ISPR bins allegations of RAW network in BAF

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed a report titled "Leak of RAW Network within the Air Force" published by a vernacular daily  as baseless and misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday (August 4), ISPR refuted claims that six high-ranking Bangladesh Air Force officers – Air Vice Marshal MA Awal Hossain, Air Vice Marshal Zahidul Sayeed, Air Commodore Mohammad Aminul Haque, Group Captain Abdullah Al Faruk, Group Captain Mohammad Shamim, and Wing Commander Syed Mohammad – were linked to foreign intelligence agencies and sent on compulsory retirement. 

The ISPR clarified that these officers retired as per standard procedures upon reaching the prescribed service age limit, in line with Air Force regulations.

The report also alleged that Flight Lieutenant Rifat Ashrafi and Flight Lieutenant Tahsif Suri were forcibly retired for similar reasons. ISPR stated that these officers were retired under existing laws in a separate context, unrelated to the claims.

ISPR emphasised that such unfounded allegations harm the reputation of the officers, their families, and the armed forces, while also creating public confusion and questioning national stability. The statement urged media outlets to verify information with ISPR before publishing reports related to the Air Force to avoid misinformation.

The Bangladesh Air Force respects independent media and encourages responsible reporting to maintain public trust, the ISPR added.