Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh

The Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh () is a senior governmental advisory position in the Government of Bangladesh. The adviser provides strategic counsel to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on matters of national defence, armed forces modernization, military policy, and related security issues. The role often carries the status of a minister or state minister and includes oversight responsibilities for the Ministry of Defence.

The position was formalized in 2009 during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the Defence and Security Adviser. It has since evolved to support the Prime Minister, who traditionally holds the defence portfolio, by handling day-to-day coordination with the armed forces, policy implementation, and international defence engagements. The adviser participates in high-level bodies such as the National Committee on Security Affairs.

Role and responsibilities

The Defence Adviser assists the Prime Minister in formulating and executing defence policy, ensuring the modernization and professionalization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, and addressing emerging security challenges including cyber threats, nuclear security, and regional stability. Key duties include:

• Coordinating with the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force chiefs.
• Overseeing the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Prime Minister.
• Advising on armed forces expansion, procurement, and people-oriented reforms.
• Participating in international defence diplomacy and representing Bangladesh in bilateral military talks.

The adviser holds the rank equivalent to a state minister and operates from the Prime Minister's Office while liaising directly with the Ministry of Defence in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

History

The position traces its origins to 25 January 2009, when retired Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique was appointed Defence and Security Adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Siddique, a brother-in-law of Hasina, served until 5 August 2024, overseeing anti-terrorism efforts and military reforms during the Awami League government. Following the fall of the Hasina government in August 2024 and the establishment of an interim government under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, defence-related advisory functions were handled by the National Security Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who assisted on Ministry of Defence matters. After the 2026 general elections and the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the position was restructured. On 17 February 2026, the government appointed ten advisers, including Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam as Defence Adviser with state minister rank, specifically responsible for the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division.