.
Career
Abedin served as the Grade-3 Staff Officer and Brigade Major in Infantry Brigades, Grade-1 Staff Officer at Military Operations Directorate, Army Headquarters and Headquarters, Director General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He was also Col GS in Headquarters, DGFI, until forced out by scandal in 2020 and became the GOC of the 9th Infantry Division. He was also the adjutant of Mymensingh Girls’ Cadet College. He retired from active service in July 2022.
Controversies
Allegations of Coercion Against Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha
In 2017, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha alleged that Major General Abedin coerced him into resigning following a Supreme Court verdict that annulled the 16th amendment of the Bangladesh Constitution. Justice Sinha claimed that Major General Abedin met him in his chambers, expressing dissatisfaction with the judgment and suggesting he take a leave of absence. Subsequently, Justice Sinha reported being placed under house arrest and facing intimidation, leading to his resignation.
Involvement in Political Abductions and Human Rights Violations
During his leadership at DGFI, Major General Abedin faced accusations of orchestrating political abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Reports indicate that DGFI, under his command, detained individuals in secret facilities where detainees were subjected to severe torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of abuse.