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Bangladesh Defense Forum Bangladesh Army Officers Here to Share SL Experience | Sri Lanka Army
The latest news, images, videos, career information, and links from the Sri Lanka Army.
Bangladesh Army Officers Here to Share SL Experience
A HIGH-LEVEL MILITARY delegation from People’s Republic of Bangladesh, now in Sri Lanka met Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya Monday (22) afternoon at Army Headquarters.
The Bangladeshi delegation, aimed at further promoting bilateral relations and the bondage between the two friendly Armies, has also expressed their overwhelming willingness to share each other’s experience, particularly in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s successful completion of the war for peace.
During the meeting with Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at his office, Army Headquarters, the visiting two Majors General Mohammed Ehtesham Ul Haque and A.K.M. Zafrullah Siddiq received a brief account on the recently-concluded Wanni operations from the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jayasuriya. They also discussed matters of mutual relevance to both Armies who have been maintaining excellent relations since both countries gained independence. Towards the end of day’s interaction, the visiting Bangladesh Majors General presented a memento to Lieutenant General Jayasuriya who reciprocated as a token of goodwill. High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka was also associated with the meeting.
The eight-member delegation during their visit to the Army Headquarters also received a briefing from Major General Shavindra Silva, Director General Operations, Army Headquarters.
The Bangladeshi Army delegation is expected to visit Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Wanni during their stay in Sri Lanka.
The delegation comprises Major General Mohammed Ehtesham Ul Haque, Major General A.K.M. Zafrullah Siddiq, Brigadier General Ridwan-Al-Mahmood, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam, Lieutenant Colonel, M. Taufiqul Hasan Siddique, Major A.S.M. Bahauddin, Major M.D. Nazrul Islam Khan and Major M. Shakhawat Hossain Chowdhury.
The Bangladeshi delegation, aimed at further promoting bilateral relations and the bondage between the two friendly Armies, has also expressed their overwhelming willingness to share each other’s experience, particularly in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s successful completion of the war for peace.
During the meeting with Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at his office, Army Headquarters, the visiting two Majors General Mohammed Ehtesham Ul Haque and A.K.M. Zafrullah Siddiq received a brief account on the recently-concluded Wanni operations from the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jayasuriya. They also discussed matters of mutual relevance to both Armies who have been maintaining excellent relations since both countries gained independence. Towards the end of day’s interaction, the visiting Bangladesh Majors General presented a memento to Lieutenant General Jayasuriya who reciprocated as a token of goodwill. High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka was also associated with the meeting.
The eight-member delegation during their visit to the Army Headquarters also received a briefing from Major General Shavindra Silva, Director General Operations, Army Headquarters.
The Bangladeshi Army delegation is expected to visit Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Wanni during their stay in Sri Lanka.
The delegation comprises Major General Mohammed Ehtesham Ul Haque, Major General A.K.M. Zafrullah Siddiq, Brigadier General Ridwan-Al-Mahmood, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Asadullah Minhazul Alam, Lieutenant Colonel, M. Taufiqul Hasan Siddique, Major A.S.M. Bahauddin, Major M.D. Nazrul Islam Khan and Major M. Shakhawat Hossain Chowdhury.
Office of the Chief of Defence Staff
NEW BANGLADESH DEFENCE ADVISOR MAKES FIRST COURTESY CALL ON CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
In line with respected military traditions, the newly appointed Bangladesh Defence Advisor (DA) to Sri Lanka, Commodore M Moniruzzaman, (TAS), NGP, psc, BN paid his first official courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) yesterday (05 December 2023).
General Shavendra Silva warmly welcomed Commodore M Moniruzzaman, congratulating the new DA for his new milestone in the career. The CDS emphasized the importance of this appointment in setting the tone for continued strong military cooperation between the two nations by elaborating with the examples from his past experience in the diplomatic field. The CDS expressed his confidence that the DA's expertise and experience would prove invaluable in further strengthening the existing bonds of friendship and mutual respect. General Shavendra Silva further highlighted the existing mechanisms for cooperation, such as regular training exercises and knowledge exchange programmes, and emphasized the Bangladeshi DA's role in facilitating their success. General Shavendra Silva also didn’t forget to invite the new DA to explore the country and witness the beauty blended with the proud heritage of the nation during his tenure in the country.
Commodore M Moniruzzaman, in turn, acknowledged the immense respect Bangladesh holds for Sri Lanka's military prowess and expressed his desire to build upon this existing trust. Further, the new DA thanked the CDS for his much valued insights rich with the experience in the field. He also requested the continued assistance and guidance of General Shavendra Silva in discharging his future entrusted tasks. He also emphasized his commitment to working closely with his Sri Lankan counterparts to further solidify bilateral defence ties.
The CDS concluded the meeting by wishing the new DA success in his new role and reiterating Sri Lanka's unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Bangladesh Armed Forces for the betterment of both nations. The call on culminated with the exchange of mementoes.
Bangladesh, Maldives deepen cooperation on Indian Ocean security | Indo-Pacific Defense Forum
Bangladesh and the Maldives agreed in late December 2021 to expand security cooperation to ensure pe
ipdefenseforum.com
Bangladesh, Maldives deepen cooperation on Indian Ocean security
Bangladesh and the Maldives agreed in late December 2021 to expand security cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, weeks after the nations participated in maritime exercises with like-minded military partners, including the United States.
In a statement, the two nations’ leaders highlighted “the importance of working together bilaterally, regionally and internationally in combating the rising menace of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.” Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also agreed to counter threats such as piracy, human and narcotics trafficking and organized crime through regional and multilateral organizations, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which both are members.
During Hasina’s six-day visit to the Maldives, the leaders pledged to work toward “greater maritime safety and security” in the region, and Solih thanked Hasina for Bangladesh’s gift of 13 military vehicles and for the deployment of Bangladesh Armed Forces medical teams to the island republic during the pandemic. Such high-level engagements solidify the bilateral relationship and boost collaboration, Solih said during a banquet honoring Hasina, the Maldivian news website Sun Online reported December 24.
Half of the world’s container ship traffic and two-thirds of global oil shipments traverse the Indian Ocean, according to the IORA, which was founded in 1997 and now has 23 member states with a total population of about 2.7 billion.
Encompassing almost 70 million square kilometers from Africa to the Indo-Pacific, the maritime region faces multiple challenges, from armed robberies at sea to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Climate change and consequent rising sea levels, meanwhile, pose an existential threat to low-lying nations such as Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Hasina and Solih “noted the need to promote sustainable governance of the ocean and environmental resources,” and they agreed to step up joint efforts on climate change adaptation and disaster management, according to their statement.
“I am happy to share that we just held a very fruitful discussion on the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations,” Hasina said, according to The Daily Star newspaper in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s trip to the Maldives came the same month that the Bangladesh Navy concluded nine days of virtual, in-person and at-sea engagements with the U.S. Navy as part of the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series. Aircraft and ships from both navies conducted exercises in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on areas including replenishment-at-sea, search and rescue and surface warfare, according to a U.S. Pacific Fleet news release. (Pictured: The Bangladesh Navy patrol frigate BNS Somudra Avijan, foreground, and the U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Tulsa conduct a replenishment-at-sea exercise during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training in the Bay of Bengal in December 2021.)
“I am confident that this visit of USS Tulsa, including performing exercises with the Bangladesh Navy at sea, is a milestone in enhancing the relationship between our navies in greater mutual maritime cooperation,” said Capt. A.N.M. Ishtiaq Jahan Farouqee, commanding officer of the Bangladesh Navy guided-missile frigate BNS Bangabandhu, according to the news release.
“As maritime nations with a shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, we used CARAT to contribute to regional maritime security by enhancing our ability to work side-by-side at sea as well as in the planning process,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Tom Ogden, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7.
Minister discusses military cooperation between Maldives and Bangladesh
Maldives News Leader
avas.mv
Minister discusses military cooperation between Maldives and Bangladesh
Minister of Defence Mariya Didi met with Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Tuesday.
The Defense Ministry said discussions focused on ways to further boost cooperation between MNDF and Bangladesh Army, including the provision of capacity-building and training opportunities for MNDF officers in various fields.
The discussions were met with a very positive response from General Shafiuddin who reassured that the Bangladesh Army would continue its special partnership and cooperation with MNDF.
Minister Mariya thanked General Shafiuddin and his delegation for the visit.
The Minister was joined by Military Secretary BG Abdul Matheen Ahmed, DIDC’s Principal Director LTC Ahmed Shareef and LTC Hassan Bushry.
Bangladesh stepping up defense ties with Turkey
After buying $60M worth of weapons from Ankara this year, both countries' air, navy chiefs agree to enhance defense ties - Anadolu Ajansı
www.aa.com.tr
Bangladesh stepping up defense ties with Turkey
After buying $60M worth of weapons from Ankara this year, both countries' air, navy chiefs agree to enhance defense ties
SM Najmus Sakib |21.06.2021 - Update : 23.06.2021
DHAKA, Bangladesh
Relations between Bangladesh and Turkey have reached a new high, with the two countries particularly stepping up defense exchanges.
Bangladesh has become the fourth-largest arms buyer from Turkey, reportedly receiving up to $60 million worth of weapons out of Turkey’s roughly $1 billion in defense products exports in the first four months of 2021.
Turkey appears to be fostering closer relations with Bangladesh through its Asia Anew initiative, turning its attention to countries including Bangladesh, a country with a $4.45 billion military budget allocation for the fiscal year 2021-22.
Roketsan, a major Turkish weapons manufacturer and defense contractor, delivered the first batch of the TRG-300 Kaplan missile system with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles) to Bangladesh in June, according to reports from Defense Technology of Bangladesh-DTB.
Meanwhile, 41 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in a training in Turkey on the Tiger MLRS (c) delivered by Ankara and returned in the first week of June this year, according to the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, and other official sources.
Bangladesh diversifying its defense equipment
Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF), the defense hardware manufacturer for the Bangladesh Armed Forces, has taken up a project to manufacture air defense and anti-tank missiles for the first time to strengthen its capacity and meet Forces Goal 2030, according to the Bangladesh Defense Analyst website, which is owned and published by Defseca, the country’s largest military, security and intelligence portal.
Work on the initiative started in 2016 with help from China but did not make headway until 2021, when defense and international experts observed other countries can now join and help resume the initiative.
Defense expert and security analyst Brig. Gen. (retired) M. Sakhawat Hossain told Anadolu Agency that Turkey has offered to sell defense equipment to Bangladesh and the government is considering fresh procurements from Turkey, including missiles and plans for producing a joint venture aircraft.
Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu during a visit to Bangladesh expressed Ankara's keenness to enhance defense cooperation with Dhaka and engage in “joint production and technology transfer.”
“Bangladesh is surely discussing and considering the Turkish foreign minister’s proposal for defense procurement, but those are internal issues and cannot come into the public domain until an agreement is signed,” said Hossain.
Shahab Enam Khan, a professor of international relations at Jahangirnagar University, told Anadolu Agency that Turkey and Bangladesh are “natural friends” and that they should have strategic relations.
“Modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces and defense industries certainly deserves attention, which can be beneficial for Bangladeshi armed forces’ modernization plan because it seeks to diversify defense capability,” he noted.
“We must remember that the ‘great power game’ is also unfolding in the country’s neighborhood and the defense relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey will certainly help maintain greater peace and stability in this region,” said Khan.
Bangladesh’s economic growth is attracting increasing interest from countries such as Turkey, which is looking to sell products and invest in the country while also strengthening bilateral ties.
“Bangladesh’s economic growth is the most sustainable and stable in the region, which has significantly increased the geopolitical importance over the past decade,” he said.
The country also wants the stable Middle East, which is a shared interest between the two countries, as remittances, Bangladesh's second-largest source of foreign reserves, largely originate from there, according to these analysts.
Cooperation between armed forces
On June 16, the Bangladesh Navy awarded the country’s state-owned defense contractor Khulna Shipyard a contract to build three diving support boats for its operational needs based on a modern Turkish design
In addition, Bangladesh Chief of Naval Staff Adm. M. Shaheen Iqbal led a delegation to Turkey from May 27 to June 4 this year, while days before his retirement, then-Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat led a visit from April 19 to April 25, in response to invitations from his Turkish counterpart.
During meetings with Turkey’s air and navy forces’ officials and Defense Industry President Ismail Demir, matters such as training between the two countries, shipbuilding, and enhancing mutual cooperation in cybersecurity were discussed, according to the director of the ISPR.
ISPR Director Lt. Col. Abdullah Ibn Zaid noted that the visit is expected to play a vital role in strengthening their cordial relationship by broadening the scope of mutual cooperation in professional sectors.
Sikder Bodiruzzaman, director general of Foreign Ministry's Eastern Europe and CIS sub-division, mentioned Turkish support in repairing a Bangladeshi naval ship damaged in a blast in Beirut, Lebanon, in August last year as an example of strengthening defense ties.
He told Anadolu Agency that trade and defense relationships have grown stronger and more frequent.
A delegation from Bangladesh is scheduled to visit Turkey next month with the goal of enhancing ties and overall trade relations between the two countries to $2 billion from the current level of around $1 billion.
South korea wants to sell jet fighters and self-propelled howitzers to Bangladesh.
A U.S. army officer taking commando training from Bangladesh.
I think there is a little room for Bangladesh and the U.S.A. to build a defense partnership beyond procuring some non-lethal weapons by the Bangladesh army. The U.S.A. does not transfer military technology to non NATO countries. Another avenue of cooperation is exchange of training, which has been going on since the 80s.
www.tbsnews.net
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Mira Resnick
Describing Bangladesh-US relationship "multifaceted and comprehensive," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick has said there is so much that the two countries can do together, including in the security relationship.
"We don't want to see a situation that risks the growth that we have seen in this relationship," she told UNB in an interview during her visit to Bangladesh last week, expressing US' willingness to "strengthen and deepen" the ties.
Responding to a question on diversification of defense relationship, the US diplomat said they welcome Bangladesh's diversification of procurement for their defense needs.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Bangladesh to make sure that they're interoperable with their partners, including the United States," she said, noting that it was one of the things that came up in the 9th security dialogue held between the two countries in Dhaka.
The US deputy assistant secretary said it was a great opportunity to have a discussion with Bangladesh to talk about ways that the United States may be able to help with military modernization.
"We are looking for ways that we can help Bangladesh modernize its military and be able to invest in what we call maritime domain awareness to be able to understand what is on your coastal borders, what is coming to by air, land, sea and by cyberspace," she said.
Resnick said there are a lot of opportunities for them to be able to expand and deepen this relationship between the two countries.
As the next national election came up for discussion during her visit, she said the United States firmly supports "free, fair and peaceful" elections in Bangladesh.
"Our counterparts reiterated the prime minister's commitment toward free, fair and peaceful elections," she added.
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions.
The US and Bangladesh discussed cooperation in the areas of climate resilience, counterterrorism, disaster relief, military modernization and human rights and what they can do better on the Bangladesh side and the United States side to help support this important relationship.
Over the next year, the US expects to deliver the highly capable Blackjack UAS, 35-foot SAFE Patrol Boats, and additional Zodiac Rigid Hull Boats.
These systems will help Bangladesh conduct UN missions and defend its sovereignty.
"Those particular equipment does not require GSOMIA but it will require the technology security and foreign disclosure review which Washington does," said the US deputy assistant secretary.
She said these are particular equipment and they are very excited to be able to support new deliveries of equipment that can help support Bangladesh security and their contributions to UN peacekeeping forces.
She said GSOMIA is needed for more advanced procurement. "And when the government of Bangladesh is ready for that we stand ready to work with the Bangladesh government to sign a GSOMIA."
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between two countries.
"We plan to make sure that Bangladesh understands how we protect our military information. And we would like to understand better how Bangladesh protects its secret military information so that we can have this," said the US official.
Responding to a question, she said, it is going to be up to the government of Bangladesh to pursue whichever agreement they would like at whichever point makes sense to Bangladesh.
Asked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, Resnick said the United States is committed to working together to ensure that the region is open, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
"The best example it came up during the dialogue is that the ability of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to protect Bangladeshi fishermen in your territorial waters, using the kind of software that the United States provides to your Navy and Coast Guard, and also patrol boats and ships," she said, adding that it is this kind of cooperation that helps your economy and helps your security and that is our outlook. "That is our view of the Indo-Pacific strategy."
Responding to a question on frequent engagement between the two countries, Resnick said as the relationship grows, there is a growing interest in Bangladesh.
"I think also, as we move toward elections here in Bangladesh, there is more interest in Washington to see a free and peaceful election," she added.
The US official said the United States remains committed to being a development partner here in Bangladesh.
The US said they have a number of goals that they would like to see in Bangladesh, including providing its own security and being able to contribute to regional security goals.
"We would like to see Bangladesh continue to grow its environmental resilience, including address the vulnerabilities that come with climate change. We would like to see sustainable economic growth, and shared prosperity that also includes fair labor standards and free assembly at in the workplace," said Resnick.
"And of course, we would like to see Bangladesh commit to international standards for human rights and human protection when it comes to the Rohingya crisis and be able to support those refugees until there is an opportunity for safe, voluntary and dignified returns," she added.
Asked about the sanctions issues, Resnick said, "As a matter of policy, we don't preview our sanctions. We designated RAB due to widespread credible allegations of torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings....we will need to see real accountability and structural reform in order to remove those sanctions."
On 5 September, Mira Resnick and Bangladesh Director General (North America) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khandker Masudul Alam co-chaired the Ninth US-Bangladesh Bilateral Security Dialogue in Dhaka.
The dialogue, established in 2012, reflects "our growing security relationship with Bangladesh and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region," Resnick said.
Discussions focused on efforts to expand partnerships in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, defense trade, military cooperation, and counterterrorism, as well as maritime security and regional issues.
Much to do together and help modernise Bangladesh military: US official Mira Resnick
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions
Much to do together and help modernise Bangladesh military: US official Mira Resnick
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Mira Resnick
Describing Bangladesh-US relationship "multifaceted and comprehensive," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick has said there is so much that the two countries can do together, including in the security relationship.
"We don't want to see a situation that risks the growth that we have seen in this relationship," she told UNB in an interview during her visit to Bangladesh last week, expressing US' willingness to "strengthen and deepen" the ties.
Responding to a question on diversification of defense relationship, the US diplomat said they welcome Bangladesh's diversification of procurement for their defense needs.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Bangladesh to make sure that they're interoperable with their partners, including the United States," she said, noting that it was one of the things that came up in the 9th security dialogue held between the two countries in Dhaka.
The US deputy assistant secretary said it was a great opportunity to have a discussion with Bangladesh to talk about ways that the United States may be able to help with military modernization.
"We are looking for ways that we can help Bangladesh modernize its military and be able to invest in what we call maritime domain awareness to be able to understand what is on your coastal borders, what is coming to by air, land, sea and by cyberspace," she said.
Resnick said there are a lot of opportunities for them to be able to expand and deepen this relationship between the two countries.
As the next national election came up for discussion during her visit, she said the United States firmly supports "free, fair and peaceful" elections in Bangladesh.
"Our counterparts reiterated the prime minister's commitment toward free, fair and peaceful elections," she added.
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions.
The US and Bangladesh discussed cooperation in the areas of climate resilience, counterterrorism, disaster relief, military modernization and human rights and what they can do better on the Bangladesh side and the United States side to help support this important relationship.
Over the next year, the US expects to deliver the highly capable Blackjack UAS, 35-foot SAFE Patrol Boats, and additional Zodiac Rigid Hull Boats.
These systems will help Bangladesh conduct UN missions and defend its sovereignty.
"Those particular equipment does not require GSOMIA but it will require the technology security and foreign disclosure review which Washington does," said the US deputy assistant secretary.
She said these are particular equipment and they are very excited to be able to support new deliveries of equipment that can help support Bangladesh security and their contributions to UN peacekeeping forces.
She said GSOMIA is needed for more advanced procurement. "And when the government of Bangladesh is ready for that we stand ready to work with the Bangladesh government to sign a GSOMIA."
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between two countries.
"We plan to make sure that Bangladesh understands how we protect our military information. And we would like to understand better how Bangladesh protects its secret military information so that we can have this," said the US official.
Responding to a question, she said, it is going to be up to the government of Bangladesh to pursue whichever agreement they would like at whichever point makes sense to Bangladesh.
Asked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, Resnick said the United States is committed to working together to ensure that the region is open, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
"The best example it came up during the dialogue is that the ability of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to protect Bangladeshi fishermen in your territorial waters, using the kind of software that the United States provides to your Navy and Coast Guard, and also patrol boats and ships," she said, adding that it is this kind of cooperation that helps your economy and helps your security and that is our outlook. "That is our view of the Indo-Pacific strategy."
Responding to a question on frequent engagement between the two countries, Resnick said as the relationship grows, there is a growing interest in Bangladesh.
"I think also, as we move toward elections here in Bangladesh, there is more interest in Washington to see a free and peaceful election," she added.
The US official said the United States remains committed to being a development partner here in Bangladesh.
The US said they have a number of goals that they would like to see in Bangladesh, including providing its own security and being able to contribute to regional security goals.
"We would like to see Bangladesh continue to grow its environmental resilience, including address the vulnerabilities that come with climate change. We would like to see sustainable economic growth, and shared prosperity that also includes fair labor standards and free assembly at in the workplace," said Resnick.
"And of course, we would like to see Bangladesh commit to international standards for human rights and human protection when it comes to the Rohingya crisis and be able to support those refugees until there is an opportunity for safe, voluntary and dignified returns," she added.
Asked about the sanctions issues, Resnick said, "As a matter of policy, we don't preview our sanctions. We designated RAB due to widespread credible allegations of torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings....we will need to see real accountability and structural reform in order to remove those sanctions."
On 5 September, Mira Resnick and Bangladesh Director General (North America) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khandker Masudul Alam co-chaired the Ninth US-Bangladesh Bilateral Security Dialogue in Dhaka.
The dialogue, established in 2012, reflects "our growing security relationship with Bangladesh and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region," Resnick said.
Discussions focused on efforts to expand partnerships in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, defense trade, military cooperation, and counterterrorism, as well as maritime security and regional issues.
Bangladesh must not take its defense relations with the U.S.A. to a level from where they can dictate our defense relations with China. China is our biggest pillar of sovereignty and we must not do something which can harm our defense relations with China. We should focus on exchange of training with the U.S. army and refrain from signing GSOMIA AND ACSA.
asia.nikkei.com
Bangladeshi air force in a fly pass during a national celebration. The country has spent $110 million in arms from the U.S. but $2.59 billion in similar from China in the ten years to 2019. © Reuters
Defense diplomacy is part of Washington's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. In June 2019, the Department of Defense released its first report on the strategy, in which it recognized Bangladesh as an "emerging partner," alongside Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives in South Asia.
"Our Indo-Pacific vision is rooted in the fact that the United States, like Bangladesh, is an Indo-Pacific country," Stone told Nikkei. "Maritime and regional security in South Asia are critical to ensuring a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the benefit of all its nations, which is why we prioritize efforts that promote security."
The growing influence of China in the region, and Bangladesh's participation in Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, have made it imperative for the U.S. to vigorously pursue its Indo-Pacific agenda, said Riaz, who is also a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
The U.S. and Bangladesh have already collaborated on security in a range of areas, from counterterrorism to peacekeeping, under a foreign military financing scheme started in 2005. Since 2018, it has dispensed an additional $60 million to help pay for Bangladesh's maritime security and address other issues of critical concern.
The U.S. administration is "aggressively pushing" the Indo-Pacific gambit to counteract China's BRI, of which Bangladesh has been a part since 2016, according to Amena Mohsin, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. "The U.S. wants partnership on the war on terrorism [and] partnership on arms sales," she told Nikkei. "Bangladesh has strategic importance."
M. Humayun Kabir, a former ambassador to the U.S. who is now acting president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a Dhaka think tank, said this puts Bangladesh in a tricky position. "This will be difficult for Bangladesh, as it is a friend of both the U.S. and China," said Kabir.
According to an official data, the U.S., with which Bangladesh enjoyed almost $7 billion in trade surplus in 2019, is the country's single largest export destination, while the South Asian economy of 170 million people has a chronic trade deficit -- totaling $12 billion in 2019 -- with China, its largest source of imports.
Riaz of Illinois State University predicted a shift in U.S. policy toward South Asia, with more engagement, if Joe Biden is elected president in November. But he believes it "won't be more accommodative to China's growing influence."
US uses defense diplomacy to woo Bangladesh away from China
Washington sees Dhaka as an 'emerging' ally in its Indo-Pacific strategy
asia.nikkei.com
US uses defense diplomacy to woo Bangladesh away from China
Washington sees Dhaka as an 'emerging' ally in its Indo-Pacific strategy
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a call from the U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month, offering to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Akira Kodaka and Reuters)
A.Z.M. ANAS, Contributing writerSeptember 22, 2020 19:12 JST
DHAKA -- The U.S. has stepped up efforts to entice Bangladesh into buying more of its military hardware in recent weeks, as it hopes to win over an "emerging" ally in South Asia, where China has been expanding its economic influence.
In a rare outreach, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month phoned Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also oversees the Ministry of Defense, proposing to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030.
The two countries opened talks on the sale of advanced military gear such as Apache helicopters and missiles last year. A deal is believed to be in the cards, although no details have been revealed, with Laura Stone, a deputy assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of State, saying that Congress had not yet been "formally notified." Any deal will frustrate China, which is now the biggest supplier of cheaper defense equipment.
"We're looking to deepen our security cooperation with Bangladesh, which is very much of mutual interest, with full respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence of action," Stone wrote in an email response to questions posed by the Nikkei Asian Review recently.
"We stand ready to serve as the partner of choice for Bangladesh regarding the sale of defense articles," said Stone, who oversees India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives at the State Department's South and Central Asian affairs desk.
Bangladesh has been buying more arms from the U.S. since the 1990s, with purchases reaching $110 million in the 10 years through 2019. But that is dwarfed by the $2.59 billion it spent on military equipment from China since 2010, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Ali Riaz, distinguished professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that the timing of the phone call between the U.S. defense secretary and Bangladesh's prime minister was "very important" because of Dhaka's warming relations with Beijing.
China's influence in Bangladesh goes beyond trade and infrastructure investment. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, China sent supplies, such as masks and gowns, and a medical team to Bangladesh to advise on the pandemic response. In addition, a Phase 3 trial of a vaccine developed by the privately owned Chinese company Sinovac Biotech is in progress.
Beijing recently lifted tariffs on 97% of Bangladesh imports after it secured a $250 million airport terminal construction contract in the northeastern city of Sylhet, which borders India.
Bangladesh is now trying to corral a $1 billion Chinese credit line to manage the Teesta River after a deal to share its water with India languished for years, mainly due to opposition from the state of West Bengal on the Indian side.
Bangladesh has been treading a fine line between India and China, but now Washington has taken a proactive approach.
"The Bangladesh government will have to balance conflicting expectations. Bangladesh can do it if the national interests remain the primary consideration," Riaz wrote in an email to Nikkei.
DHAKA -- The U.S. has stepped up efforts to entice Bangladesh into buying more of its military hardware in recent weeks, as it hopes to win over an "emerging" ally in South Asia, where China has been expanding its economic influence.
In a rare outreach, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month phoned Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also oversees the Ministry of Defense, proposing to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030.
The two countries opened talks on the sale of advanced military gear such as Apache helicopters and missiles last year. A deal is believed to be in the cards, although no details have been revealed, with Laura Stone, a deputy assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of State, saying that Congress had not yet been "formally notified." Any deal will frustrate China, which is now the biggest supplier of cheaper defense equipment.
"We're looking to deepen our security cooperation with Bangladesh, which is very much of mutual interest, with full respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence of action," Stone wrote in an email response to questions posed by the Nikkei Asian Review recently.
"We stand ready to serve as the partner of choice for Bangladesh regarding the sale of defense articles," said Stone, who oversees India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives at the State Department's South and Central Asian affairs desk.
Bangladesh has been buying more arms from the U.S. since the 1990s, with purchases reaching $110 million in the 10 years through 2019. But that is dwarfed by the $2.59 billion it spent on military equipment from China since 2010, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Ali Riaz, distinguished professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that the timing of the phone call between the U.S. defense secretary and Bangladesh's prime minister was "very important" because of Dhaka's warming relations with Beijing.
China's influence in Bangladesh goes beyond trade and infrastructure investment. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, China sent supplies, such as masks and gowns, and a medical team to Bangladesh to advise on the pandemic response. In addition, a Phase 3 trial of a vaccine developed by the privately owned Chinese company Sinovac Biotech is in progress.
Beijing recently lifted tariffs on 97% of Bangladesh imports after it secured a $250 million airport terminal construction contract in the northeastern city of Sylhet, which borders India.
Bangladesh is now trying to corral a $1 billion Chinese credit line to manage the Teesta River after a deal to share its water with India languished for years, mainly due to opposition from the state of West Bengal on the Indian side.
Bangladesh has been treading a fine line between India and China, but now Washington has taken a proactive approach.
"The Bangladesh government will have to balance conflicting expectations. Bangladesh can do it if the national interests remain the primary consideration," Riaz wrote in an email to Nikkei.
Bangladeshi air force in a fly pass during a national celebration. The country has spent $110 million in arms from the U.S. but $2.59 billion in similar from China in the ten years to 2019. © Reuters
Defense diplomacy is part of Washington's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. In June 2019, the Department of Defense released its first report on the strategy, in which it recognized Bangladesh as an "emerging partner," alongside Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives in South Asia.
"Our Indo-Pacific vision is rooted in the fact that the United States, like Bangladesh, is an Indo-Pacific country," Stone told Nikkei. "Maritime and regional security in South Asia are critical to ensuring a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the benefit of all its nations, which is why we prioritize efforts that promote security."
The growing influence of China in the region, and Bangladesh's participation in Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, have made it imperative for the U.S. to vigorously pursue its Indo-Pacific agenda, said Riaz, who is also a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
The U.S. and Bangladesh have already collaborated on security in a range of areas, from counterterrorism to peacekeeping, under a foreign military financing scheme started in 2005. Since 2018, it has dispensed an additional $60 million to help pay for Bangladesh's maritime security and address other issues of critical concern.
The U.S. administration is "aggressively pushing" the Indo-Pacific gambit to counteract China's BRI, of which Bangladesh has been a part since 2016, according to Amena Mohsin, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. "The U.S. wants partnership on the war on terrorism [and] partnership on arms sales," she told Nikkei. "Bangladesh has strategic importance."
M. Humayun Kabir, a former ambassador to the U.S. who is now acting president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a Dhaka think tank, said this puts Bangladesh in a tricky position. "This will be difficult for Bangladesh, as it is a friend of both the U.S. and China," said Kabir.
According to an official data, the U.S., with which Bangladesh enjoyed almost $7 billion in trade surplus in 2019, is the country's single largest export destination, while the South Asian economy of 170 million people has a chronic trade deficit -- totaling $12 billion in 2019 -- with China, its largest source of imports.
Riaz of Illinois State University predicted a shift in U.S. policy toward South Asia, with more engagement, if Joe Biden is elected president in November. But he believes it "won't be more accommodative to China's growing influence."
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বাংলাদেশ-রাশিয়া জয়েন্ট ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের ৩য় সভা আয়োজন
Published :Apr 03, 2024 22:05
Updated :
Apr 03, 2024 22:05
বাংলাদেশ ও রাশিয়া এর মধ্যকার ৩য় জয়েন্ট ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের সভা আজ বুধবার (০৩ এপ্রিল ২০২৪) সশস্ত্র বাহিনী বিভাগ এর মাল্টিপারপাস হলে অনুষ্ঠিত হয় বলে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে জানানো হয়েছে।
এর পূর্বে ১ম সভা ০৩-০৫ ডিসেম্বর ২০১৮ সালে বাংলাদেশে এবং ২য় সভা ২০-২২ আগস্ট ২০১৯ সালে রাশিয়ায় অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। এ দুই দেশের মধ্যে সামরিক সরঞ্জাম সংক্রান্ত সহযোগিতার বিষয়ে বিস্তৃত সুযোগ সৃষ্টি করাই এ ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের লক্ষ্য।
বাংলাদেশ এবং রাশিয়ার মধ্যে সামরিক সহযোগিতা উষ্ণ ও নিবিড়। বাংলাদেশ সশস্ত্র বাহিনীকে সামরিক উন্নয়ন ও প্রশিক্ষণে সহযোগিতা প্রদানের জন্য রাশিয়া নিয়মিত সহায়তা করছে। এই সভা প্রযুক্তি, প্রতিরক্ষা সরঞ্জাম, রক্ষণাবেক্ষণ, প্রশিক্ষণ, সামরিক সফর ও পরিদর্শন, কর্মশালা ইত্যাদি ক্ষেত্রে উভয় দেশের মধ্যকার সামরিক সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধি করবে।
এই সভায় বাংলাদেশের প্রতিনিধি দলের নেতৃত্ব দেন সশস্ত্র বাহিনী বিভাগ এর প্রিন্সিপাল স্টাফ অফিসার, লেফ্টেন্যান্ট জেনারেল মিজানুর রহমান শামীম, বিপি, ওএসপি, বিএএম, এনডিসি, পিএসসি এবং রাশিয়া প্রতিনিধিদলের নেতৃত্ব প্রদান করেন চীফ অফ ফার্স্ট ডিপার্টমেন্ট, রাশিয়ান ফেডারেল সার্ভিস ফর মিলিটারি টেকনিকাল কো-অপারেশন, মি. ভরন্টসভ আলেকজেন্ডার ভেনিয়ামিনোভিক।
এছাড়া বাংলাদেশের পক্ষে তিন বাহিনীর উর্ধ্বতন কর্মকর্তাগণ, পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়, আইনবিচার ও সংসদ বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয়, অর্থ মন্ত্রণালয়ের কর্মকর্তাগণ ও রাশিয়ায় নিযুক্ত বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা উপদেষ্টা উপস্থিত ছিলেন। ১৯ সদস্যের একটি দল সভায় রাশিয়ার প্রতিনিধিত্ব করেন।
Exercise Tiger Lightning-2024
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China-Bangladesh military drill signals shift in geopolitics
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thedailynewnation.com
China-Bangladesh military drill signals shift in geopolitics
7 May 2024, 12:00 am
The Diplomat :
Bangladesh and China will conduct their first-ever joint military exercises in early May.
Announcing the China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024 joint exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said in Beijing on April 25 that the joint drill in Bangladesh, which is "based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations" will see the two sides participate in joint exercises "such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps."
China and Bangladesh have strong economic ties. Beijing has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the second-highest in a South Asian country after Pakistan.
It has played a significant role in building bridges, roads, railway tracks, airports, and power plants in Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade grew from $3.3 billion in 2009-10 to over $20 billion in 2021-22. Importantly, a broad array of products from Bangladesh enjoys zero tariffs in China.
In addition, China has emerged as an important military ally of Bangladesh. It provided the Bangladesh Navy with two refurbished submarines in 2016 at a discounted price of $205 million.
Moreover, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a $1.21- billion China-built submarine base last year.
Located at Cox Bazaar off the Bay of Bengal coast, the base can house six submarines and eight warships simultaneously.
China's bolstered relationship with Bangladesh, especially in naval cooperation, stems from the 2002 Defense Cooperation Agreement, covering military training and defense supplies.
The planned joint military exercises will deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
In China's military strategy, engaging in international joint military exercises is viewed as a crucial aspect of utilizing military power abroad, categorized under what strategists term "non-war military operations."
7 May 2024, 12:00 am
The Diplomat :
Bangladesh and China will conduct their first-ever joint military exercises in early May.
Announcing the China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024 joint exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said in Beijing on April 25 that the joint drill in Bangladesh, which is "based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations" will see the two sides participate in joint exercises "such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps."
China and Bangladesh have strong economic ties. Beijing has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the second-highest in a South Asian country after Pakistan.
It has played a significant role in building bridges, roads, railway tracks, airports, and power plants in Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade grew from $3.3 billion in 2009-10 to over $20 billion in 2021-22. Importantly, a broad array of products from Bangladesh enjoys zero tariffs in China.
In addition, China has emerged as an important military ally of Bangladesh. It provided the Bangladesh Navy with two refurbished submarines in 2016 at a discounted price of $205 million.
Moreover, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a $1.21- billion China-built submarine base last year.
Located at Cox Bazaar off the Bay of Bengal coast, the base can house six submarines and eight warships simultaneously.
China's bolstered relationship with Bangladesh, especially in naval cooperation, stems from the 2002 Defense Cooperation Agreement, covering military training and defense supplies.
The planned joint military exercises will deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
In China's military strategy, engaging in international joint military exercises is viewed as a crucial aspect of utilizing military power abroad, categorized under what strategists term "non-war military operations."
কেন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বাড়াতে চায় বাংলাদেশ?
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে...
কেন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বাড়াতে চায় বাংলাদেশ?
শেখ শাহরিয়ার জামান
১৪ এপ্রিল ২০২৪, ২৩:৫৯
বাংলাদেশের পতাকা (ছবি: সংগৃহীত)
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে জাতীয় স্বার্থকে মাথায় রেখে নিজের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা সাজাতে চায় সরকার।
এ বিষয়ে সাবেক পররাষ্ট্র সচিব ও দিল্লি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বঙ্গবন্ধু চেয়ার মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'একটি দেশের অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির সঙ্গে সঙ্গে তার প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি পাবে, এটিই স্বাভাবিক। আগে পুরোপুরি অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা অর্জন এবং পরে প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, বিষয়টি এ ধরনের নয়। দুটোই একসঙ্গে হয়ে থাকে।'
উল্লেখ্য, চীন, ভারত, ফ্রান্স, জাপানসহ মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা রয়েছে। এছাড়া আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে এটি নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
প্রতিরক্ষার উদ্দেশ্য
বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা নিজেকে রক্ষা করার জন্য এবং অপরকে আক্রমণ করার উদ্দেশ্যে নয়। তবে প্রতিরক্ষা নীতির অন্যতম উদ্দেশ্য হচ্ছে কেউ শক্তি প্রয়োগ করলে বাংলাদেশ সেটি প্রতিহত করবে।
মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'আমাদের নীতি হচ্ছে—ডিফেন্সিভ ডিফেন্স (রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা)। দেশের সার্বভৌমত্ব, সম্পদ ও মানুষের মঙ্গলের জন্য, রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি এবং বাংলাদেশ সবসময় নিজেদের উন্নয়নের জন্য রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি অবলম্বন করেছে।'
কোন কোন দেশে আগ্রহ
অনেক আগে থেকেই চীনের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বজায় রেখেছে বাংলাদেশ। পরবর্তীতে ভারতের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই হয়। এরপর আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা করেছে।
সম্প্রতি উন্নত বিশ্বের ফ্রান্স ও জাপানের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা স্মারক করেছে। এর আগে মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কুয়েত, কাতার ও সৌদি আরবের সামরিক বাহিনীর সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের বাহিনীর সমঝোতা রয়েছে।
সম্পাদিত চুক্তির বাইরে ইতালি, যুক্তরাষ্ট্র, যুক্তরাজ্য, নেদারল্যান্ডস, থাইল্যান্ড, তুরস্ক, ব্রাজিলের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
এ বিষয়ে মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, আমাদের নিজেদের প্রয়োজনেই প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে হবে। এখানে অন্য দেশগুলো তাদের প্রয়োজনে বাংলাদেশকে সহায়তা করবে বা দেবে।
প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতাতে সাধারণত যেসব প্রশিক্ষণ, যৌথ মহড়া, তথ্য আদান-প্রদান, সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, প্রতিনিধিদল আদান-প্রদানসহ অন্যান্য বিষয় সংযুক্ত থাকে।
এ বিষয়ে শহীদুল হক বলেন, যতক্ষণ পর্যন্ত আমরা কোনও বৃহৎ শক্তির জোটে যুক্ত না হচ্ছি, এ ধরনের সহযোগিতার কারণে সমস্যা হওয়ার তেমন কোনও কারণ নেই।
শেখ শাহরিয়ার জামান
১৪ এপ্রিল ২০২৪, ২৩:৫৯
বাংলাদেশের পতাকা (ছবি: সংগৃহীত)
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে জাতীয় স্বার্থকে মাথায় রেখে নিজের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা সাজাতে চায় সরকার।
এ বিষয়ে সাবেক পররাষ্ট্র সচিব ও দিল্লি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বঙ্গবন্ধু চেয়ার মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'একটি দেশের অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির সঙ্গে সঙ্গে তার প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি পাবে, এটিই স্বাভাবিক। আগে পুরোপুরি অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা অর্জন এবং পরে প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, বিষয়টি এ ধরনের নয়। দুটোই একসঙ্গে হয়ে থাকে।'
উল্লেখ্য, চীন, ভারত, ফ্রান্স, জাপানসহ মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা রয়েছে। এছাড়া আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে এটি নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
প্রতিরক্ষার উদ্দেশ্য
বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা নিজেকে রক্ষা করার জন্য এবং অপরকে আক্রমণ করার উদ্দেশ্যে নয়। তবে প্রতিরক্ষা নীতির অন্যতম উদ্দেশ্য হচ্ছে কেউ শক্তি প্রয়োগ করলে বাংলাদেশ সেটি প্রতিহত করবে।
মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'আমাদের নীতি হচ্ছে—ডিফেন্সিভ ডিফেন্স (রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা)। দেশের সার্বভৌমত্ব, সম্পদ ও মানুষের মঙ্গলের জন্য, রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি এবং বাংলাদেশ সবসময় নিজেদের উন্নয়নের জন্য রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি অবলম্বন করেছে।'
কোন কোন দেশে আগ্রহ
অনেক আগে থেকেই চীনের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বজায় রেখেছে বাংলাদেশ। পরবর্তীতে ভারতের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই হয়। এরপর আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা করেছে।
সম্প্রতি উন্নত বিশ্বের ফ্রান্স ও জাপানের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা স্মারক করেছে। এর আগে মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কুয়েত, কাতার ও সৌদি আরবের সামরিক বাহিনীর সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের বাহিনীর সমঝোতা রয়েছে।
সম্পাদিত চুক্তির বাইরে ইতালি, যুক্তরাষ্ট্র, যুক্তরাজ্য, নেদারল্যান্ডস, থাইল্যান্ড, তুরস্ক, ব্রাজিলের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
এ বিষয়ে মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, আমাদের নিজেদের প্রয়োজনেই প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে হবে। এখানে অন্য দেশগুলো তাদের প্রয়োজনে বাংলাদেশকে সহায়তা করবে বা দেবে।
প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতাতে সাধারণত যেসব প্রশিক্ষণ, যৌথ মহড়া, তথ্য আদান-প্রদান, সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, প্রতিনিধিদল আদান-প্রদানসহ অন্যান্য বিষয় সংযুক্ত থাকে।
এ বিষয়ে শহীদুল হক বলেন, যতক্ষণ পর্যন্ত আমরা কোনও বৃহৎ শক্তির জোটে যুক্ত না হচ্ছি, এ ধরনের সহযোগিতার কারণে সমস্যা হওয়ার তেমন কোনও কারণ নেই।
More countries seek defence deals with Bangladesh
'Securing maritime space is area of concern'
Most of purchases made from Turkey
19 defence MoUs with 10 countries since 1971
The undated image shows some Army men patrolling on a street in Dhaka. Photo: Dhaka Tribune
Nurul Islam HasibNurul Islam Hasib
Publish : 18 Apr 2024, 09:31 PMUpdate : 18 Apr 2024, 09:31 PM
Global as well as regional powers are seeking more defense engagements with Bangladesh now than before.
Data shows that 27 defence-related Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) remained pending with 10 countries, including India, China, Russia, and the US.
However, Bangladesh has signed only 19 defence MoUs with 10 countries since its birth in 1971.
"This gives an idea that global and regional powers want to have some sort of defence cooperation with Bangladesh," Research Fellow of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) ASM Tarek Hassan Semul said on Thursday while addressing a seminar on defence diplomacy in Bangladesh.
The BIISS organized the seminar with Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed as the chief guest.
Tarek Hassan Semul said that since independence, Bangladesh has signed five MoUs with India and three with Turkey. Besides, there are two each with France, Qatar, and Russia, and one each with China, Japan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Besides, 27 MoUs remained pending with 10 countries. Of them, six are with India, five with Russia, three each with the United States, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, two each with the United Kingdom and China, and one each with Australia, France, and Japan, he said.
Besides, he said that since 2010, military and security dialogue and multilateral exercises have been expanded.
The multilateral training exercise includes Indo-Pacific Endeavour with Australia, Shantir Ogroshena and Sampriti with India, Shimanto Prohori, Shomudro Torongo, Ex Thunder Fist, Bangladesh-US-UK Special Forces joint exercise with the UK, exercise balance Buffalo, Cope South Cooperation, Exercise Tiger Circ, Tiger Lightning training exercise, second joint combined exchange training, disaster response exercise, and Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training with the US.
He said Bangladesh has also diversified its source of defence purchases since 2018.
All the purchases were needed for enhancing defence capabilities, and many of them are pertinent to the UN peacekeeping mission, he said.
Most of the purchases were made from Turkiye. The items include Otokar Kobra II infantry mobility vehicles (IMVs) and mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, Otokar Kobra I light armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), RN-94 armoured ambulances, TRG-300 Tiger MLRS, TRG-230 surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs, the Oerlikon Skyguard radar system, ground surveillance radars, and a portable jammer.
China was the second-largest source after Turkey. Bangladesh bought light tanks, the Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System, frigates, and various types of Chinese missiles and accessories from China.
Besides, Bangladesh bought Air Defence Radar System from France, Primary Trainer aircraft from Germany, Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from Italy, Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) from Singapore, Semi-Automatic Grenade Launcher (SAGL) from South Africa, Fixed Wing Medium Utility Aircraft from Spain, and MK-5 aircraft from the UK.
The BIISS researcher said Bangladesh has managed to develop interest among major regional and global partners with its 'friendship to all, malice towards none' policy, but concerns remain.
Those concerns include how to strike a balance between all the major powers, how much strategic autonomy we can get out of this polarisation worldwide, and the fact that there is always the possibility of regional conflict and militarization ongoing in the Indo-Pacific region.
Besides, he said, securing maritime space is also an area of concern since we have oil and gas reserves in the sea and we want to harness the blue economy.
'Securing maritime space is area of concern'
Most of purchases made from Turkey
19 defence MoUs with 10 countries since 1971
The undated image shows some Army men patrolling on a street in Dhaka. Photo: Dhaka Tribune
Nurul Islam HasibNurul Islam Hasib
Publish : 18 Apr 2024, 09:31 PMUpdate : 18 Apr 2024, 09:31 PM
Global as well as regional powers are seeking more defense engagements with Bangladesh now than before.
Data shows that 27 defence-related Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) remained pending with 10 countries, including India, China, Russia, and the US.
However, Bangladesh has signed only 19 defence MoUs with 10 countries since its birth in 1971.
"This gives an idea that global and regional powers want to have some sort of defence cooperation with Bangladesh," Research Fellow of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) ASM Tarek Hassan Semul said on Thursday while addressing a seminar on defence diplomacy in Bangladesh.
The BIISS organized the seminar with Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed as the chief guest.
Tarek Hassan Semul said that since independence, Bangladesh has signed five MoUs with India and three with Turkey. Besides, there are two each with France, Qatar, and Russia, and one each with China, Japan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Besides, 27 MoUs remained pending with 10 countries. Of them, six are with India, five with Russia, three each with the United States, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, two each with the United Kingdom and China, and one each with Australia, France, and Japan, he said.
Besides, he said that since 2010, military and security dialogue and multilateral exercises have been expanded.
The multilateral training exercise includes Indo-Pacific Endeavour with Australia, Shantir Ogroshena and Sampriti with India, Shimanto Prohori, Shomudro Torongo, Ex Thunder Fist, Bangladesh-US-UK Special Forces joint exercise with the UK, exercise balance Buffalo, Cope South Cooperation, Exercise Tiger Circ, Tiger Lightning training exercise, second joint combined exchange training, disaster response exercise, and Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training with the US.
He said Bangladesh has also diversified its source of defence purchases since 2018.
All the purchases were needed for enhancing defence capabilities, and many of them are pertinent to the UN peacekeeping mission, he said.
Most of the purchases were made from Turkiye. The items include Otokar Kobra II infantry mobility vehicles (IMVs) and mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, Otokar Kobra I light armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), RN-94 armoured ambulances, TRG-300 Tiger MLRS, TRG-230 surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs, the Oerlikon Skyguard radar system, ground surveillance radars, and a portable jammer.
China was the second-largest source after Turkey. Bangladesh bought light tanks, the Surface to Air Missile (SAM) System, frigates, and various types of Chinese missiles and accessories from China.
Besides, Bangladesh bought Air Defence Radar System from France, Primary Trainer aircraft from Germany, Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from Italy, Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) from Singapore, Semi-Automatic Grenade Launcher (SAGL) from South Africa, Fixed Wing Medium Utility Aircraft from Spain, and MK-5 aircraft from the UK.
The BIISS researcher said Bangladesh has managed to develop interest among major regional and global partners with its 'friendship to all, malice towards none' policy, but concerns remain.
Those concerns include how to strike a balance between all the major powers, how much strategic autonomy we can get out of this polarisation worldwide, and the fact that there is always the possibility of regional conflict and militarization ongoing in the Indo-Pacific region.
Besides, he said, securing maritime space is also an area of concern since we have oil and gas reserves in the sea and we want to harness the blue economy.
India on alert as China-Bangladesh military cooperation raises strategic concerns
Dhaka has gradually leaned towards Beijing and acquired fighter jets, tanks and submarines, marking a shift in the geopolitical landscape
India on alert as China-Bangladesh military cooperation raises strategic concerns
Dhaka has gradually leaned towards Beijing and acquired fighter jets, tanks and submarines, marking a shift in the geopolitical landscape
Pradip R. Sagar
UPDATED: May 11, 2024 20:22 IST
Edited By: Ashish Mukherjee
In the first week of February, national security advisor Ajit Doval made a quiet visit to Bangladesh, the first high-level trip from India after prime minister Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, won a fourth consecutive term in the 12th parliamentary elections. Doval expressed concern over the increasing number of Myanmar soldiers, who owe allegiance to the country's junta, seeking refuge in India. It is estimated that over 700 troopers have crossed into India since November last year after being defeated by the Arakan Army and resistance allies. Of them, some 300 entered the country this January.
Now, India's foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra is in Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral ties. In the past three months (since Doval's visit), things have changed fast between the two countries. Bangladesh was born with India's support but gradually leaned towards expansionist China. In the recent past, Beijing has supplied Dhaka's military fighter jets, tanks and submarines.
Of late, the biggest concern in the Indian strategic fraternity is the maiden joint training of the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies. People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops are travelling to Bangladesh, where they are scheduled to carry out drills at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Rupganj, Narayanganj, near Dhaka.
Chinese military activity in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh are closely monitored by experts in New Delhi due to their potential impact on the geopolitical landscape. The increasing presence and engagements of the Chinese military in the region raise concerns about Beijing's intentions and its influence in India's immediate neighbourhood. This dynamic underscores the importance of India remaining vigilant and proactive in managing its strategic interests in the region.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, the joint exercise, codenamed 'China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024', takes UN peacekeeping counter-terrorism operations as the scenario, and the two militaries will conduct joint training in mixed groups on subjects including bus anti-hijacking and elimination of terrorist camps.
The Chinese spokesperson added that the exercise was the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, noting that such activity was conducive to enhancing understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation.
Experts in New Delhi are watching all of this carefully as it signals a shifting geopolitical landscape. Some feel Chinese military activity in India's close neighbourhood should raise concerns.
In recent years, China's footprint in Bangladesh has grown significantly. Dhaka has become China's second biggest defence customer, after Pakistan. Bangladesh has acquired sizeable military hardware from Beijing in recent years, including corvettes, naval guns, anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missile systems.
Last year, Bangladesh prime minister Hasina inaugurated the China-built $1.2 billion six-slot submarine base, named BNS Sheikh Hasina, at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. The Pekua Naval Base, about 200 miles southeast of Dhaka, houses two refurbished Chinese submarines and was built to increase Bangladesh's naval capacity after the demarcation of its maritime boundary with India and Myanmar.
This submarine base in the Bay of Bengal is a concern for New Delhi from the standpoint of India's economic, security and foreign policy interests. A military strategist maintained that the presence of a Chinese-built submarine base in India's backyard could disrupt the regional balance of power and complicate the tense geopolitical situation in the Bay of Bengal.
In November 2016, Bangladesh took the delivery of two China-made retrofitted Ming-class Type O35B diesel-electric submarines worth $203 million. The same year, the country joined the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the highest after Pakistan in South Asia. The Awami League government reportedly prioritised multiple projects, including construction of power plants, railway lines, roads, a river tunnel, modernisation of ports, and development of information and communication technologies.
Defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing has deepened over the past few years with Bangladeshi military personnel being sent to the PLA's institute for training.
The US Department of Defense, in a report, highlighted China's growing influence in the region. It stated that China is a supplier of major naval vessels, as highlighted by Pakistan's 2015 purchase of eight Yuan-class submarines for more than $3 billion. Thailand also purchased a Yuan-class submarine in 2017 and is interested in purchasing two more.
As of April 2022, China had not delivered any Yuan submarine, although it had delivered two Ming-class submarines to Bangladesh in 2016 and one to Myanmar in 2021. In 2017-18, China sold two frigates to Bangladesh and four to Pakistan, respectively. In September 2019, China made its first-ever sale of a landing platform dock ship to Thailand.
Dhaka has gradually leaned towards Beijing and acquired fighter jets, tanks and submarines, marking a shift in the geopolitical landscape
Pradip R. Sagar
UPDATED: May 11, 2024 20:22 IST
Edited By: Ashish Mukherjee
In the first week of February, national security advisor Ajit Doval made a quiet visit to Bangladesh, the first high-level trip from India after prime minister Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, won a fourth consecutive term in the 12th parliamentary elections. Doval expressed concern over the increasing number of Myanmar soldiers, who owe allegiance to the country's junta, seeking refuge in India. It is estimated that over 700 troopers have crossed into India since November last year after being defeated by the Arakan Army and resistance allies. Of them, some 300 entered the country this January.
Now, India's foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra is in Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral ties. In the past three months (since Doval's visit), things have changed fast between the two countries. Bangladesh was born with India's support but gradually leaned towards expansionist China. In the recent past, Beijing has supplied Dhaka's military fighter jets, tanks and submarines.
Of late, the biggest concern in the Indian strategic fraternity is the maiden joint training of the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies. People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops are travelling to Bangladesh, where they are scheduled to carry out drills at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Rupganj, Narayanganj, near Dhaka.
Chinese military activity in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh are closely monitored by experts in New Delhi due to their potential impact on the geopolitical landscape. The increasing presence and engagements of the Chinese military in the region raise concerns about Beijing's intentions and its influence in India's immediate neighbourhood. This dynamic underscores the importance of India remaining vigilant and proactive in managing its strategic interests in the region.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, the joint exercise, codenamed 'China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024', takes UN peacekeeping counter-terrorism operations as the scenario, and the two militaries will conduct joint training in mixed groups on subjects including bus anti-hijacking and elimination of terrorist camps.
The Chinese spokesperson added that the exercise was the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, noting that such activity was conducive to enhancing understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation.
Experts in New Delhi are watching all of this carefully as it signals a shifting geopolitical landscape. Some feel Chinese military activity in India's close neighbourhood should raise concerns.
In recent years, China's footprint in Bangladesh has grown significantly. Dhaka has become China's second biggest defence customer, after Pakistan. Bangladesh has acquired sizeable military hardware from Beijing in recent years, including corvettes, naval guns, anti-ship missiles and surface-to-air missile systems.
Last year, Bangladesh prime minister Hasina inaugurated the China-built $1.2 billion six-slot submarine base, named BNS Sheikh Hasina, at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. The Pekua Naval Base, about 200 miles southeast of Dhaka, houses two refurbished Chinese submarines and was built to increase Bangladesh's naval capacity after the demarcation of its maritime boundary with India and Myanmar.
This submarine base in the Bay of Bengal is a concern for New Delhi from the standpoint of India's economic, security and foreign policy interests. A military strategist maintained that the presence of a Chinese-built submarine base in India's backyard could disrupt the regional balance of power and complicate the tense geopolitical situation in the Bay of Bengal.
In November 2016, Bangladesh took the delivery of two China-made retrofitted Ming-class Type O35B diesel-electric submarines worth $203 million. The same year, the country joined the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the highest after Pakistan in South Asia. The Awami League government reportedly prioritised multiple projects, including construction of power plants, railway lines, roads, a river tunnel, modernisation of ports, and development of information and communication technologies.
Defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing has deepened over the past few years with Bangladeshi military personnel being sent to the PLA's institute for training.
The US Department of Defense, in a report, highlighted China's growing influence in the region. It stated that China is a supplier of major naval vessels, as highlighted by Pakistan's 2015 purchase of eight Yuan-class submarines for more than $3 billion. Thailand also purchased a Yuan-class submarine in 2017 and is interested in purchasing two more.
As of April 2022, China had not delivered any Yuan submarine, although it had delivered two Ming-class submarines to Bangladesh in 2016 and one to Myanmar in 2021. In 2017-18, China sold two frigates to Bangladesh and four to Pakistan, respectively. In September 2019, China made its first-ever sale of a landing platform dock ship to Thailand.
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