The Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies (OCPASS) Foundation was established in May 2025 to address a long-recognised need for an independent institution dedicated exclusively to peace, security and defence studies in Bangladesh. While the country possesses a number of research organisations addressing broader public policy issues, there had long been no specialised think tank devoted to strategic affairs, national defence and security through rigorous, evidence-based research.

The concept of establishing such an institution emerged in the aftermath of the July 2024 Revolution, when the evolving strategic environment highlighted the importance of informed policy research and strategic foresight. The proposal originated within the Chief of General Staff Branch at Army Headquarters and subsequently received consideration at the Army Chief of Staff Secretariat. It was envisaged that the institution would serve as an autonomous centre of excellence, bringing together distinguished military and civilian scholars to contribute to national strategic thinking.

A select group of retired military subject-matter experts was subsequently approached to establish the Foundation. From the outset, it was agreed that the Centre would remain intellectually independent and would pursue research guided solely by the national interest, scholarly integrity and policy relevance. Although affiliated with the Bangladesh Army, the Osmani Centre functions as an autonomous institution committed to impartial academic inquiry and evidence-based analysis.

The Centre is named in honour of General M. A. G. Osmani, Bangabir, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Forces during the War of Liberation. His legacy of visionary leadership, courage, professionalism and strategic foresight continues to inspire the institution's mission of advancing peace, security and defence studies for the benefit of Bangladesh and the wider region.

The emblem of the Osmani Centre symbolises this vision and identity. A green outer ring, bearing the Centre's name and motto, encloses a globe that highlights Bangladesh's strategic location within the Indo-Pacific. The dotted representation of the world map signifies the digital and information age, while the green and red colours reflect the national flag of Bangladesh, representing the Centre's enduring commitment to serving the country's national interests through knowledge, research and strategic dialogue.