[🇧🇩] India's offer to increase defense cooperation with Bangladesh-----What is India's real intention?

[Saif]

India for joint ventures in defence manufacturing

Indian High Commis-sioner Pranay Verma yesterday said India is willing to share wide-spectrum capabilities in defence manufacturing with Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

India for joint ventures in defence manufacturing​

Says Pranay Verma

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma yesterday said India is willing to share wide-spectrum capabilities in defence manufacturing with Bangladesh.

He also proposed elevating bilateral defence cooperation by building joint ventures in defence manufacturing.​

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Verma was speaking at an event on "Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment - SIDE 2024" hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka.

He described SIDE 2024 as a reflection of Indian defence industry's interest in partnering with Bangladesh and taking India-Bangladesh defence cooperation to the next level, including by utilising the Defence Line of Credit of USD 500 million extended by the Indian government.

Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh Armed Forces Division Lt Gen MR Shameem also spoke at the event.

A number of premier defence manufacturing companies of India, from both public and private sectors, participated in the event. The seminar was also attended by representatives from Bangladesh Armed Forces as well as paramilitary and police forces.​

 

[Saif]

India's recent move to increase defense cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian armed forces is primarily aimed at reducing Dhaka's dependence on Beijing for military hardware. Dhaka and Beijing have developed a strong and lasting defense relation since the 70s for mutual interest and benefit. India has always been critical of Bangladesh's effort to build a substantial military capability to maintain a balance of power in the region. By failing to stop Bangladesh from building a strong defense system within the country, India has made a shrewd plan to offer defense equipment to Bangladesh to harm Bangladesh-China defense cooperation for its own benefit. Let me urge the Bangladesh Government to take note of India's plan to jeopardize Bangladesh-China defense relation for its own strategic benefit and to make sincere effort to further cementing the defense relation with China. The defense relation between Bangladesh and India should be strictly limited to exchange of training and yearly military exercise to combat terrorism.​

 

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Increased engagement between Bangladesh-India armed forces positive sign: Indian defence ministry

The 5th annual defense dialogue between India and Bangladesh highlights the importance of their relationship and the cooperation of their armed forces. This increased engagement is a positive sign for the future of the two countries.

en.prothomalo.com

Increased engagement between Bangladesh-India armed forces positive sign: Indian defence ministry​

ANI​

New Delhi

Published: 29 Aug 2023, 15: 55

Flags of Bangladesh and IndiaIllustration

Armed Forces of India and Bangladesh continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and their increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of ties between the two sides, the Ministry of Defence said on Monday.

India and Bangladesh held the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue.

Defence secretary Giridhar Aramane, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, co-chaired the meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Lt. Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division.

"The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and the increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of the relations of both countries," the ministry said.

The Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Bangladesh is the highest institutionalised interactive mechanism between the two nations, the Ministry of defence said in a statement.

"In the dialogue, both countries highlighted its significance in charting the future course of relations between the two Armed Forces," the statement read.

During the meeting, the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed, and both sides expressed satisfaction at the increasing defence cooperation engagements, according to the ministry.

"The talks covered the existing bilateral exercises, and both sides agreed to increase the complexity of these exercises," the statement added.

Giridhar Aramane and Lt. Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman acknowledged the fruitful dialogue and stressed that both countries look forward to continued engagement based on the common understanding reached at the fifth Annual Defence Dialogue.​

 

[Saif]

Many in Bangladesh Oppose Proposed Defense Pact With India

Bangladesh does not need a defense pact, and signing one could raise objections in China, with which Dhaka has collaborated over the years, an ex-diplomat says

www.voanews.com

Many in Bangladesh Oppose Proposed Defense Pact With India​

April 06, 2017 9:00 PM​

• By Maaz Hussain​

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FILE - Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at a news conference in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 29, 2016. Leaders of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have accused the Hasina-led government of not making public details of an agreement she's set to sign with India.

New Delhi and Dhaka are set to sign an umbrella agreement to increase defense cooperation during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day visit to India, which begins Friday.

All deals would be struck maintaining the friendly terms between the two countries, and there will be nothing detrimental to the interests of Bangladesh in the agreement, Hasina said Wednesday in Dhaka.

But many security experts, diplomats and others in Bangladesh think the proposed agreement would not benefit Bangladesh and could even go against the country's interests.

"Bangladesh does not need a defense pact with India, or for that matter with any other country, because it does not face any threat of external aggression from any of its neighbors," Serajul Islam, a former Bangladeshi diplomat, told VOA. "With China, a sworn enemy of India, Bangladesh has been in defense-related cooperation for decades. If Bangladesh signs such a defense pact [with India], it would be viewed by Beijing as a deal directed against it."

Where are the details?

Leaders of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party accused the Hasina-led government of not making public details of the agreement.

"From whatever we have learned from the media, it appears Indian policymakers are coercing Bangladesh government to sign the agreement," BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed told VOA. "The submission by the Bangladesh government to this Indian coercion has triggered an uneasiness and suspicion among people in the country."

Bangladesh has long had a defense cooperation agreement with China, which is the country's largest military hardware supplier. With Chinese collaboration, Bangladesh also has been producing small arms and weapons for many years.

FILE - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is pictured with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. During Xi's visit, the two countries signed agreements calling for, among other things, billions of dollars of Chinese investment in infrastructure and energy projects.

In recent years, India has been trying to counter China's growing influence in the region.

Soon after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Dhaka in October, signing 27 deals amounting to $25 billion, India reportedly began pushing Bangladesh for an umbrella agreement.

After India's Defense Minister Manohar Parikkar visited Bangladesh in December, and then other senior Indian foreign and defense ministry officials made trips to India pursuing the issue, it came to light that Dhaka and New Delhi were set to sign an umbrella agreement.

35 deals

According to sketchy details of the pact, Bangladesh would sign up to 35 agreements and memoranda of understanding during Hasina's visit.

The deals would include, among others, an increase in trade, cooperation on nuclear energy, distribution of water from common rivers and expansion of military cooperation, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali said this week.

As part of the umbrella accord, India is expected to offer Bangladesh a $5 billion line of credit to develop infrastructure and purchase military hardware. Quoting anonymous sources, several Bangladeshi news agencies have reported that India will be mostly focused on the defense pact during Hasina's visit.

India is pushing ahead with the agreement largely to counter China's expanding military influence in Bangladesh, said professor Rajagopal Dhar Chakraborti, director of the Center for South & South East Asian Studies at the University of Calcutta.

FILE - Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a location map of Indian Economic Zones during an agreement program in Dhaka, Bangladesh, June 6, 2015.

"India wants Bangladesh to buy Indian military hardware and thus become less dependent on China. India wants to enter the defense market in Bangladesh, preferably through a long-term pact, aiming to cut down on China's share there," Chakraborti told VOA.

The India-Bangladesh umbrella agreement also seeks to set up joint military production in Bangladesh.

A Bangladeshi security analyst, retired Major General A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, said a joint venture with India, apparently to produce small arms and light heavy weapons, would not help Bangladeshi militarily.

Needs would be unmet

"Since the 1970s, following the liberation of our country, our army have been using mostly Chinese-made small arms and light heavy weapons. We have also been producing arms in our ordnance factory in Bangladesh in collaboration with China, using the same world-class Chinese technology. India's military technology is not yet world-class standard, and it happens to be an arms-importing country," Rahman told VOA.

"Setting up of a joint venture armament factory with India will certainly produce low-grade weaponry and will not at all help meet the advanced needs of Bangladesh army," he said. "As an old trusted friend, China supplies 90 percent of Bangladesh's military hardware needs and is set to invest massively in our country. If Bangladesh signs this agreement with India, we may lose this friend and become weak."

On the other hand, Bangladesh can continue to remain a good neighbor of India, even without signing this strategically sensitive agreement, Rahman said.

"Bangladesh should not do anything which makes it lose a friend like China and become dependent solely on India," he said.​

 

[Saif]

PM for strengthening Bangladesh-India military cooperation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for boosting cooperation between the military forces of friendly countries of Bangladesh and India. "Cooperation and collaboration should be strengthened between the militaries of the two neighbouring countries," she said as visiting Indian Army Chief...

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PM for strengthening Bangladesh-India military cooperation​

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for boosting cooperation between the military forces of friendly countries of Bangladesh and India

"Cooperation and collaboration should be strengthened between the militaries of the two neighbouring countries," she said as visiting Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande paid a courtesy call on her at the latter's Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office yesterday evening.

Prime Minister's Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam briefed newsmen after the meeting.

Referring to setting up the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) by her government, she said that there are opportunities for exchange of activities between the two countries for mutual welfare.

The Premier also recalled with gratitude the support and role of the Indian government, army and its people during the Great War of liberation in 1971.

Terming poverty as the main enemy, she said, "Poverty is the main enemy of the people in the region and countries of this region will have to work unitedly to eradicate poverty".

Sheikh Hasina said that an excellent bilateral relationship is prevailing between Bangladesh and India.

She also mentioned that importance has been given for socio-economic development through utilising this relation.

Describing Bangladesh as an over populated country, she mentioned that the government is trying hard to advance socio-economic conditions despite various limitations and limited resources.

During the meeting, the Indian Army Chief said, the cooperation and collaboration between Bangladesh and India in the defence industry is progressing very well.

General Manoj Pande assured the Prime Minister that the cooperation in modernisation of the Bangladesh Army would continue in the days to come.

He said that there are potentials to further strengthen cooperation between the two friendly countries in the areas of technical and other fields.

The Indian Army Chief stressed the need for utilising these opportunities for mutual benefits.

General Manoj Pande informed the Prime Minister that he visited Bangladesh Military Academy in Chattogram and he was really impressed to see the modern facilities there.

Ambassador at Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.​

 

[Saif]

India-Bangladesh Defense Diplomacy – OpEd

Defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has made significant progress in the last few years. It is depicted in the exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries, as well as the conduct of training programs, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief...

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Bangladesh's General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed with India's Army Chief General Manoj Pande. Photo Credit: High Commission of India in Bangladesh

India-Bangladesh Defense Diplomacy – OpEd​

June 5, 2023 0 Comments
By Dr. Arpita Hazarika

Defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has made significant progress in the last few years. It is depicted in the exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries, as well as the conduct of training programs, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). India has always cherished its close ties with Bangladesh and at the same time works to strengthen its ties while contributing to Bangladesh’s development agenda. Bangladesh is an important partner under India’s flagship ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Cooperation between the two countries is extensive in all areas including trade and commerce, power and energy, transport and connectivity, science and technology, defense and security, maritime affairs, climate change and sustainable development.

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Monday (June 05) embarked on a two-day visit to Bangladesh to hold talks with the top military brass of the neighbouring country to primarily explore ways to further expand bilateral defence and security ties. It is Gen Pande’s second visit to Bangladesh as Army chief. He visited the country in July last year on his first foreign visit after assuming charge of the top post.

”During the visit, the Army Chief will be meeting the senior military leadership of Bangladesh where he will discuss avenues for further enhancing Indo-Bangladesh defence relations,” the Army said.

Other engagements of the Army Chief include formal interactions with the Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed forces division. The Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff visited India in April this year and reviewed the passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. ”Frequent visits by senior military leaders and bilateral cooperation events such as joint military exercises contribute to enhancing military-to-military relations between both nations,” the Army said.

However, the army chief’s visit, most importantly, comes at a time when the United States is taking one step after another regarding Bangladesh. The latest step is the new visa policy ahead of the elections.

India is the major country of the subcontinent and India’s role in influencing the dynamics of politics in the subcontinent is important. But the US has been taking one step after another in relation to Bangladesh excluding India and these steps have now become a cause of discomfort for India.

Rising US and Western pressure may drive Bangladesh government closer to China because its veto in the United Nations can block adverse resolutions seeking to haul up Bangladesh. Thus, India might help Bangladesh on strategic point. If Bangladesh goes the Pakistan and Sri Lanka way, what’d be left for India in its neighbourhood?

India has no option without supporting Hasina regime in the region for various reasons. In the case of security of Northwest India and ensuring Indian strategic and business interest in Bangladesh, India needs Bangladesh’s Hasina regime. On the other hand, the Bangladesh government has recently formally set out the ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’. Both parties can usher the ties and cooperation under this Indo-Pacific strategy. The visit is apparently part of the “outstanding” bilateral defense relationship between Bangladesh and India. The Chief of Army Staff’s visit could strengthen relations between the two armies at the bilateral level and act as a catalyst for improved coordination and cooperation between the two countries on various strategic issues.

The visit is apparently part of the “outstanding” bilateral defense relationship between Bangladesh and India. The Chief of Army Staff’s visit could strengthen relations between the two armies at the bilateral level and act as a catalyst for improved coordination and cooperation between the two countries on various strategic issues.

In South Asia, Bangladesh is an important ally of the India. The two nations work closely together on problems like climate change, counterterrorism, and regional security. This visit may serve to cement bilateral defense ties. Defense cooperation between nations could strengthen bilateral ties. Both India and Bangladesh are essential to the region. Despite some bilateral issues, both countries are greatly interested in further solidifying their bilateral ties, which was made clear by this visit. This could assist in bolstering bilateral ties and reflecting better bilateral understanding. This visit is highly important for Bangladesh and India in the region. Bangladesh and the India must work together as reliable partners to address some shared issues. Through this visit, India and Bangladesh have further reinforced their defense ties.

Defense, security, and strategic connections between India and Bangladesh are expanding daily. Bangladesh is seen by India as an enduring strategic ally. In addition to giving 18 brand-new 120mm mortars to the Bangladesh Army in December 2020 as part of army-to-army cooperation, India has granted a $500 million line of credit to Bangladesh for defense procurement from India.

A 122-member group from Bangladesh’s tri-services also took part in the Republic Day parade in India in January 2021. From March 8–10, two Indian naval ships—INS Kulish and INS Sumedha—visited Bangladesh’s Mongla Port, making it the first naval visit India had made in the previous 50 years. Bangladesh is still India’s “closest neighbor,” and relations with it are at a “golden age.” India wants to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh just as the US wants to engage with it more strategically. Of sure, both nations would benefit from the situation.

In an effort to improve bilateral defense cooperation, Bangladesh’s new army chief Gen S M Shafiuddin Ahmed and India’s new army chief General Manoj Pande spoke via video chat earlier this month.

It is believed that the two army commanders also discuss how the geopolitical landscape was changing and how that would affect regional security.

In recent years, India and Bangladesh’s defense and security relations have improved. The 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation was in 2021. Both India and Bangladesh have highly trained, experienced military, and they work together to keep the Eastern region peaceful.

The Bangladeshi and Indian militaries are increasingly collaborating on defense. Through a variety of initiatives, such as joint training and drills and defense discussions, the two countries’ armed forces have been working together more and more.

Two defense agreements were signed between Bangladesh and India during Sheikh Hasina’s four-day trip to New Delhi in April 2017. These were the first such pacts inked by India and any of its neighbors. According to the accords, the troops of the two nations would engage in cooperative training and exercises.

In order to achieve self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing in Bangladesh, India will assist Bangladesh in setting up manufacturing and service facilities for the defense platforms that both nations currently possess. Additionally, India will offer the Bangladesh military specialized training as well as technical and logistical support. India also gave a neighboring nation, Bangladesh, its first ever line of credit for defense-related purchases, in the amount of $500 million.

Additionally, the forces of the two nations have taken on a significant role in conducting training programs for dealing with counterterrorism challenges, natural catastrophes, and ensuring humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Defence and security are significant elements of India and Bangladesh’s bilateral relations, and the armed forces of the two nations cooperate and coordinate with one another on numerous levels.

On December 15, 2021, the defense issue came up during President Kovind’s meetings with Bangladesh’s top officials.
India has added an additional $500 million to its line of credit for defense products. Under this line of credit, a number of items have been identified and are being accelerated quickly; their processing is at a fair degree of sophistication. (In accordance with news reports)

India presented Bangladesh with a $500 million line of credit in 2019 to help the neighboring nation purchase defense equipment.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to finance Bangladesh’s acquisition of defense equipment. In April 2017, India promised to provide Bangladesh with a US$ 500 million Line of Credit during Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to New Delhi.

India and Bangladesh have been providing the most soldiers to United Nations peacekeeping missions in terms of bilateral military cooperation. The two Armies’ collaboration has grown in the field of counterterrorism.

India’s determination to combat terrorism in all its manifestations was echoed by Bangladesh’s resolute stance against terrorism. India is aware of Bangladesh’s efforts to prevent terrorist organizations from using space to conduct activities against India. In response, India should keep up its efforts to stop any terrorist group from using its territory to harm Bangladeshi interests.

As a result of the insurgency’s current low point in North-East India, Indian PM, Chief Minister of Assam has thanked Bangladesh for its assistance and emphasized his wish to improve trade and connection between Bangladesh and North-East India.

To strengthen the defense and security facets of their alliance, Bangladesh and India can cooperate in the field of defense. The two nations should be dedicated to further developing the defense and security component of their partnership based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them using different methods, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. India can assist Bangladesh in achieving the goal of implementation of Bangladesh’s visionary military plan “Forces Goal 2030.”
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[Saif]

India proposes Bangladesh to produce defence equipment jointly

Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma on Sunday proposed Bangladesh to develop and produce of defence equipment jointly while inviting Bangladesh Armed forces to benefit from India’s cost-effective and high quality military gears.....

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India proposes Bangladesh to produce defence equipment jointly​

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 08:39, Mar 06,2023

Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma presents a keynote speech at a seminar on Indian Defence Equipment in Dhaka as part of the initiative to promote defence industry cooperation between India and Bangladesh, on Sunday. – BSS photo.

Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma on Sunday proposed Bangladesh to develop and produce of defence equipment jointly while inviting Bangladesh Armed forces to benefit from India’s cost-effective and high quality military gears.

The envoy also expressed India’s readiness to partner with Bangladesh in its defence modernization through the US$ 500 million Defence Line of Credit extended by New Delhi to Dhaka earlier.

Verma made the remark while presenting a keynote speech at a seminar on Indian Defence Equipment in Dhaka as part of the initiative to promote defence industry cooperation between India and Bangladesh, said a press release issued by Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

The envoy urged the defence industry on both sides to take full advantage of the Defence Line of Credit.

The high commissioner identified defence industry cooperation between India and Bangladesh as an emerging focus area of their defence partnership.

He highlighted the accomplishments of the Indian defence industry over the last nearly a decade driven by our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’.

Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Ata-ul Hakim Sarwar Hasan also made a separate keynote remark.

The CGS praised India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and proposed closer cooperation between the two sides for closer defence industry partnership.

Several key Indian defence manufacturers, from both public and private sectors, participated and made presentations on their defence products and platforms.

Representatives from Bangladesh Armed Forces, para-military forces as well as law enforcement agencies were present.

India and Bangladesh have close and friendly defence relationship that covers diverse areas of cooperation and is guided by the spirit of their shared sacrifices during the Liberation War of 1971.​

 

[Saif]

India-Bangladesh defence cooperation: Coming of age, at last?

India-Bangladesh defence cooperation: Coming of age, at last?

www.orfonline.org

India-Bangladesh defence cooperation: Coming of age, at last?​

This brief analyses the efforts of India and Bangladesh to strengthen their defence cooperation, in the context of the series of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in April 2017. Some quarters in both countries are sceptical about the agreements, citing the ineffectual Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace—often referred to as a ‘defence pact’—signed in 1972. The brief analyses the drivers of current efforts to push mutually beneficial defence cooperation.
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Introduction​

Defence cooperation between India and Bangladesh has seen significant progress in the last few years. This push is illustrated in the exchange of visits between leaders of the two nations, as well as the conduct of training programmes, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Prior to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in 2017, developments in the area of defence cooperation between the two countries took place in the absence of any formal mechanism; this cast doubt on their sustainability. Indeed, the overall bilateral relationship has been generally seen as unstable, subject as it is to the changing attitudes of Bangladesh’s ruling party towards India. In the area of defence, the ties between India and Bangladesh go back to 1971, when the Indian army fought alongside Bangladeshi freedom fighters in the Liberation War of that year. Over time, however, the defence relationship has faltered.

For a long time, Bangladesh was reluctant to address India’s security concerns, primary of which was the presence of many insurgent groups in its northeastern region who enjoyed a safe haven in Bangladesh and carried out their activities across the border. India also believed that militant organisations having roots in, or links with Pakistan were using Bangladesh as a transit point. India had repeatedly urged Bangladesh to take action against such groups, only to be met with denials about their existence. When Prime Minister Hasina came to power in 2009, she expressed resolve to act against the groups active in Bangladesh that were inimical to India’s interests. Bangladesh took measures that helped in the arrests of top insurgent leaders, including the Chairman of the United Liberation Front of Assam Arabinda Rajkhowa and Ranjan Daimary of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. Such measures proved to be a turning point for the bilateral relationship.

At present, India and Bangladesh share a warmer relationship, and they are cooperating on various economic, social, scientific and technological areas. In 2014, the two countries came to a resolution of their maritime boundary dispute, and the following year they resolved their conflict over land. Since the visit to India of Bangladeshi Army Chief Gen. Moeen Ahmed in 2008, the defence relationship has grown manifold.[1] There are now regular reciprocal visits by leaders of their armed forces; the presidents of both countries, who are the commanders of their armed forces, have also exchanged visits. Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee visited Bangladesh in March 2013 while his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid came to India in December 2014. Ongoing talks between the top leadership of the armed forces have helped dispel earlier misconceptions harboured by both parties and are contributing to mutual understanding of each other’s viewpoints.

The defence services of both countries are now also participating in joint exercises, medical assistance and training programmes. Sampriti, the joint exercise operation between the two armies to counter terrorism, has completed seven rounds.
The seventh one took place at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram, in November 2017.

However, there is apprehension that the momentum achieved so far might slow down or even come to a halt in the event of a change of government in Bangladesh. Some policy analysts and defence experts, mostly in India, have advocated institutionalising defence cooperation. They argue that given the growth in the area of defence cooperation, it has become an imperative to nurture a more structured engagement. This suggestion draws support from the experience with the Ganges Water Treaty, signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996 and still in effect despite initial reservations in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s close defence relationship with China is another reason for concern.[4] India has been wary of the Sino-Bangladesh defence relationship, and the purchase by Bangladesh in 2013 of two submarines from China hastened the demand by security analysts to cement the bilateral ties.[5] There was talk of a comprehensive bilateral defence cooperation agreement being signed during PM Hasina’s visit to India in April 2017. This was met with reservation—even scepticism—from Bangladesh, for reasons outlined below.​

1. A defence agreement with India would upset China, a major partner in the areas of defence and development.[6] China is the only country with which Bangladesh has a formal defence cooperation agreement, though this has mostly gone unnoticed by the majority in Bangladesh. The defence pact with China was hardly debated in the same manner as even the possibility of an agreement with India.​
2. The agreement would be an infringement on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and would restrict its strategic autonomy.[7] The India–Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace, 1972 is often used as an example to support this argument.​

During Prime Minister Hasina’s 2017 visit to India, the two countries signed a series of agreements and MoUs in areas of defence cooperation, including the following:​

1. MoU on the framework for defence cooperation​
2. MoU between India’s Defence Services Staff College and Dhaka’s Defence Services Command and Staff College for enhancing cooperation in the field of strategic operational studies​
3. MoU between Dhaka’s National Defence College and India’s Defence College for enhancing cooperation in the field of strategic studies​
4. MoU for extending a line of credit worth US$500 million for the purchase of defence equipment​
5. MoU between the coast guards of the two countries​

The signing of these agreements indicated that the two countries aim to develop their defence cooperation. This brief will identify and analyse the positive factors that prompted the two countries to take their defence cooperation forward, despite initial reservations among policy-makers in Bangladesh.

Before that, however, it is important to discuss the India–Bangladesh Friendship Treaty, traditionally viewed as a defence pact, and understand why it failed. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between India and Bangladesh on 19 March 1972. The then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were the signatories, and the signing took place during the former’s visit to Bangladesh. The validity of the treaty was for 25 years, and it had 12 Articles and a Preamble. It was a comprehensive and wide-ranging document, covering economic, security and military issues, and included other areas such as art and literature. Yet, the treaty was mostly considered a security and military pact, since the important provisions were in these areas: the two countries would not enter into any kind of military alliance against each other; they would refrain from aggression against one another; and they would restrict the use of their territories against the other. Additionally, the treaty indicated that the two countries would jointly deal with any third party that would threaten the security of either one.

The treaty was signed in the backdrop of a crisis in Bangladesh. Soon after liberation, Mujibur Rahman was faced with a difficult situation. While he had to rebuild the war-torn nation, at the same time, he had to deal with Bangladesh’s political isolation. India was one of the few countries Bangladesh could turn to. Rahman felt that the Indian army should retreat after the war of liberation, leaving behind a fraction of it to help with national reconstruction. However, the presence of the Indian Army in Bangladesh caused countries such as China and the US to withhold financial assistance, as they considered India to be in the Soviet camp. Within Bangladesh too, discontent against the Indian army was brewing. Rumours that the Indian army had run riot—looting household goods left behind by the Pakistanis and dismantling industrial equipment—began to spread, sowing fear amongst the Bangladeshi people. There was also widespread resentment among Bangladeshi freedom fighters, who felt that the Indian Army had intervened at the last minute and taken away the credit due them. Mujibur Rahman was compelled to walk a tightrope, asking for the withdrawal of the Indian army while ensuring that India continued to help Bangladesh. The treaty was a bridge over troubled waters in more than one sense: it marked a formal closure of the activities of the Indian Army in Bangladesh and provided a legal umbrella for the Indian soldiers who remained in post-war Bangladesh. The Bangladesh army, still in its infancy, was hardly capable of warding off external threat, compelling them to rely on India’s friendship.

The treaty, instead of cementing the relationship, added to the apprehensions and resentment of the Bangladeshi people, fuelling suspicions about India’s intentions in their country. The Bangladeshi defence forces also felt that the treaty undermined their importance.

The assassination of Mujibur Rahman in 1975 was a game changer: it transformed the dynamics of the relationship, which in turn affected the implementation of the treaty. The military regimes that succeeded Mujibur Rahman pursued a foreign policy governed principally by a strategy of distancing itself from India. In the post-Mujib era, the treaty was almost suspended due to a lack of interest on the part of the military regimes governing Bangladesh. The treaty completed 25 years in 1997, when the Awami League was the ruling party. Despite its India-friendly image, Bangladesh showed reluctance in renewing the treaty. India did not pursue the matter either, and the treaty simply lapsed.
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The Transformation of the Bangladesh Army​

The opinion and attitudes of the defence forces—in this context, those of the Bangladesh Army—is considered a defining factor in the case of India–Bangladesh relations. After all, the India and Bangladesh armies jointly fought the Liberation War.

Despite this positive beginning, however, the Bangladesh Army had always been sceptical about their country’s relationship with India.

The reasons for this is rooted in the Bangladesh Army’s historical connection with the Pakistani Army. The newly formed Bangladesh Army inducted about 28,000 officers repatriated from the Pakistan Army, and in doing so, also inherited the values of the country.[11] Initially, even the top army leadership comprised former officers of the Pakistan Army. Keeping in mind the training they received made them apprehensive about India.

The Bangladesh Army was created out of the Liberation War and was, in many ways, shaped by the role it played in the independence of the country, making it unique. As the nationalistic and indigenously trained officers came into leadership positions, the army has managed to craft an identity of its own.[12] They are more aware and confident about their capabilities. Several years of UN peacekeeping missions have also contributed to the evolution of the Bangladesh Army, and today it is ranked among the top 60 forces in the world.

This shift in the thinking of the new generation of leadership in the army can be gauged from their attitude towards India. The evolution of bilateral relations began during the rule of the military-backed caretaker government (2007–08). Gen. Moeen U. Ahmed, the first indigenously trained chief of the army and incumbent at that time, was open to developing a good relationship with India. He visited India in 2007. Most of his successors too have been indigenously trained officers. Another example of a shift in the thinking of the army is the change in the war-gaming model, wherein India is no longer portrayed as the enemy.

For security analysts in Bangladesh, the rise in defence cooperation with India is indicative of the Bangladesh Army’s interest in improving defence ties with India. A section of Bangladeshi security analysts have observed that the importance of maintaining a good relationship with India is now widely understood. This is not to say that the years of mistrust and apprehension can be wished away completely, especially within the army. While India was sceptical about the signing of an MoU instead of an agreement, according to analysts, a comprehensive defence pact may not find easy acceptability but MoUs will create opportunities for expanding defence cooperation in the future.
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Drivers of Cooperation​

Since MoUs are protected by confidentiality clauses, very little information is available in the public domain, making it difficult for this brief to make a highly detailed analysis. A range of MoUs have been signed between the two countries—keeping past, present and future in mind—in a way that benefits both. Further, it can be gleaned from the MOU pertaining to a ‘framework for future cooperation’ that these negotiations are being done with a long-term vision (Annexure II contains a brief description, based on open-source information about the framework for future cooperation).
India and Bangladesh share more than 4,000 km of porous borders. They have shared history, culture and language, all adding to the relationship. Both countries understand that incidents in one country have ramifications across the border. Thus, the solution lies not in conflict but in cooperation. The issue of militancy is a case in point. Despite punitive actions taken by the Bangladeshi government, militancy continues to be an issue largely because of the cross-border network of radicalised groups that threaten the security of both countries and the entire region. The need to increase security and defence cooperation is driven by this convergence of interests.
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Countering Terrorism​

Counter-terror cooperation is an important aspect of the defence relationship between India and Bangladesh, as both countries have been victims of terrorism and continue to face evolving security threats. India is subject to cross-border terrorism from groups based in Pakistan, and these groups use Bangladesh as a transit point into India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh suffers acts of terror committed by indigenous organisations with external linkages. The veterans of the Afghan Jihad established Harkatul Jihad Bangladesh in the 1990s. The terrorist organisations started to make their presence felt by 2000. Although Bangladesh pursues a policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and has undertaken strict counter-terrorism measures, including the execution of top leaders of Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in 2007, terror groups have managed to survive in its territory because of the cross-border network, especially in India.

JMB’s network in India was unearthed following a bomb blast at Burdwan in the bordering state of West Bengal in 2014. This brought into focus the need for enhancing stronger cross-border cooperation. The spread of international terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaeda also demands joint action by the two countries to fight the menace of terrorism.
To address these threats effectively, there is need for greater synergy, coordination and cooperation between agencies, joint training and exercises, greater interaction and understanding among the armed forces of the two countries.
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The Quest for a Peaceful Bay​

Peace and tranquillity in the Bay of Bengal is an important aspect of this cooperation and both countries have a crucial role to play. Bangladesh acquired a large territory in the Bay, following delimitation of the maritime boundary with India and Myanmar, and has a major stake in maintaining law and order in the region.

The Bay region has not recorded any major incidents of piracy (as in Somalia), except some cases of petty dacoity. However, the region is prone to organised crimes such as human trafficking, and arms and narcotics smuggling. Cooperation and coordination between the navies and coast guards of the region will help tackle such challenges. In this respect, the agreement on cooperation between the coast guards of the two countries is a step forward.

Another significant outcome of such cooperation will be the safety and security of maritime trade. The Bay is a major trading route for the littoral countries, especially for Bangladesh, as it provides exclusive access to the sea and majority of its trade takes place via the maritime route. Search and rescue operations will also stand to benefit from such cooperation, since the Bay is prone to natural calamities: fishing boats often go missing in the high seas or drift away due to technical faults in their vessels.

The MOUs will also strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the area of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Frequent cyclones in the Bay are a constant challenge, demanding improved HADR skills. Interactions between the countries offer an opportunity to learn from each other’s experience, in addition to ensuring smooth and effective coordination in times of need.
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Growth and Prosperity​

Both India and Bangladesh are working to ensure their growth and prosperity. They are today amongst the fastest growing economies in the world. India is ranked among the top 10 economies globally, while Bangladesh is placed in the league of emerging economies, ranked after the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Bangladesh has maintained an impressive growth rate of above six percent for over a decade. The two countries are striving to improve their economies, and a peaceful and friendly relationship with neighbours is crucial in attaining this goal. Defence diplomacy and commerce is a major aspect of this relationship.

India’s US$500-million credit to Bangladesh for purchasing defence equipment, especially for communication and Coast Guard patrol boats, has come into focus. While the strategic objectives are obvious, there are other considerations as well.

Bangladeshi companies can enter the supply chain network of the original equipment manufacturer. For India, Bangladesh can be a major market for its defence products. Due to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, many multinational companies are setting up their assembly and manufacturing units in India and may well become a major supplier of arms. For Bangladesh, it will be convenient to procure arms from a close neighbouring country. This also places the country in a better negotiating position, allowing it to negotiate on issues such as technology transfer. Eventually, this could help Bangladesh graduate from being a buyer to a producer of high-end technology products.
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The China Factor​

Any discussion on India–Bangladesh defence cooperation is incomplete without considering the China factor. China is Bangladesh’s strategic partner and its biggest supplier of arms.[18] While Indian security analysts have long kept an eye on this relationship, the recent purchase by Bangladesh of two submarines from China, has provoked concern over the possible ramifications for India’s security.

Bangladeshi security observers say that the purchase of submarines is more political than strategic. They are of the opinion that political parties in that country lean towards the armed forces for stability. The present Awami League government is no different. The government adopted an Armed Forces Vision 2020, especially to maintain good rapport with the armed forces.

Bangladesh is also purchasing a large number of armaments. It is working on transforming its navy into a three-dimensional force. Therefore, submarines are considered a necessity. Defence analysts, however, have a different opinion as they believe that Bangladesh hardly faces any threat from other countries. They say that the technology used in this submarine is obsolete and that it is being commissioned to boost the morale of the armed forces as most of the early generation of officers of the Bangladesh Navy were submariners.

India is a consideration for Bangladesh’s China policy; there are several analysts in Bangladesh who favour China as a counter-balance to India. However, many others believe that there should be a balanced relationship with both. Analysts in Bangladesh observe that India is the only country that surrounds Bangladesh on three sides, and there are several asymmetries that exist vis-a-vis India in terms of the economy, geography, military power and influence in the global arena. For the moment, it appears that Bangladesh wants to maintain friendly relationships with both China and India.

Recently, the Bangladesh establishment was irked by China’s ambivalence on the issue of the Rohingya refugees. In March 2016, China and Russia, Bangladesh’s two major arms suppliers blocked a statement in the United Nation’s Security Council on violence concerning the Rohingyas in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Almost 90 percent of Bangladesh’s arms are sourced from China, and the fear that it can be held hostage is real in light of the warm relationship shared by Myanmar and China. The relationship between Myanmar and Bangladesh has, on the other hand, soured substantially over the issue of the exodus of thousands of Rohingyas, who took refuge in Bangladesh from neighbouring Rakhine following an outbreak of violence in August 2017. Reducing dependence on China for the supply of arms is obviously the desirable thing to do, and there is a thinking in Bangladesh to diversify its defence partnership to maintain its strategic autonomy. India, with whom Bangladesh has both cultural and linguistic affinity, can be a natural ally.
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Conclusion​

The current agreement between India and Bangladesh in defence cooperation marks a coming-of-age in their bilateral ties. It is clear that both countries want to address each other’s concerns and work towards common solutions. To maintain the momentum, it is crucial that the two countries implement all the MoUs and agreements that have been signed. Some additional measures can be implemented as well, such as the signing of the Teesta Agreement, pending since 2011 after India withdrew at the last moment, following the West Bengal Chief Minister’s objection to the draft agreement. This withdrawal adversely affected the relationship between the two countries.

India must take advantage of its cultural ties with Bangladesh and work on inviting more officers and personnel for training. While currently, there are several exchanges of personnel, some more steps can be undertaken to strengthen engagement, such as increasing the amount of the stipend or granting special allowances for Bangladeshi officers attending courses in India to incentivise their visits. Elevating the yearly consultation to the level of chiefs of army, navy and air force should be made a policy. Finally, industry-to-industry deliberations should be fostered to facilitate commercial relations in defence.​

 

[Saif]

 

[Saif]

India has passed a law prohibiting purchase of military equipment from neighboring countries. On the other hand, the same India is pressing her neighbors to buy military hardware from them. The real intention of India is making all its neighbors dependent on her so that they cannot challenge India militarily. India wants to neuter all her neighbors.

 

[Saif]

India Stole Bangladesh Commando Training Docs​

 

[Saif]

I pray to God that Hasina comes to her senses and stop future cooperation with India in the defense sector because it will kill our armed forces. India's sudden love for Bangladesh army is aimed at limiting defense cooperation between Bangladesh and China. India's defense products are of low quality so should be rejected by Bangladesh army.

India eyes Bangladesh askey market for military hardware

The two nations are also exploring the prospect of an Indian role in maintaining Russian origin equipment, especially aircraft such as the Mi-17-1V helicopter, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and MiG-29 jets. India also operates these aircraft and has facilities for their maintenance.

www.hindustantimes.com

India eyes Bangladesh as key market for military hardware​

ByRezaul H Laskar and Rahul Singh, New Delhi
Jan 04, 2023 12:00 AM IST
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The two nations are also exploring the prospect of an Indian role in maintaining Russian origin equipment, especially aircraft such as the Mi-17-1V helicopter, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and MiG-29 jets. India also operates these aircraft and has facilities for their maintenance.​

India is eyeing Bangladesh as a market for a range of military hardware, from specialist vehicles to helicopters, and maintenance of Russian origin equipment following the operationalisation of a $500 million line of credit for defence purchases, people familiar with the matter said.
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That order came on the back of the Philippines ordering BrahMos missiles and Armenia buying Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers from India. (HT)

Among the items that Bangladesh has shown an interest in are specialist vehicles from Tata and Mahindra, Tejas combat aircraft and Dhruv light helicopter, the people said, seeking anonymity. Several vehicles have been provided by the two Indian firms to the Bangladesh Army for testing over an extended period of time in different terrains and seasons, including during military exercises, they added.

The two nations are also exploring the prospect of an Indian role in maintaining Russian origin equipment, especially aircraft such as the Mi-17-1V helicopter, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and MiG-29 jets. India also operates these aircraft and has facilities for their maintenance.

During recent visits to India, Bangladesh Air Force personnel visited facilities where such aircraft are maintained, the people said. For instance, the Bangladesh Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, toured facilities in Chandigarh and Mumbai during a visit to India in December 2021. Hannan also visited a helicopter unit in West Bengal during his latest visit to India in December.

“Bangladesh has purchased protective gear such as bulletproof jackets and helmets. Now both sides are looking at big ticket items,” one of the people said.

While India offered the $500 million line of credit for defence purchases to Bangladesh in 2019, it was operationalised in September 2022 with a contract for what was described at the time by foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra as a “modest amount”. Briefing the media after a visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Kwatra had said this contract was “an important first step” that will open up the path for further engagement in defence.

During Hasina’s visit, she and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed satisfaction at the “intensification” of defence ties and agreed on early finalisation of projects under the line of credit for defence, a joint statement said. India also “welcomed the finalisation of initial procurement plans for vehicles for the Bangladesh Armed Forces”, the statement added.

These developments come at a time when India has sharpened its focus on getting a toehold in foreign markets, setting a target of defence exports of $5 billion by 2025, and put in place a raft of policy measures to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.

In November 2022, Indian defence firm Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited won an export order of $155.5 million for supplying artillery guns to a friendly foreign country, the first order by a local company for the weapon system.

That order came on the back of the Philippines ordering BrahMos missiles and Armenia buying Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers from India. India has clocked defence exports of more than ₹30,000 crore since 2014, after the Narendra Modi government came to power.

India’s efforts also come at a time when China has been seeking to increase its role as a supplier of defence equipment, ranging from combat aircraft to warships and radars. In this context, the people noted that the Indian side has been pressing Bangladesh to implement a memorandum of understanding inked in 2019 for providing a coastal radar system for maritime security.

India’s defence exports reached their highest level during 2021-22, hitting ₹13,000 crore and the private sector accounting for 70% of exports. Military hardware exported by India includes missiles, the Dhruv light helicopter, offshore patrol vessels, protective gear, surveillance systems and radars. India has also imposed a phased import ban on 411 weapons and systems over the past two years to boost indigenous defence manufacturing. These weapons and platforms are to be indigenised over the next five to six years.

“India has a good strategy and action plan in place, backed by forward-looking policies, to ensure self-reliance in defence, and boost the country’s status as a net exporter of weapons in the coming years,” military affairs expert Lt Gen (retd) Vinod Bhatia earlier said.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, India army chiefs discuss strategic partnership

The army chiefs of Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed various issues pertaining to enhancing and strengthening interoperability, training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh, India army chiefs discuss strategic partnership​

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 23:20, Apr 27,2023

Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and his Indian counterpart General Manoj Pande talk on bilateral cooperation in New Delhi on Thursday. — BSS photo

The army chiefs of Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed various issues pertaining to enhancing and strengthening interoperability, training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The discussion took place in Delhi when Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed held meeting with his Indian counterpart General Manoj Pande, according to a press release of Indian defence ministry.

The Bangladesh army chief arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India on Thursday to meet India’s senior military and civilian leadership where he is expected to discuss avenues for enhancing India-Bangladesh defence relations.

General Shafiuddin commenced his visit by paying tributes to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

The visiting general was accorded a guard of honour at the South Block Lawns, said the release. General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed also called on General Anil Chauhan, chief of defence staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, chief of naval staff, Air Marshal AP Singh, vice-chief of air staff, defence secretary and the foreign secretary.

He was also briefed on the Indian indigenous defence equipment manufacturing eco-system by the Department of Defence Production and the Army Design Bureau.

An Implementing Arrangement for UN Peacekeeping Operations and Training Cooperation between Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), India and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT), Bangladesh was signed between both Armies during the visit.

The visiting Bangladesh army chief is the reviewing officer for the passing out parade at Officers Training Academy, Chennai scheduled on April 29.

He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course.

India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971.

The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence secretaries, tri-services and service-specific staff talks.

Exchange visits of Bangladesh Mukti Jodhas and Indian war veterans take place every year in December to mark the Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka and Kolkata.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, India army chiefs discuss strategic partnership

The army chiefs of Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed various issues pertaining to enhancing and strengthening interoperability, training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh, India army chiefs discuss strategic partnership
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 23:20, Apr 27,2023

Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and his Indian counterpart General Manoj Pande talk on bilateral cooperation in New Delhi on Thursday. — BSS photo

The army chiefs of Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed various issues pertaining to enhancing and strengthening interoperability, training, anti-terrorism collaboration and overall bilateral cooperation as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The discussion took place in Delhi when Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed held meeting with his Indian counterpart General Manoj Pande, according to a press release of Indian defence ministry.

The Bangladesh army chief arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India on Thursday to meet India’s senior military and civilian leadership where he is expected to discuss avenues for enhancing India-Bangladesh defence relations.

General Shafiuddin commenced his visit by paying tributes to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

The visiting general was accorded a guard of honour at the South Block Lawns, said the release. General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed also called on General Anil Chauhan, chief of defence staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, chief of naval staff, Air Marshal AP Singh, vice-chief of air staff, defence secretary and the foreign secretary.

He was also briefed on the Indian indigenous defence equipment manufacturing eco-system by the Department of Defence Production and the Army Design Bureau.

An Implementing Arrangement for UN Peacekeeping Operations and Training Cooperation between Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), India and Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training (BIPSOT), Bangladesh was signed between both Armies during the visit.

The visiting Bangladesh army chief is the reviewing officer for the passing out parade at Officers Training Academy, Chennai scheduled on April 29.

He will visit the Officers Training Academy Museum and interact with the cadets of the passing out course.

India and Bangladesh share the historical legacy of cooperation and support during the Liberation War of 1971.

The active engagement on the defence side includes high-level exchanges at the level of service chiefs, conduct of the inaugural annual defence dialogues by the defence secretaries, tri-services and service-specific staff talks.

Exchange visits of Bangladesh Mukti Jodhas and Indian war veterans take place every year in December to mark the Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka and Kolkata.

 

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/334008/lt-gen-sahni-bangladeshis-alone-deserve-credit

Lt Gen Sahni: Bangladeshis alone deserve credit for country’s independence​

In this exclusive interview conducted by Ayanangsha Maitra for Dhaka Tribune for its Victory Day supplement, Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South-Western Command of the Indian Army, talks about India’s role in the Liberation War of 1971, the possibility of an apology from Pakistan and Bangladesh’s geopolitical importance

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Former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South-Western Command of the Indian Army, Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni. Photo: Collected
Ayanangsha Maitra
Publish : 16 Dec 2023, 10:00 AMUpdate : 18 Dec 2023, 11:47 AM​

How would you look at the role of the Indian Army in 1971?​

At the outset, I may state that the independence of Bangladesh was and will continue to be attributed to the sacrifices, determination and grit of the people of Bangladesh. It is they and they alone who deserve the credit for the independence of Bangladesh. Yes, India could not bear the atrocities and genocide perpetrated on the people of Bangladesh and responded positively to the clarion call given by the aggrieved local Bangalis and used all the instruments of national power to assist the government in exile and support the armed resistance movement.

It is in this context that the Indian Army took on the mandate of training the resistance movement that motivated local Bangalis who wanted to seek revenge on the Pakistan Army. The Indian Army not only trained the Mukti Bahini but organized it into an efficient guerrilla force. Selected Indian army officers and men thereafter fought with them, under their colours, to literally give what we in the army language call on-the-job training. The Mukti Bahini also became the eyes and ears for the military operations launched by the Indian Army to liberate erstwhile East Pakistan and carried out “fifth column” operations in support of the offensive, as per a planned design.

The Indian Army launched a multipronged offensive to liberate the country. The Air Force decimated Pakistan's air power in the initial few hours of the offensive. The naval blockade, in conjunction with the land offensive, ensured that the Pakistan Army had no option but to surrender. It is to the credit of the Indian Army that in spite of heavy casualties, even in the worst of situations it retained equanimity and conducted itself within the bounds of morality and ethics expected of soldiers. It also protected the Pakistani armed forces and senior military-civilian bureaucracy which had surrendered from the vengeance of the locals, who had really suffered under their tyranny. The magnitude of the victory of the Indian Army can be gauged by the fact that it led to the surrender of 90,000 Pakistani soldiers, the largest surrender of any armed forces after World War Two. A significant event was that the Indian Armed Forces were prepared to take on the powerful US Seventh Fleet that had threatened India to stop the war and set Pakistani soldiers free to escape back to West Pakistan.

It thereafter ensured peace and stability in the newly formed country of Bangladesh, till the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took charge. It is also again unparalleled in history that a victorious army and country handed over charge to a newly formed government, within weeks of its becoming independent and without any imposition. The army assisted in the repatriation of refugees from India back to their homeland and provided them with essential food and medical supplies.
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What advantage(s) did the Indian Army have? Was topography in favour of India? Did Pakistan make a strategic miscalculation? ​

There are three geographical realities of which the first two were advantages and the last one was an impediment to the Indian Army. Firstly, erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, is surrounded by the Indian state on its land frontiers and only has the Indian Ocean to its south. Secondly, the initial formation of Pakistan in two spatially separated landmasses–one to the west of India and the other in the centre of Eastern India–gave an advantage to isolate the two regions for undertaking operations in any one. The distance denied Pakistan the synergy of its combat resources. Thirdly, the riverine terrain and the road infrastructure did not permit cross-country movement in most places, which led to higher casualties on the attacker, ie, the Indian Army. It had to break the initial defensive deployment of the Pakistan Army in today’s Bangladesh by near frontal attacks.

The geography of East Pakistan allowed the Indian Army to undertake a multi-pronged offensive. It simultaneously launched three separate offensives from the east, west and north. The meagre air resources available to the adversary were destroyed in the first few hours, allowing our Air Force to attack Pakistani forces with impunity. The Navy imposed a naval blockade from the sea. Thus, the Pakistani forces were isolated in this sector, with no replenishment of war-waging materials/supplies from West Pakistan.

The multi-directional attack forced the adversary to redistribute its combat resources on all fronts concurrently. It also forced a decision dilemma on the use of its reserves, as the Indian Army continued to progress successfully on all its offensive thrusts. The breaking point was Heliborne operations that were undertaken after the first few days, which took the Indian Army to the portals of the capital Dhaka. It was once again only after the Second World War that an innovative propaganda campaign carried out by the Indian Army led to the early surrender of Pakistani soldiers. The Pakistani soldiers, as they kept retreating towards the capital Dhaka, were also stressed by the likely vengeance and wrath they would face from the Mukti Bahini for their atrocities. It also contributed to their eventual surrender.

Was it a strategic miscalculation? Yes and no. Yes, for they did not expect such a robust response from the Indian state. Also, after the military engagements of 1962 and 1965, they had convinced themselves of their superiority over the Indian Army. They also felt that the support of the US would not let them be dismembered. These were miscalculations for sure. And no, because the chain of events after their general election and the mandate in favour of a political party from East Pakistan led to the military subjugation of Bangalis. The atrocities and ruthless savagery had created a wedge between the people from these two parts of Pakistan and would have led to an eventual change.
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Could you briefly elucidate how the Indian Army trained the Mukti Bahini and guerilla fighters?​

Guerrilla warfare in the beginning requires mandatory training in basic soldierly skills. This means the individual has to be physically strong and conditioned, learn and gain proficiency in basic tactical skills of operating with stealth and safely in small numbers, unarmed combat, etc and finally in the use of soldierly aids like personal weapons – rifle, pistol, automatics, grenades and bayonet fighting for an eventuality of hand to hand engagement. Thereafter, methods to communicate with communication equipment or through day and night field signals and fundamentals of camouflage and concealment are also imparted to guerrillas.

This training requires anything up to three months of basic structured training.

Along with this, the individual has to learn and operate in small teams and gain knowledge of the enemy’s tactics. Thereafter, specialized skills of setting up ambush, stalking the enemy, use of explosives and mines, medical first aid, basic medical support actions, etc are taught.

After basic training, to hone the newly trained guerrilla fighter, he is put through - what in army terms is called on-the-job training. This is for a minimum of three to four weeks. During this, he is employed with trained professionals in mock tactical operations and thereafter exposed to the real thing with trained and experienced soldiers. A small team in guerrilla operations can comprise from two to three persons to about six to eight members.

The Indian Army carried this out in small camps in proximity to the borders and also participated jointly in actual guerrilla operations with the Mukti Bahini as part of on-the-job training. Some selected Mukti Bahini members were also put through formal army weapon and tactical courses at the Indian Army’s training establishments. These then became team leaders and tenanted senior leadership roles in the guerrilla force.
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The US supported Pakistan and sent it arms. How would you describe Russia's support in the Liberation War?​

Indira Gandhi as prime minister of India has to be given credit for her vision and sagacity in setting the stage for the launch of military operations in Bangladesh to liberate the country from the shackles of the Pakistan Army. Towards this, one of the greatest contributors to giving us the moral courage to undertake this operation, in spite of threats and warnings conveyed by the US, was the conclusion and signing of an Indo-Soviet security treaty, signed in the middle of 1971 and being applicable for 20 years. With the provision to be renewed on mutual consent, which, of course, was done subsequently.

Also, as you are aware, the Pakistan Army created a second front for India by launching operations from West Pakistan. This was to force India to divert its combat resources and attention from East Pakistan and hence stop the capitulation of its forces in that sector. The second front did delay the operations in the eastern sector, the erstwhile East Pakistan, but with the assistance of Russia, the erstwhile Soviet Union, India got the time it needed to reach its aim of liberation of Bangladesh.

The UN Security Council had moved a proposal which indicted India for having undertaken the offensive which internationally had been justified due to the deluge of refugees and a proactive foreign policy campaign by the Indian state. However, the US insistence on an immediate cessation of hostilities would have left the aim of liberating Bangladesh incomplete. The Soviet Union insisted and delayed any such resolution by the UN Security Council and thus gave India the time to carry out its operations. It also needs to be acknowledged that it was the backing of the Soviet Union and its orders to move its own submarines/carrier group towards the Indian Ocean/Bay of Bengal, which countervailed the threat posed by the US Seventh Fleet, that was the sword of Damocles on India, to stop operations immediately. Russian veto came once again to the assistance of India to ensure that Bangladesh was liberated.
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Has General Headquarters Rawalpindi evolved and modernized the Pakistan Army in a great way? How would you comment on the Pakistan Army's budget, recent acquisition and worsening economy?​

A response to this question is indeed complex and would take a lot of time. However, a quick reply would be captured by the famous saying that in the case of the Pakistan Army/deep state, it has a country at its behest, and not that Pakistan has an army. This implies that the penetration of the Pakistan Armed Forces/GHQ is indeed complete in the institution of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Army with quasi-military governmental organizations controls most of the economic activity within the country. It also appoints military leaders for various civil/public enterprises and has de-facto control. Thus, there is no shortage of funds faced by the Pakistan Armed Forces for equipping and to meet the requirements of weapons and warlike stores. However, its engagement and involvement in activities other than military, eg financial/economic activities, trying to play games with the US and China, and trying to control the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, leads to a diversion of focus from military training and functioning.

The Pakistan Armed Forces would be appropriately equipped, but the current state of the economy is having an impact on their operational effectiveness. The Pakistan Army’s commitment to internal security, involvement in the political turmoil and machinations within the country, the senior military leadership’s engagement in matters other than military, and the problems on its western borders with the Taliban in Afghanistan are all likely to have a detrimental impact on its combat capability.

There is no doubt that Pakistan’s economy is in a tailspin. Its fundamentals are too weak and will continue to force it to live on the largesse of its friends – Saudi Arabia or China – and by seeking support from international agencies like the IMF and World Bank. In the long term, it will impact the capabilities of the Pakistan Army to look at a limited confrontation with India.
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Do you think Pakistan’s future leadership will apologize to Bangladesh for the 1971 massacre and genocide? ​

It is morally the right thing to do. But I do not think the current dispensation and the state of political and economic turmoil in Pakistan will see this happening in the near or mid-term. There is no doubt that the atrocities on Bangalis by Pakistan’s military and its establishment, in the events preceding the liberation of Bangladesh, from March 1971, were indeed shameful and warrant an apology by the Pakistan leadership.
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The Bangladesh Army is on its way to achieving Forces Goal 2030. What would you say about its strength and operational capability?​

As a senior military leader, I can say with confidence that the Bangladesh Army has matured and is capable of meeting the mandate that is set by its political leadership. I have had the pleasure of doing courses with some of the erstwhile senior military leaders of Bangladesh in India, and I can say with surety that they are professionally extremely competent and have the necessary balance required to meet their national vision and goals.
Military personnel from the Bangladesh Armed Forces in United Nations peacekeeping missions have performed with aplomb and have shown their mettle in tricky and complex situations.
​

How can defence cooperation be strengthened between the two neighbours? How can Bangladesh contribute more to regional security? ​

Defence engagement between the two neighbouring armed forces commenced sometime back with bilateral exercises for counter-terrorist and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) situations. There are regular exchange visits, and officers train at each other’s training establishments at the tactical and operational levels.

Formal forums have been established and are functioning. There is the India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, held between India’s defence secretary and the principal staff officer of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The fourth edition of the talks took place in the latter half of 2022. Also, the second edition of India-Bangladesh Tri-services Staff Talks (TSST) concluded last year. The latter is to give shape to engagements under a bilateral defence cooperation mechanism for all three services and further strengthen bilateral defence engagements. It is a forum to strengthen regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters and Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division.

Towards capability development, India has extended a $500 million line of credit for defence goods.

The India-Bangladesh security and border management got a fillip in 2015 with the ratification of the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement. In addition, there are other bilateral agreements addressing security cooperation, including the Coordinated Border Management Plan signed in 2011.

It would be a fair assessment that this golden era in bilateral relations has solidified military-to-military ties. This augurs well for the stability of the subcontinent.
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How do you look at the rise of Bangladesh? Could you please share with us the geo-political, geo-strategic and geo-economic interests of this riverine nation? ​

Bangladesh, due to its geography, will be an important player in the emerging geo-political and geo-strategic landscape. It is indeed heartening to see the economic and social development in the country, which augurs well for India and South Asia at large. There is no doubt that it will play a pivotal role in the emerging polycentric world order. A few quick points:

Bangladesh has ensured its financial and social security with a very innovative and indigenous approach. The current political regime has ensured that it balances its relations with both China and India with maturity and without antagonism. Its pre-eminent position in the Bay of Bengal is again being handled with great responsibility to ensure that the Indian Ocean does not become militarized. It is forward-looking and once again at the forefront of leading the fight against the onslaught of climate change. It will be at the frontline for tackling its negative impact in the coming decades. Therefore, plans towards mitigation and adaptation, which have been formulated in the Delta Plan 2100 and Mujib Plan 2030, are indeed laudatory and pathbreaking.

It is irrefutable that the growth and stability of the nations of South Asia are intrinsically linked to each other’s internal stability, social cohesion, and financial and economic well-being. Towards this, the development of Bangladesh and its warm relations with India have given the necessary impetus to regional groupings like Bimstec and BBIN. The extension of its port facilities to both the landlocked South Asian neighbours of Nepal and Bhutan and additional options to India increases the communication linkages towards Southeast Asia, which will facilitate greater integration with Southeast Asian economies.

I conclude on a heartening note that the positive state of India-Bangladesh relations is the right example to follow, where while meeting internal challenges there is a need to meet the external responsibilities with equanimity.​

 

[Saif]

I sense a dirty strategic game is being played by India to move Bangladesh away from her trusted strategic partner--China. The Bangladesh army must remember China's contribution to the development of our defense forces since the 70s. India vigorously supported Shanti Bahini in Chittagong Hill Tracts to dismember Bangladesh. The border killings of Bangladeshis by Indian security forces is an unfriendly act which they have been conducting since the 70s. Bangladesh alone cannot counter India. She needs China to do that. So, Bangladesh army needs to limit its cooperation with the Indian army to exchange of training and to conduct counter terrorism exercises. India is our biggest security threat and China is our strategic partner.

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A strategic calculation of Indian Army Chief’s Bangladesh visit​

Dr Arpita Hazarika is a Gauhati University, Assam, India-based researcher.
June 8, 2023



Defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has made significant progress in the last few years. It is depicted in the exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries, as well as the conduct of training programs, joint exercises, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). India has always cherished its close ties with Bangladesh and at the same time works to strengthen its ties while contributing to Bangladesh’s development agenda. Bangladesh is an important partner under India’s flagship ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Cooperation between the two countries is extensive in all areas including trade and commerce, power and energy, transport and connectivity, science and technology, defense and security, maritime affairs, climate change and sustainable development.

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Monday (June 05) embarked on a two-day visit to Bangladesh to hold talks with the top military brass of the neighbouring country to primarily explore ways to further expand bilateral defence and security ties. It is Gen Pande’s second visit to Bangladesh as Army chief. He visited the country in July last year on his first foreign visit after assuming charge of the top post.

”During the visit, the Army Chief will be meeting the senior military leadership of Bangladesh where he will discuss avenues for further enhancing Indo-Bangladesh defence relations,” the Army said.

Other engagements of the Army Chief include formal interactions with the Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed forces division. The Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff visited India in April this year and reviewed the passing out parade at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. ”Frequent visits by senior military leaders and bilateral cooperation events such as joint military exercises contribute to enhancing military-to-military relations between both nations,” the Army said.

However, the army chief’s visit, most importantly, comes at a time when the United States is taking one step after another regarding Bangladesh. The latest step is the new visa policy ahead of the elections.

India is the major country of the subcontinent and India’s role in influencing the dynamics of politics in the subcontinent is important. But the US has been taking one step after another in relation to Bangladesh excluding India and these steps have now become a cause of discomfort for India.

Rising US and Western pressure may drive Bangladesh government closer to China because its veto in the United Nations can block adverse resolutions seeking to haul up Bangladesh. Thus, India might help Bangladesh on strategic point. If Bangladesh goes the Pakistan and Sri Lanka way, what’d be left for India in its neighbourhood?

India has no option without supporting Hasina regime in the region for various reasons. In the case of security of Northwest India and ensuring Indian strategic and business interest in Bangladesh, India needs Bangladesh’s Hasina regime. On the other hand, the Bangladesh government has recently formally set out the ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’. Both parties can usher the ties and cooperation under this Indo-Pacific strategy. The visit is apparently part of the “outstanding” bilateral defense relationship between Bangladesh and India. The Chief of Army Staff’s visit could strengthen relations between the two armies at the bilateral level and act as a catalyst for improved coordination and cooperation between the two countries on various strategic issues.

The visit is apparently part of the “outstanding” bilateral defense relationship between Bangladesh and India. The Chief of Army Staff’s visit could strengthen relations between the two armies at the bilateral level and act as a catalyst for improved coordination and cooperation between the two countries on various strategic issues.

In South Asia, Bangladesh is an important ally of the India. The two nations work closely together on problems like climate change, counterterrorism, and regional security. This visit may serve to cement bilateral defense ties.

Defense cooperation between nations could strengthen bilateral ties. Both India and Bangladesh are essential to the region. Despite some bilateral issues, both countries are greatly interested in further solidifying their bilateral ties, which was made clear by this visit. This could assist in bolstering bilateral ties and reflecting better bilateral understanding. This visit is highly important for Bangladesh and India in the region. Bangladesh and the India must work together as reliable partners to address some shared issues. Through this visit, India and Bangladesh have further reinforced their defense ties.

Defense, security, and strategic connections between India and Bangladesh are expanding daily. Bangladesh is seen by India as an enduring strategic ally. In addition to giving 18 brand-new 120mm mortars to the Bangladesh Army in December 2020 as part of army-to-army cooperation, India has granted a $500 million line of credit to Bangladesh for defense procurement from India.

A 122-member group from Bangladesh’s tri-services also took part in the Republic Day parade in India in January 2021. From March 8–10, two Indian naval ships—INS Kulish and INS Sumedha—visited Bangladesh’s Mongla Port, making it the first naval visit India had made in the previous 50 years. Bangladesh is still India’s “closest neighbor,” and relations with it are at a “golden age.” India wants to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh just as the US wants to engage with it more strategically. Of sure, both nations would benefit from the situation.

In an effort to improve bilateral defense cooperation, Bangladesh’s new army chief Gen S M Shafiuddin Ahmed and India’s new army chief General Manoj Pande spoke via video chat earlier this month.

It is believed that the two army commanders also discuss how the geopolitical landscape was changing and how that would affect regional security.

In recent years, India and Bangladesh’s defense and security relations have improved. The 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation was in 2021. Both India and Bangladesh have highly trained, experienced military, and they work together to keep the Eastern region peaceful.

The Bangladeshi and Indian militaries are increasingly collaborating on defense. Through a variety of initiatives, such as joint training and drills and defense discussions, the two countries’ armed forces have been working together more and more.

Two defense agreements were signed between Bangladesh and India during Sheikh Hasina’s four-day trip to New Delhi in April 2017. These were the first such pacts inked by India and any of its neighbors. According to the accords, the troops of the two nations would engage in cooperative training and exercises.

In order to achieve self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing in Bangladesh, India will assist Bangladesh in setting up manufacturing and service facilities for the defense platforms that both nations currently possess.

Additionally, India will offer the Bangladesh military specialized training as well as technical and logistical support. India also gave a neighboring nation, Bangladesh, its first ever line of credit for defense-related purchases, in the amount of $500 million.

Additionally, the forces of the two nations have taken on a significant role in conducting training programs for dealing with counterterrorism challenges, natural catastrophes, and ensuring humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Defence and security are significant elements of India and Bangladesh’s bilateral relations, and the armed forces of the two nations cooperate and coordinate with one another on numerous levels.

On December 15, 2021, the defense issue came up during President Kovind’s meetings with Bangladesh’s top officials.

India has added an additional $500 million to its line of credit for defense products. Under this line of credit, a number of items have been identified and are being accelerated quickly; their processing is at a fair degree of sophistication. (In accordance with news reports)

India presented Bangladesh with a $500 million line of credit in 2019 to help the neighboring nation purchase defense equipment.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to finance Bangladesh’s acquisition of defense equipment. In April 2017, India promised to provide Bangladesh with a US$ 500 million Line of Credit during Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to New Delhi.

India and Bangladesh have been providing the most soldiers to United Nations peacekeeping missions in terms of bilateral military cooperation. The two Armies’ collaboration has grown in the field of counterterrorism.

India’s determination to combat terrorism in all its manifestations was echoed by Bangladesh’s resolute stance against terrorism. India is aware of Bangladesh’s efforts to prevent terrorist organizations from using space to conduct activities against India. In response, India should keep up its efforts to stop any terrorist group from using its territory to harm Bangladeshi interests.

As a result of the insurgency’s current low point in North-East India, Indian PM, Chief Minister of Assam has thanked Bangladesh for its assistance and emphasized his wish to improve trade and connection between Bangladesh and North-East India.

To strengthen the defense and security facets of their alliance, Bangladesh and India can cooperate in the field of defense. The two nations should be dedicated to further developing the defense and security component of their partnership based on the needs expressed and each party’s ability to respond to them using different methods, including through capacity building and potential technology transfer. India can assist Bangladesh in achieving the goal of implementation of Bangladesh’s visionary military plan “Forces Goal 2030.”​

 

[Saif]

An Indian boot licker is ready to buy military hardware from India. Bangladesh army should boycott all sorts of Indian military hardware to protect our sovereignty.

Bangladesh has and will continue to make defence purchases from India: Foreign minister

On FM Mahmud's talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Mahmud said a range of issues were discussed including Rohingya refugees, Teesta water, and security.

asianews.network

Bangladesh has and will continue to make defence purchases from India: Foreign minister

On FM Mahmud's talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Mahmud said a range of issues were discussed including Rohingya refugees, Teesta water, and security.

File photo of Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. PHOTO: THE DAILY STAR

DHAKA – Hailing the current "golden chapter" of Indo-Bangladesh ties, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today said Dhaka has and will continue to make defence purchases from New Delhi.

He, after delivering a speech at Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi, also said the defence and security cooperation between the two neighbouring countries is "on an upswing".

"I am not the Defence Minister so I am not entitled to talk on defence issues. I cannot comment on technical issues. But we do have defence purchases from India and we shall have defence purchases from India," said Mahmud while replying to an Indian journalist

He was asked whether Bangladesh is contemplating procuring from India indigenously-manufactured Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Dhruv choppers and other military hardware, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

India granted a 500 million USD soft loan to Bangladesh during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in 2017.

During his lecture on "Bangladesh-India Relations in the Last Decade", Hasan Mahmud said the two countries are now giving highest priority to three aspects — enhancing mutual trust and confidence, promoting connectivity, and ensuring all round economic cooperation.

"We are going through a golden chapter of our relationship. India-Bangladesh relationship is now a role model for the neighbourhood and democracy today," he said.

On the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, he said a case has already been filed at the International Court of Justice and Dhaka is in touch with New Delhi in this regard.

Mahmud said the current situation in Myanmar is an "obstacle" to sending back the refugees but he hoped the crisis will be over very soon and "we will be able to send them back. In this respect, we expect assistance and cooperation from the Indian side."

On his talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval yesterday, Mahmud said a range of issues were discussed including Rohingya refugees, Teesta water, and security.​

 

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশে যৌথ সমরাস্ত্র কারখানা করতে চায় ভারত

সামরিক সহযোগিতা ও সরঞ্জাম সহায়তার বাইরে বাংলাদেশের কারখানায় উৎপাদিত সামরিক সরঞ্জাম ও যুদ্ধাস্ত্র নিজেরা আমদানি করবে ভারত। এর মাধ্যমে সামরিক সহযোগিতার বাইরে দুই দেশের বাণিজ্যিক ভারসাম্যহীনতা কমাতে চায় দিল্লি।

www.newsbangla24.com

বাংলাদেশে যৌথ সমরাস্ত্র কারখানা করতে চায় ভারত
রহমান মাসুদরহমান মাসুদ, নয়া দিল্লি থেকে ৪ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২২

বাংলাদেশে-যৌথ-সমরাস্ত্র-কারখানা-করতে-চায়-ভারতবাংলাদেশের সঙ্গে যৌথভাবে ভূমি থেকে আকাশে নিক্ষেপের মতো ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র উৎপাদন করতে চায় ভারত। ছবি: সংগৃহীত

সামরিক সহযোগিতা ও সরঞ্জাম সহায়তার বাইরে বাংলাদেশের কারখানায় উৎপাদিত সামরিক সরঞ্জাম ও যুদ্ধাস্ত্র নিজেরা আমদানি করবে ভারত। এর মাধ্যমে সামরিক সহযোগিতার বাইরে দুই দেশের বাণিজ্যিক ভারসাম্যহীনতা কমাতে চায় দিল্লি।

বাংলাদেশে যৌথ উদ্যোগে সামরিক সরঞ্জাম তৈরির কারখানা করতে চায় ভারত। প্রধানমন্ত্রীর আসন্ন সফরেই বিষয়টি নিশ্চিত করতে চায় দিল্লি। একটি বিশেষ অর্থনৈতিক জোনে এ কারখানা করতে চায় দেশটি।

সামরিক সহযোগিতা ও সরঞ্জাম সহায়তার বাইরে বাংলাদেশের কারখানায় উৎপাদিত সামরিক সরঞ্জাম ও যুদ্ধাস্ত্র নিজেরা আমদানি করবে ভারত। এর মাধ্যমে সামরিক সহযোগিতার বাইরে দুই দেশের বাণিজ্যিক ভারসাম্যহীনতা কমাতে চায় দিল্লি।

যৌথ এই সহযোগিতা উদ্যোগে ভূমি থেকে আকাশে উৎক্ষেপণযোগ্য ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র, রাডার, মর্টার, হালকা যুদ্ধবিমান, হেলিকপ্টার, টর্পেডো এবং সাঁজোয়া যানের মতো সরঞ্জাম তৈরি করতে চায় ভারত।

দিল্লির সাউথ ব্লক ও একাধিক কূটনৈতিক চ্যানেল জানায়, বাংলাদেশের সঙ্গে চীনের ক্রমবর্ধমান সম্পৃক্ততাকে সামনে রেখে, প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনার আসন্ন নয়া দিল্লি সফরের সময় ভারত যৌথ প্রতিরক্ষা উৎপাদনে একটি কাঠামো চুক্তির জন্য জোর দিচ্ছে৷

চীন সম্প্রতি কক্সবাজারের পেকুয়ায় একটি অতি-আধুনিক সাবমেরিন ঘাঁটি, বিএনএস শেখ হাসিনা নির্মাণসহ বেশ কয়েকটি মূল প্রতিরক্ষা প্রকল্প ত্বরান্বিত করা শুরু করেছে। দিল্লি মনে করে, ভারতীয় উপমহাদেশে চীন তার প্রভাব সম্প্রসারণের জন্য বেইজিং ইতোমধ্যেই বাংলাদেশ নৌবাহিনীকে দুটি সাবমেরিন দিয়েছে।

ভারতের প্রবীণ সাংবাদিক ও অল ইন্ডিয়া প্রেস ক্লাবের সাবেক সাধারণ সম্পাদক গৌতম লাহিড়ী জানান, কিছুদিন আগে, ভারতের প্রতিরক্ষা সচিব অজয় কুমার এবং বাংলাদেশের সশস্ত্র বাহিনী বিভাগের প্রিন্সিপাল স্টাফ অফিসার লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেলের নেতৃত্বে চতুর্থ ভারত-বাংলাদেশ বার্ষিক প্রতিরক্ষা সংলাপের সময় একটি আপগ্রেডেড দ্বিপক্ষীয় প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তির গ্রাউন্ড ওয়ার্ক চূড়ান্ত করা হয়েছিল।

১১ আগস্ট নয়াদিল্লিতে লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেল ওয়াকার-উজ-জামানের সঙ্গে করা বৈঠকে যৌথ প্রতিরক্ষা উৎপাদনের প্রস্তাব নিয়ে আলোচনা হয়। এ সময় বলা হয়, এটি প্রথমবারের মতো প্রতিরক্ষা হার্ডওয়্যার এবং সরঞ্জাম উত্পাদনে ভারত ও বাংলাদেশ হাত মেলাতে পারে।

সম্প্রতি ভারতীয় প্রতিরক্ষা মন্ত্রণালয়ের এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে বলা হয়, ভারতীয় প্রতিরক্ষা শিল্পের ক্ষেত্রে উভয় দেশেরই প্রতিরক্ষা বাণিজ্যসহ-উন্নয়ন এবং যৌথ উৎপাদন সহযোগিতার প্রচুর সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে।

 

[Samad11]

Let me urge the Bangladesh Government to take note of raIndia's plan to jeopardize Bangladesh-China defense relation for its own strategic benefit and to make sincere effort to further cementing the defense relation with China.

Too late! The entire nation, top to bottom, has been compromised. Not only national security & defense, but even education, intelligence agencies, police, paramilitary, even public thought & discourse in the country is permanently broken. Until, and unless, we BD's finally decides to risk our lives to remove this <foul language removed> entity from the country's soil (just like another group a few generation ago did back in '71, or their forefathers did back in '47), we're occupied!

The defense relation between Bangladesh and raIndia should be strictly limited to exchange of training and yearly military exercise to combat terrorism.

No exchange! No training! No joint military exercises (anti-terrorism or otherwise)!

No defense relations with any entity, that threatens our independence (shadhinota), sovereignty (sharbovoumotto), poses grievous security threat (deliberately destabilize) or threaten the very existence of our nation and people (and our identity).

[h3]

Many in Bangladesh Oppose Proposed Defense Pact With raIndia​

[/h3]

April 06, 2017 9:00 PM​

• By Maaz Hussain​

[h1]Abrar Fahad[/h1] already became 'shohid' in opposing this and various other <foul language removed> pacts. In the future his name will be added to who knows how many more Muktijoddha shohids names for freeing this country from rend i an razakars, again.

[h3]

PM for strengthening Bangladesh-India military cooperation​

[/h3]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for boosting cooperation between the military forces of friendly countries of Bangladesh and India​

LOL! What a <foul language removed> (never stops nagging day & night).

 

[Samad11]

Bangladesh's General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed with raeIndia's Army Chief General Mangoj Pauntkede. Photo Credit: High Commission of India in Bangladesh

[h3]

India-Bangladesh Defense Diplomacy – OpEd​

[/h3]

The horse of Pilkhana (Feb 25, 2009) that keeps on giving! We went from Bir Srestho Shohid Capt. Mohiuddin Jahangir, Shohid Sipahi Hamidur Rahman & Shohidd Sipahi Muhammad Mustafa Kamal to a bunch of <foul language removed> running for green piece of plastic card from some other countries or trying to become a bunch of neo-East <foul language removed> Company paid mercenaries.

Members of my family who died long ago must be stirring in their graves at the situation of this country (a country they gave their lives to help free half a century ago) and it's people.

reIndia has passed a law prohibiting purchase of military equipment from neighboring countries. On the other hand, the same reIndia is pressing her neighbors to buy military hardware from them. The real intention of India is making all its neighbors dependent on her so that they cannot challenge India militarily. India wants to neuter all her neighbors.

No, if road sitting <foul language removed> could, they would wipe out every single country in South Asia. Don't expect a <foul language removed> to be human.

India Stole Bangladesh Commando Training Docs

And this is new? More than 16 years, nothing left of this country.

 

[Samad11]

I pray to God that Hagsina comes to hejrar senses and stop future cooperation with India in the defense sector because it will kill our armed forces. India's sudden love for Bangladesh army is aimed at limiting defense cooperation between Bangladesh and China. India's defense products are of low quality so should be rejected by Bangladesh army.

India eyes Bangladesh askey market for military hardware

The two nations are also exploring the prospect of an Indian role in maintaining Russian origin equipment, especially aircraft such as the Mi-17-1V helicopter, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and MiG-29 jets. India also operates these aircraft and has facilities for their maintenance.

www.hindustantimes.com

[h3]India eyes Bangladesh as key market for military hardware[/h3]

ByRezaul H Laskar and Rahul Singh, New Delhi
Jan 04, 2023 12:00 AM IST
​

[h3]The two nations are also exploring the prospect of an Indian role in maintaining Russian origin equipment, especially aircraft such as the Mi-17-1V helicopter, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft and MiG-29 jets. India also operates these aircraft and has facilities for their maintenance.[/h3]

Yes, already done back in 2009, it's called Pilkhana.

If you think this is bad, wait until you find out how many billions of contracts & stuffing their road faeces got shoved into Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (operator of Rooppur NPP) has been completely infiltrated and compromised (trainees were flown to road humfper land). If some sabotage occurs, it'll thoroughly irradiate the breadbasket of the country, not to mention the most populated region (and the most densely populated city is only separated from this region by a river!).

[h3]

Bangladesh, reanIndia army chiefs discuss strategic partnership​

[/h3]

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka | Published: 23:20, Apr 27,2023​

What have I been saying this entire post?

 

[Deleted due to Error (Muji Iqbal)]

Why should Bangladesh buy Indian crap. Bangladesh can buy better equipment from China.

 

[Saif]

Why should Bangladesh buy Indian crap. Bangladesh can buy better equipment from China.

No one in the Bangladesh army wants to buy Indian military products. It's the pro-India Govt. in Bangladesh that is forcing our armed forces to buy some Indian military stuffs to appease its Indian masters. So far the Bangladesh army has agreed to buy some mine protected vehicles from India.

 

[Lulldapull]

As an outside observer the only thing this India can provide Bangladesh are copy cat Israeli Bharrak Sam systems or artillery/ MBRL's/ ATGMs. There ain't nothing else worthwhile guys. Brahmos (copycat Yakhont, but most valuable) they won't give yous. Warplanes/ Tanks/ Warships/ Choppas/ APC's are all practically obsolete......And India about two generations behind da Irani's in modern tech like drones, ballistic/ cruise missiles/ ELINT warfare/ Jamming/ Cyber warfare. I don't know what else they can offer. Just being honest here......

 

[Saif]

As an outside observer the only thing this India can provide Bangladesh are copy cat Israeli Bharrak Sam systems or artillery/ MBRL's/ ATGMs. There ain't nothing else worthwhile guys. Brahmos (copycat Yakhont, but most valuable) they won't give yous. Warplanes/ Tanks/ Warships/ Choppas/ APC's are all practically obsolete......And India about two generations behind da Irani's in modern tech like drones, ballistic/ cruise missiles/ ELINT warfare/ Jamming/ Cyber warfare. I don't know what else they can offer. Just being honest here......

They don't want to sell Barak SAM system rather they offered their crappy Akash SAM system. MBRLs and ATGMs are not in the list. Their main goal is to move Bangladesh army away from China by selling some crappy military hardware. I hope there are enough smart Generals in Bangladesh army who see the evil design of India.

 

[Saif]

11 bulletproof TATA military vehicles have been imported from India for Bangladesh army.

 

[Bilal9]

11 bulletproof TATA military vehicles have been imported from India for Bangladesh army.

When Tata is such a humongous military supplier in India, why do we allow Tata trucks and buses in our country ??

By purchasing their equipment and bankrolling Tata as a manufacturer, we are strengthening military tech in India and angering the Chinese. Even in a humanitarian sense - this is wrong to support a mfr. that is a big arms supplier and in principle a supplier to a govt. which does not have its best intentions (politically) for Bangladesh.

Of course this has no connection with people-to-people exchanges like tourism or cultural stuff.

 

[Saif]

When Tata is such a humongous military supplier in India, why do we allow Tata trucks and buses in our country ??

By purchasing their equipment and bankrolling Tata as a manufacturer, we are strengthening military tech in India and angering the Chinese. Even in a humanitarian sense - this is wrong to support a mfr. that is a big arms supplier and in principle a supplier to a govt. which does not have its best intentions (politically) for Bangladesh.

Of course this has no connection with people-to-people exchanges like tourism or cultural stuff.

The bullet proof military vehicles have been procured for the army to fulfill Sheikh Hasina's wish to develop military to military relationship between Bangladesh and India. This lady is up to destroy our military by making it dependent on India. She is basically fulfilling her father's wish of not building a powerful army for Bangladesh.

 

[Lulldapull]

Oh bhai if you guys are smart then you should get all the AI controlled tech from irani’s for drones and missiles, and kiss everyone good bye! Just start replicating that shahid drone for example…..the body is like $100 bucks fiber glass…..totally radio transparent and the engine is riksha engine for $500 from Ali express. Then there is that GPS brick and a circuit board. Other than cabling and a bit of wiring. It flies 2000 Kms bhai, all on its own. Just punch in the target coordinates.

If 10 get shot down, the next 5 generally make it thru and destroy da target.

Push button bro! No need for conventional army anymore.

It’s just a bold new world.

Muslims are not stupid people. We just need proppa leadership.

 

[Azad Kashmir]

india is like predator that preys on young innocent naive women by offering them cheap glitter jewellery then he breaks her virginity or rapes and then keeps her under his foot like a se x slave. Dont be surprised if photos or videos emerge of modi and hasina in bed in her house. years later gandhi was exposed as dirty old man. this is why i wish all our so call muslim leaders die from horrible death for holding us back from progress.

 

[Lulldapull]

india is like predator that preys on young innocent naive women by offering them cheap glitter jewellery then he breaks her virginity or rapes and then keeps her under his foot like a se x slave. Dont be surprised if photos or videos emerge of modi and hasina in bed in her house. years later gandhi was exposed as dirty old man. this is why i wish all our so call muslim leaders die from horrible death for holding us back from progress.

We’ve long been infiltrated bro you know it…..Irani turani think theys all that, I give them the benefit for trying hard and somewhat successful in achieving their objectives…..but remember bud, theys a small population in a country bigger than we and turkey put together in area……there is no way in hell Irani can win against da west because they don’t got da manpower to defend their big ass country…….araaam say israhelli/ US spec ops getting in n out. All covert bro…..…. Raisi sahb got taken out bhai…..inside their country.

They just think they’re safe….

This whole Abraham accords is the perfect ruse to infiltrate Iran from Dubai and Qatar and Oman and other GCC outlets…..

Colored yahuday getting in without anyone knowing….infiltration goin on like sweet aass bro…..

 

[Saif]

An ex-Indian army's Major talks about the visit of Indian navy chief in Bangladesh and other military matters. Please watch the video until the end.

 

[Azad Kashmir]

We’ve long been infiltrated bro you know it…..Irani turani think theys all that, I give them the benefit for trying hard and somewhat successful in achieving their objectives…..but remember bud, theys a small population in a country bigger than we and turkey put together in area……there is no way in hell Irani can win against da west because they don’t got da manpower to defend their big ass country…….araaam say israhelli/ US spec ops getting in n out. All covert bro…..…. Raisi sahb got taken out bhai…..inside their country.

They just think they’re safe….

This whole Abraham accords is the perfect ruse to infiltrate Iran from Dubai and Qatar and Oman and other GCC outlets…..

Colored yahuday getting in without anyone knowing….infiltration goin on like sweet aass bro…..

irani supa powa is infiltrated you got fake muslim but are jewish. plus i read somwere that these ayatollahs are worth billions while preaching piety to the people. plenty of poor iranis that are just about surviving while regime busy talking bout destroying israel and how to wear hijab on head. if they were true resistance then drop the dollar and switch to gold and silver add honey as food that can be stored for thousand yrs so therefore worth its weight in gold trade it for oil. plus do barter trade for countries that are cash strapped. you give me 100 tons of steel i give 1000 barrells of oil.

 

[Lulldapull]

irani supa powa is infiltrated you got fake muslim but are jewish. plus i read somwere that these ayatollahs are worth billions while preaching piety to the people. plenty of poor iranis that are just about surviving while regime busy talking bout destroying israel and how to wear hijab on head. if they were true resistance then drop the dollar and switch to gold and silver add honey as food that can be stored for thousand yrs so therefore worth its weight in gold trade it for oil. plus do barter trade for countries that are cash strapped. you give me 100 tons of steel i give 1000 barrells of oil.

Iran's in the cross hairs for sure. We're infested with CIA termites and now even RAW termites.......hollowing us out from inside. Bangladesh has Indian agents firmly in place in all the important ministries.

 

[Azad Kashmir]

Iran's in the cross hairs for sure. We're infested with CIA termites and now even RAW termites.......hollowing us out from inside. Bangladesh has Indian agents firmly in place in all the important ministries.

Their is only one country in the neighborhood that is organized and hardcore that is china, when war starts in south asia then china will expose raw agents in the neighborhood. munira is busy getting pist out of his head and trying run pakistan like he is lord of British empire truth is i bet he cant control his wife never mind pakistan.

 

[Samad11]

LOL! What a <foul language removed> (never stops nagging day & night).

@Bilal9 @LeonBlack08 & other admins/mods

'nagger', is a common English word, nothing foul about it:

[h2]nagger[/h2]
[h3]noun[/h3]

1. Someone (especially a woman) who constantly finds fault.
   Similar: scold scolder nag
2. One who nags.
3. Someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault.

Definition of NAGGER

to irritate by constant scolding or urging; badger, worry; to find fault incessantly : complain… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[Bilal9]

@Bilal9 @LeonBlack08 & other admins/mods

'nagger', is a common English word, nothing foul about it:

[h2]nagger[/h2][h3]noun[/h3]

1. Someone (especially a woman) who constantly finds fault.
   Similar: scold scolder nag
2. One who nags.
3. Someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault.

Definition of NAGGER

to irritate by constant scolding or urging; badger, worry; to find fault incessantly : complain… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

It sounds too close to that word being changed from 'a' to 'i'.

Why even call people names - any names? You are trying to justify what?

Someone reading this will immediately lose credibility in you as a serious poster - your reputation depends on it.

I know it feels good unloading expletives at someone (even those who deserve it), but there are forum rules against it.

Think three times bhai - then use the keyboard to hit "post reply". Go have a glass of cold water and think hard before hitting that button.

 

[Bilal9]

Their is only one country in the neighborhood that is organized and hardcore that is china, when war starts in south asia then china will expose raw agents in the neighborhood. munira is busy getting pist out of his head and trying run pakistan like he is lord of British empire truth is i bet he cant control his wife never mind pakistan.

Bhai let's not use name-calling. Brings down the value of the forum and is against forum rules. Post edited.

 

[Samad11]

It sounds too close to that word being changed from 'a' to 'i'.

Why even call people names - any names? You are trying to justify what?

Someone reading this will immediately lose credibility in you as a serious poster - your reputation depends on it.

I know it feels good unloading expletives at someone (even those who deserve it), but there are forum rules against it.

Think three times bhai - then use the keyboard to hit "post reply". Go have a glass of cold water and think hard before hitting that button.

Look, this is your interpretation; I never intended this to mean what you're implying. I used this word to simply mean someone who 'nags'. If you think hegsina is not a 'nagger', then please let me know, I can post many articles & videos as proof of just how much of a nagger she really is; she literally nags day and night.

Someone reading this will immediately lose credibility in you as a serious poster - your reputation depends on it.

Personally, not interested in either! All I care about is getting a single point across, BD needs Muktijoddhas to free the country just like in 1905-1947, 1971 & specially 1975 (style). But unlike back in '75, this time country needs thorough cleaning like it was done back in '47 & '71. Country's leadership back in '75 kept the cleansing process from going beyond the immediate family members, they didn't even allow extended family or distant relatives to be held accountable. BUT NOT THIS TIME!

I know it feels good unloading expletives at someone (even those who deserve it), but there are forum rules against it.

No it doesn't feel good to watch innocent people in this country being kidnapped, tortured, raped & murdered (like Abrar Fahad and many, many others just like him).

It doesn't feel good to watch the livelihood & future of my (current youth) generation and of the next being looted to the tune of 450-500 billion (that's in US Dollars not Taka)! Every financial institution (banks, share markets & others) being infiltrated and decimated by rentdian razakars.

It doesn't feel good to watch every institution (govt. departments, universities/colleges/hs, heck now they're even starting to infiltrate middle/primary schools) in the country being infiltrated & decimated by rentdian razakars. Even the judiciary, adhashamorik (paramilitary, unhindered killings of BD's on the border) & shamorik (armed forces) have not been spared.

But it will feel very good to 'unload' when the unarmed protesters (currently being mass murdered on the streets by some rentdian funded/trained/armed terrorists, some of whom have even infiltrated various uniformed service branches, police being the primary one) finally get armed and turn into 'Muktijoddhas'. When this I will be one of the prothom sharir (first in line) volunteers! (Just like my ancestors were in '71, '65 & even earlier, back during 1905-1947. Funny enough, a lot those family members were HS/College/Uni. students, only some were uniformed service members or political leaders, while the rest came from other walks of life).

 

[Samad11]

Bangladesh has Indian agents firmly in place in all the important ministries.

That nag are (fake) sheikh hagsina also did the same thing back in 1996-2001. rentdian razakar prostitute allowed road sitters to setup fake 'visa offices' in all 64 districts of the country. In reality these fake 'visa offices' were just a front for RAW intelligence collection & operations headquarters!

The next elected govt., that came to power in 2001, promptly dismantled every single one of them. This nag are hagsina black rear end renter, even hired dozens of rentdian road sitters and appointed them to various top levels NSI & other intelligence agencies. After these road sitters were removed from their positions & fired by the next elected govt., they had to gall to file cases with the High/Supreme court saying govt. shouldn't be allowed to fire them. LOL!

india is like predator that preys on young innocent naive women by offering them cheap glitter jewellery then he breaks her virginity or rapes and then keeps her under his foot like a se x slave. Dont be surprised if photos or videos emerge of modi and hasina in bed in her house. years later gandhi was exposed as dirty old man. this is why i wish all our so call muslim leaders die from horrible death for holding us back from progress.

That nag are (fake) sheikh hagsina, also rented her black rear end to PA troops/officers back in '71. She was impregnated by them & gave birth to their bastart too. She even named that hijra bastart 'JOY' to celebrate her happiness at having PA officers/soldiers illegitimate scion!

Since the killing of Zia, she was riding HM Ershads electoral polles day & night, like the black rear end renting nag are that she really is. She especially loves men in Khaki (since it reminds her of her orgiesnizer with PA units every night from back in '71).

After Ershad was overthrown, she rode the electoral polles of Jamatis. She loves sucking beardies/mullahs as much as men in Khaki. It's a known fact! If she wasn't a fugly old hag, she'd be having beardies/mullahs hijra bastarts too.

 

[Samad11]

Why should Bangladesh buy Indian crap. Bangladesh can buy better equipment from China.

Because a black rear end renting prostitute was forcefully installed by the US/Europeans after a military coup and then a rigged election to cater the road sitting hwo no-mans chicken-neck problem. So that they can help US/EU contain the Chinese & confront them militarily.

 

[Lulldapull]

That nag are (fake) sheikh hagsina also did the same thing back in 1996-2001. rentdian razakar prostitute allowed road sitters to setup fake 'visa offices' in all 64 districts of the country. In reality these fake 'visa offices' were just a front for RAW intelligence collection & operations headquarters!

The next elected govt., that came to power in 2001, promptly dismantled every single one of them. This nag are hagsina black rear end renter, even hired dozens of rentdian road sitters and appointed them to various top levels NSI & other intelligence agencies. After these road sitters were removed from their positions & fired by the next elected govt., they had to gall to file cases with the High/Supreme court saying govt. shouldn't be allowed to fire them. LOL!


That nag are (fake) sheikh hagsina, also rented her black rear end to PA troops/officers back in '71. She was impregnated by them & gave birth to their bastart too. She even named that hijra bastart 'JOY' to celebrate her happiness at having PA officers/soldiers illegitimate scion!

Since the killing of Zia, she was riding HM Ershads electoral polles day & night, like the black rear end renting nag are that she really is. She especially loves men in Khaki (since it reminds her of her orgiesnizer with PA units every night from back in '71).

After Ershad was overthrown, she rode the electoral polles of Jamatis. She loves sucking beardies/mullahs as much as men in Khaki. It's a known fact! If she wasn't a fugly old hag, she'd be having beardies/mullahs hijra bastarts too.

Oh bhai......all muslim countries in this same situ. Only Iran has broken free from this drama of neo-colonial rule, but it has had hell to pay for. The Zionists got Iran surrounded. Lets see how long Iran fights back.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Declines India’s Invitation for Joint Military Exercise Tarang Shakti

 

[Saif]

‘ক্ষমতায় থাকতে ভারতের সহযোগিতায় সেনাবাহিনীকে ধ্বংস করতে চেয়েছিল শেখ হাসিনা’​

 

[Saif]

Why India Deliberately kept Weakened Bangladesh’s Military

 

[Saif]

India's secret hand in undermining Bangladesh's military under Hasina's rule

 

[Lulldapull]

What my Bangladesh friends have told me here from the masjid is that India had enslaved Bangladesh until now.

It’s all over now folks.

No more slavery of India.

 

[Saif]

What my Bangladesh friends have told me here from the masjid is that India had enslaved Bangladesh until now.

It’s all over now folks.

No more slavery of India.

India is still harassing Bangladesh by creating trouble in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

 

[Saif]

Indian armed forces are lagging behind China by 20 years still Sheikh Hasina banked on India for the military modernization in Bangladesh. Both Sheikh Hasina and India's intention was to make Bangladesh armed forces dependent on India so that it can never challenge the Indian armed forces.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Why should Bangladesh buy Indian crap. Bangladesh can buy better equipment from China.

In thinking in same line, BD decided to buy railway engine from Korea than India. When engine arrived, it did not start. On the other hand, old engines gifted by India to BD were running for decades without any issue.