In 1974, Rameshwar Nath Kao, the founder of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) of India, allegedly visited Dhaka under the guise of a paan exporter. His purpose was to convey critical intelligence regarding a plot against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Despite the dire warning from one of India’s top intelligence officers, Mujib reportedly dismissed the idea that his own military personnel would harm him.

The visit occurred several months before the tragic events of August 15, 1975, when soldiers entered Mujib’s residence at Dhanmondi Road 32. The attack resulted in the assassination of Mujib, his wife, three sons, and various other family members. Kao’s prior warnings included detailed intelligence data, identifying specific military officers involved in the conspiracy.

This historical encounter becomes particularly significant as R&AW commemorated its 58th anniversary on September 21, 2026. Established in 1968 under Kao’s leadership, the agency played a covert role in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, supporting the Mukti Bahini forces.

Details of Kao’s Intelligence

The accounts surrounding Kao’s intelligence efforts were extensively documented in journalist Asoka Raina’s 1981 book, Inside RAW: The Story of India’s Secret Service. Major Bangladeshi army officers met to discuss a coup at the residence of Ziaur Rahman in June 1974, and a fragment of paper containing sensitive details was recovered and eventually reached Kao in New Delhi.

This information compelled Kao to approach Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Kao chose to keep the source confidential due to the sensitivity of the intelligence acquired. To conduct the meeting discreetly, Kao disguised himself as a paan exporter when he flew to Dhaka.

During their one-hour meeting on the lawn of Bangabhaban, Kao relayed the threats to Mujib’s life, naming specific officers allegedly involved in the coup. However, Mujib reportedly remained skeptical about the credibility of the warning.

Subsequent Attempts to Warn Mujib

Following the initial meeting, in March 1975, Kao sent a senior R&AW officer to bring further details regarding a possible coup. The visit provided more concrete intelligence regarding the ranks and units of military personnel suspected of plotting against Mujib. However, the Prime Minister reportedly disregarded these warnings as well.

Kao himself later expressed frustration over Mujib’s lack of response, suggesting that the intelligence provided to him was substantial. Writing in 1989, he mentioned that Mujib was informed of conspiracies involving specific military units, but chose to ignore the warnings from his allies, including the intelligence agency that had supported his rise to power shortly after Bangladesh’s liberation.

Former R&AW officer B. Raman also noted that Kao was puzzled by Mujib’s refusal to heed the alerts, citing growing dissatisfaction within the Bangladeshi military and indicating that Indira Gandhi was kept informed about the evolving situation.

The Tragic Outcome on August 15, 1975

Early on August 15, 1975, the fears expressed by R&AW became a grim reality when around 350 personnel from the Bangladesh Army invaded Mujib’s residence. That day is marked as a turning point in Bangladeshi history, resulting in the death of Mujib and many family members. Fortunately, Mujib’s daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, were in Brussels at the time, saving them from the massacre.

Mujib’s assassination led to a significant shift in political power in Bangladesh, marking the beginning of a turbulent era characterised by military rule and political instability. Major figures involved in the conspiracy, such as Major Faruque and Major Rashid, were later identified and implicated in the coup.

Although R&AW was aware of the impending threats, the agency could not predict the exact timing or method of the attack. Kao’s earlier engagements highlight the complexities of intelligence operations and the unfortunate consequences of political misjudgement.

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