Former director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Sheikh Mamun Khaled has returned to the spotlight following his arrest, bringing renewed attention to his career, past roles, and longstanding controversies.
Mamun, an officer of the Signal Corps of the Bangladesh Army, joined DGFI in December 2007 as director of Forces Intelligence Security Bureau (FSIB) wing. His entry into the military intelligence agency came during the politically sensitive One-Eleven period, when a military-backed caretaker government assumed power.
In June 2008, he was appointed director of the Counter Intelligence Bureau (CIB), replacing the then Brig Gen Chowdhury Fazlul Bari. His tenure in DGFI during that period has remained a subject of discussion, particularly over allegations of the agency’s involvement in political activities and his role in the events surrounding the 2007 political transition.
Mamun later rose to the top position in DGFI, returning as DG in 2011 during the Awami League government, succeeding the then Lt Gen Molla Fazle Akbar. He served in the role for around one and a half years before being replaced by Maj Gen Akbar Hossain.
Beyond intelligence service, Mamun also held key academic and strategic positions. During his time in the army, he served as vice chancellor of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). Before his retirement as a three-star general, he was posted at the National Defence College (NDC), a premier institution for higher military training.
At the time of the January 11, 2007 changeover, he was serving as a colonel in Comilla. His name later surfaced in discussions linked to the sequence of events during that period, often referred to as “One-Eleven.”
In recent years, Mamun has faced scrutiny over multiple allegations. In May 2025, during the interim government period following the fall of the Awami League government amid 2024 July uprising, a court imposed a travel ban on him and his wife, Nigar Sultana, acting on a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC said it was investigating allegations of financial irregularities and issues related to asset accumulation.
Investigative sources said inquiries had also covered allegations of involving DGFI in political activities, his controversial role during the One-Eleven period, and reported irregularities linked to the Jolshiri Housing Project.
The latest development came late Wednesday night, when Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested Sheikh Mamun Khaled from Mirpur DOHS area. DB Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest.
According to the DB chief, further details were being gathered regarding the allegations, and legal action would follow upon completion of due process.
A Dhaka court on Thursday granted a five-day remand for Mamun Khaled in connection with a murder case during the July uprising filed at Mirpur Model Police Station.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Siddique Azad passed the order after examining the remand application submitted by the investigating officer, DB Sub-inspector Kafil Uddin. State lawyer Shamsuddoha Sumon confirmed the development.
Mamun’s arrest comes just days after the arrest of another prominent figure associated with the One-Eleven period, former MP Lt Gen (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, signaling renewed focus on former senior military officials linked to that time.
