Abdul Hafiz

Abdul Hafiz (born 6 November 1957) is a retired three star general of the Bangladesh Army and antecedent chief of the general staff. He served as the force commander in UN peacekeeping missions in Western Sahara and Côte d'Ivoire. He was a special assistant to the chief adviser of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus in matters related to defense and national integrity development.

Early life and education Hafiz was born on 6 November 1957. He completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) as part of the 6th batch at Rajshahi Cadet College, an institution known for producing senior military leadership in Bangladesh. He later joined the Bangladesh Military Academy in 1976 and was commissioned into the Bangladesh Army in May 1977 through the 4th Short Course in East Bengal Regiment.

Military career

Hafiz commander four infantry companies, one infantry battalion and was colonel administrative under logistics area at Dhaka Cantonment. He was promoted to brigadier general and commanded an infantry brigade at Jessore in 1999. He was commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy from 2001 which he tenured until 2003. In 2005, he was promoted to major general and designated as the general officer commanding of 33rd Infantry Division and area commander Cumilla area. In 2008 Hafiz served as the director general of Bangladesh Ansar. In 2009 Hafiz was appointed as the chief of the general staff of the army. He was promoted to lieutenant general in February 2013 and went to leave per retirement in the following year as ambassador under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

United Nations peacekeeping missions Hafiz was military liaison officer of UNIKOM in Zagreb from 1991 to 1992. Ban Ki-Moon stated in appointing him, General Hafiz would bring to this new function, his large experience which he has acquired during his distinguished military career, a part of which was devoted to the operations aiming at maintaining peace in the United Nations.

Political career On 22 August 2024, Hafiz was appointed as a special assistant to the chief adviser, a post equivalent to that of an adviser, of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He is responsible in assisting the chief adviser in matters related to defense and national integrity development.

Award Hafiz received many awards in his distinguished career. He was awarded the United Nations Medal for his service in MINURSO.