[🇧🇩-Land] Military Cooperation Between Bangladesh and Other Nations

[Saif]

The chief of Bangladesh army has met with diplomats from friendly countries. He talked about military to military cooperation with them. I am uploading the video for you guys. The video is in Bengali. Enjoy!

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, US discuss defence cooperation, equipment acquisition

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed "potential acquisition" of US-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities. Lt Gen Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh on March 24–25, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.  During his visit,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh, US discuss defence cooperation, equipment acquisition
UNB
Published :
Mar 26, 2025 12:07
Updated :
Mar 26, 2025 12:07

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed "potential acquisition" of US-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities.

Lt Gen Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh on March 24–25, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.

During his visit, Lt Gen Vowell met counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh, reinforcing the US Army’s commitment to a strong relationship with the Bangladesh Army while highlighting shared security interests and ongoing collaboration.

This includes recognition of the Bangladesh Army’s ongoing support to domestic security, particularly in light of other demands such as disaster response; dialogue on Bangladesh’s primary military challenges and potential areas where the US can provide support; discussion of Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING in Summer ’25 and appreciation for the professionalism of the Bangladesh military and the importance of professional military forces in ensuring regional stability.​

 

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশকে সামরিক সহায়তা দিতে চায় যুক্তরাষ্ট্র (The USA wants to sell military equipment to Bangladesh. As far as I know any country which want to buy lethal weapons from the USA need to sign two agreements namely, AQSA and GSOMIA. I am dead against signing these two agreements because this could jeopardize our relationship with China).

 

[Saif]

Technical Difficulties

Lt. Gen. Joel P. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh March 24 – 25.

Lt. Gen. Vowell met with counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh

By U.S. Embassy Dhaka
4 MINUTE READ
March 26, 2025

During his visit, Lt. Gen. Vowell met with counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh, reinforcing the U.S. Army’s commitment to a strong relationship with the Bangladesh Army while highlighting shared security interests and ongoing collaboration.  This includes:

Recognition of the Bangladesh Army’s ongoing support to domestic security, particularly in light of other demands such as disaster response.
​

• Dialogue on Bangladesh’s primary military challenges and potential areas where the U.S. can provide support.​
• Discussion of Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING in Summer ’25.​
• Potential acquisition of U.S.-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities.​
• Appreciation for the professionalism of the Bangladesh military and the importance of professional military forces in ensuring regional stability.​

Lt. Gen. Vowell’s biography is linked here:  https://www.usarpac.army.mil/Our-Te...Display/Article/3220946/lt-gen-joel-b-vowell/

Press Releases, U.S. & Bangladesh, U.S. Army Pacific​

 

[Saif]

https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/287522

ঢাকার কাছে সামরিক সরঞ্জাম বিক্রি করতে চায় ওয়াশিংটন

মার্কিন দূতাবাস, ফাইল ছবি

কূটনৈতিক প্রতিবেদক

প্রকাশ: ২৬ মার্চ ২০২৫ | ২১:৩৬ | আপডেট: ২৬ মার্চ ২০২৫ | ২১:৪৫

যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের আর্মি প্যাসিফিকের ডেপুটি কমান্ডিং জেনারেল, লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেল জোয়েল পি ভাওয়েল গত ২৪ থেকে ২৫ মার্চ বাংলাদেশে সফর করেছেন। এ সফরে তিনি বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে উৎপাদিত সামরিক সরঞ্জাম সংগ্রহের সম্ভাবনা নিয়ে আলোচনা করেছেন ঢাকার সঙ্গে। ঢাকার মার্কিন দূতাবাসের এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে এমন তথ্য জানানো হয়েছে।

এতে জানানো হয়, সফরকালে লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেল ভাওয়েল বাংলাদেশের সশস্ত্র বাহিনীর ঊর্ধ্বতন কর্মকর্তাদের সঙ্গে সাক্ষাৎ করেছেন। যেখানে তিনি বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর সঙ্গে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের সেনাবাহিনীর দীর্ঘদিনের দৃঢ় সম্পর্কের প্রতি প্রতিশ্রুতি পুনর্ব্যক্ত করেছেন এবং পারস্পরিক নিরাপত্তা স্বার্থ ও চলমান সহযোগিতার বিষয়গুলো তুলে ধরেছেন।

দেশীয় নিরাপত্তা রক্ষায়, বিশেষত দুর্যোগ মোকাবেলা ও অন্যান্য জটিল পরিস্থিতিতে বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অবদানের অব্যাহত ভূমিকার স্বীকৃতি তাদের আলোচনায় স্থান পায়। এছাড়া বাংলাদেশের প্রধান সামরিক চ্যালেঞ্জগুলো এবং যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের সম্ভাব্য সহায়তার ক্ষেত্রগুলোসহ সামগ্রিক নিরাপত্তা পরিস্থিতি নিয়েও আলোচনা হয়।

চলতি বছর গ্রীষ্মে দুই দেশ সামনে সামরিক মহড়ায় অংশ নিতে যাচ্ছে। সেই অনুষ্ঠিতব্য সামরিক মহড়া ‘টাইগার লাইটনিং’ নিয়ে আলোচনা করে ঢাকা-ওয়াশিংটন। এছাড়া পারস্পরিক কার্যক্ষমতা ও সামগ্রিক সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি করতে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রে উৎপাদিত সামরিক সরঞ্জাম সংগ্রহের সম্ভাবনার পাশাপাশি বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর পেশাদারিত্বের প্রশংসা এবং আঞ্চলিক শান্তি ও স্থিতিশীলতা বজায় রাখতে একটি দক্ষ ও পেশাদার সামরিক বাহিনীর অপরিহার্য ভূমিকার কথা বৈঠকে তুলে ধরা হয়।​

 

[Bilal9]

As far as I know any country which want to buy lethal weapons from the USA need to sign two agreements namely, AQSA and GSOMIA. I am dead against signing these two agreements because this could jeopardize our relationship with China).

I believe Bangladesh Govt. will not unilaterally sign AQSA and GSOMIA without consulting China, which is the largest military supplier to Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

I believe Bangladesh Govt. will not unilaterally sign AQSA and GSOMIA without consulting China, which is the largest military supplier to Bangladesh.

You are right in your observation that the interim government won't sign AQSA and GSOMIA without consulting China.

 

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশ সশস্ত্রবাহিনীর জন্য মার্কিন সমরাস্ত্র? কি কি আসতে চলেছে (A top US general has visited Bangladesh recently. He and the top brass of Bangladesh army have discussed issues like selling US military weapons to Bangladesh.)

 

[Saif]

ফিলিস্তিনি সেনাদের প্রশিক্ষন দেয় বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনী (Palestinian cadets receive training from Bangladesh military academy. The cadets from Palestine are regular visitors at BMA)

 

[Saif]

Army chief back home after Russia, Croatia tour

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman returned home yesterday after holding wide-ranging discussions on defence cooperation, training exchange, regional security, and joint military initiatives during his official visits to Russia and Croatia.

www.thedailystar.net

Army chief back home after Russia, Croatia tour

Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman shakes hands with Russian army chief General Oleg Salyukov. Photo: ISPR

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman returned home yesterday after holding wide-ranging discussions on defence cooperation, training exchange, regional security, and joint military initiatives during his official visits to Russia and Croatia.

During the tour, the army chief met top military and civilian officials, including Russia's deputy defence minister, the chief of the Russian army, and the chief of the Croatian armed forces, said the Inter-Services Public Relations in a release.

According to the ISPR notification, Waker met Russian Deputy Defence Minister General A Fomin on April 7. They discussed matters of mutual interest, including military-to-military cooperation, training support, bilateral relations, mutual confidence-building, skilled manpower export to Russia, higher education, regional security, and prospects for joint training.

The next day, he paid a courtesy call on General Oleg Salyukov, chief of the Russian army. Their discussions focused on future plans for defence cooperation agreements, training assistance, trainee exchanges between military institutions, and joint training initiatives.

The army chief also held a meeting with the Director General of Russia's state nuclear agency ROSATOM Alexey Likhachev where they discussed the timely completion of the physical security infrastructure for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and integrating it with the national grid.

Waker also met senior officials from Rostec and Rosoboronexport and held discussions on enhancing the pace and efficiency of defence exchanges between the two nations, according to the ISPR notification.

On April 10, during his visit to Croatia, the army chief met with Lt Gen Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian armed forces.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Army Delegation Visits China For Tech Transfer Talks; Bayraktar Tb-2s Already Active Along India Border

The current trajectory suggests a second front of strategic pressure could form on India’s eastern flank. A recalibrated security doctrine and urgent defence outreach to Bangladesh are imperative to counterbalance China’s growing influence.

www.republicworld.com

Bangladesh Army Delegation Visits China For Tech Transfer Talks; Bayraktar Tb-2s Already Active Along India Border

China’s defence footprint in Bangladesh, from naval frigates to UAV co-development, is embedding PLA doctrine into Dhaka’s military operations.

Reported by: Yuvraj Tyagi

Bangladesh's drone ties with China and Turkey near Indian borders spark fears of a second surveillance front for New Delhi. | Image: AP

Dhaka, Bangladesh - Bangladesh’s decision to engage in high-level military cooperation with China—India’s primary strategic adversary—marks a significant erosion in the mutual trust built through years of bilateral diplomacy. Despite India’s substantial role in supporting Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and ongoing investments in infrastructure and defence diplomacy, Dhaka’s outreach to Beijing, especially in dual-use drone technologies, signals a calculated shift away from regional equilibrium and toward opportunistic alignment with external powers.

China's Footprint in Dhaka's Security Sector

China’s historical role as Bangladesh’s primary defence supplier has deepened into a strategic engagement, encompassing naval transfers (like Type 053H3 frigates), submarine sales, and now, UAV co-development. By opening doors to Chinese tech transfers and training protocols, Bangladesh risks embedding the PLA’s influence into its operational doctrines—something India cannot afford in its own neighbourhood.

The December 2024 deployment of Bayraktar TB-2 drones along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya represents a tactical precedent with long-term implications. That these drones reportedly flew 20+ hour reconnaissance sorties—well beyond standard patrol parameters—suggests a deliberate effort by Bangladesh to test Indian radar and border surveillance tolerances. If normalized, such behaviour could lead to a strategic recalibration of India’s eastern border postures, stretching already-thin assets across more sectors.

Strategic Implications for India’s National Security Posture

The deployment of high-end Turkish drones by Bangladesh near India's northeast increases the probability of intelligence vulnerabilities. Bayraktar TB-2s are capable of capturing real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) data with encrypted data links. Their operations close to India’s critical Siliguri Corridor and Assam-Meghalaya belt raise concerns about inadvertent or intentional surveillance leakage. Any cross-data sharing with Chinese or Turkish intelligence would exacerbate this threat.

India already faces massive troop deployments and infrastructure strain in Eastern Ladakh due to the PLA’s assertiveness. A second vector of military-technological pressure from the East (Bangladesh), especially one aligned with China’s interests, creates a scenario akin to a "pressure pincer." This forces India to allocate disproportionate assets along the Meghalaya–Mizoram–Tripura belt, which has traditionally been a low-intensity frontier.

Bangladesh’s growing maritime security engagements with China and Turkey could culminate in enhanced surveillance or even maritime drone deployments in the Bay of Bengal, an area where India seeks naval dominance. Given that China already operates dual-use ports in Gwadar and Hambantota, any future PLA presence in Chittagong or Mongla—under the guise of technical assistance or UAV stationing—would severely erode India’s eastern naval edge.

Missed Opportunities in India’s Bangladesh Policy

India’s diplomatic overtures have often focused on connectivity, energy exports, and infrastructure aid, but have lacked depth in joint military development, leaving space for powers like China and Turkey to step in. The absence of meaningful co-production agreements, drone technology transfers, or counter-terrorism drills with Dhaka has diminished India’s relevance in Bangladesh’s military calculus.

China’s approach is comprehensive: it combines technology transfers, defence loans, and political support, tailored to appeal to smaller nations’ desire for strategic autonomy. India has neither matched this scale nor sophistication. Bangladesh’s latest push for AI-based indigenous drone development with Chinese assistance reveals how New Delhi is getting outpaced in its own backyard.

Bangladesh’s pivot to China and Turkey for military technology—especially in the drone warfare domain—is a strategic inflexion point for Indian policymakers. It demands a calibrated rethinking of India’s eastern security doctrines, backed by urgent initiatives to re-engage Dhaka through high-value military-industrial cooperation, joint exercises, and targeted technology-sharing. Failing to do so will not only weaken India’s influence in its eastern flank but also open the door for a permanent second front of strategic surveillance vulnerability—at the very doorstep of the Indian heartland.​

 

[Bilal9]

There is now talk of assembling Bayraktar TB-3's locally in Bangladesh (improved model). The TB-3s have improved loiter and heavier payload capability for cruise missiles (especially Turkish adaptation of Hellfire type mini-missiles.

In other news, Indian media is claiming that New Delhi has warned Bangladesh of shooting down any drones flown in Bangladesh territory within 10 KM of the border.

Brother @Mainerik and @Saif Bhai, is this legal?

 

[Saif]

There is now talk of assembling Bayraktar TB-3's locally in Bangladesh (improved model). The TB-3s have improved loiter and heavier payload capability for cruise missiles (especially Turkish adaptation of Hellfire type mini-missiles.

In other news, Indian media is claiming that New Delhi has warned Bangladesh of shooting down any drones flown in Bangladesh territory within 10 KM of the border.

Brother @Mainerik and @Saif Bhai, is this legal?

This is totally illegal. India cannot shoot down our drones if it operates within our air space.

 

[Bilal9]

This is totally illegal. India cannot shoot down our drones if it operates within our air space.

They are apparently still going around threatening us. India behaving like they do - as always...

 

[Saif]

They are apparently still going around threatening us. India behaving like they do - as always...

India is bullying Bangladesh. Need to align with China to keep India in check.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia for strengthening bilateral military ties

First Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation held

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia for strengthening bilateral military ties
First Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation held

Photo: ISPR

Strengthening bilateral military relations and achieving mutual defence objectives were the focus of the first Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, which concluded at Dhaka Cantonment today.

The three-day meeting, held under the overall supervision of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), marked "a significant step forward in deepening military ties between the two brotherly countries," said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

The talks aimed to enhance mutual relations, expand strategic cooperation, and coordinate key areas such as joint military training, education, defence industry, and military exercises.

Major General Hamed Rafi Al-Amri led the 15-member Saudi delegation, comprising military and civilian officials. Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan, principal staff officer of the AFD, headed the Bangladesh delegation.

Senior officers from both sides participated in the discussions, which were held in a spirit of fraternity, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Expressing hope for continued collaboration, Maj Gen Al-Amri said the two nations, bound by Islamic brotherhood, would continue working together in defence and other sectors.

He said he firmly believed that military cooperation would elevate bilateral relations to a new height and expressed optimism that the partnership would endure in the future.

In his concluding statement, Lt Gen Hassan thanked the Saudi delegation and all participants, including members of the media.

He described the meeting as an "important milestone" in the growing friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

On behalf of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, he expressed deep gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support in making the meeting possible.

He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to mutual respect, brotherhood, and peace, and highlighted the love and reverence the people of Bangladesh hold for Saudi Arabia as the custodian of the two holy mosques and a contributor to global peace.

Wishing continued prosperity for both nations, he invited the Saudi delegation to visit Bangladesh again.

It was decided that the second session of the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation will be held in the third quarter of 2026, the release added.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh set to sign defence purchase deal with Japan

Tokyo had previously proposed signing an agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology between the two Asian nations

www.tbsnews.net

Bangladesh set to sign defence purchase deal with Japan

Tokyo had previously proposed signing an agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology between the two Asian nations.

Flags of Bangladesh and Japan. Illustration: Collected

Bangladesh is set to sign an agreement with Japan to procure defence equipment with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who holds the defence portfolio, having already given his consent.

The defence ministry has now sent the document – a copy of which has been seen by The Business Standard – to the Public Security Division, the foreign ministry, the Finance Division, and the Economic Relations Division for their final approval and opinions on the agreement.

Tokyo had previously proposed signing an agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology between the two Asian nations.

All three branches of the armed forces – the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force – along with the foreign ministry have expressed no objections to the agreement.

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Based on Bangladesh's feedback, Japan revised the draft agreement and has resubmitted it for final consent.

Officials at the defence ministry said Bangladesh and Japan enjoy friendly bilateral relations, which also extend to the armed forces of both countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation was signed in April 2023 during a visit by the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, aiming to elevate the existing comprehensive partnership between the two nations to a strategic partnership.

The agreement is expected to further strengthen military ties between the two countries, the officials added.

Japanese military equipment manufacturers have shown interest in selling arms to Bangladesh for several years. Meanwhile, a delegation of Japanese military equipment manufacturers has visited Bangladesh.

Japan requested Bangladesh to sign the agreement during a foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries held in Dhaka last June.

The United States has also been negotiating with Bangladesh for several years to sign specialised defence pacts – the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). So far, Bangladesh has expressed interest in signing GSOMIA.

China and Russia remain the primary suppliers of arms to Bangladesh, which also imports weapons from neighbouring India.

As Bangladesh's financial capacity grows, the number of countries interested in selling arms to the nation has also increased. Countries such as Italy, Türkiye, Sweden, and France have been offering arms sales to Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

A high level meeting between Bangladesh and Saudi armed forces has just taken place where cooperation in the field of joint military drill, defense production and exchange of training has been discussed. Saudi Arabia can help Bangladesh by building defense industry through technology transfer and investment.