The following video talks about military capability of Bangladesh. The video is in English.
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Army chief urges soldiers to be ready to face any challenge
Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed emphasizes the importance of readiness and modern training in facing 21st-century challenges. Read more about his call to the members of Bangladesh Army to be prepared for any obstacle that may arise.
en.prothomalo.com
Army chief urges soldiers to be ready to face any challenge
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed on Monday urged the members of Bangladesh Army to be prepared for all times to face the challenges of 21st century obtaining epoch making modern training.
"We had infused our lives in the great Liberation War, when it was necessary for the country and its people and if needed we will do it again," he said.
The army chief was addressing at the 6th Core Reunion and the 42nd Annual Commander Conference-2023 of the Army Service Core at the ASC Center and School at Zahanabad Cantonment in Khulna as the chief guest, said an ISPR press release.
He also remembered the important role and contribution of the Bangladesh army during the Great Liberation War.
General Ahmed paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Freedom Fighters including Army men during Liberation War at the beginning of his speech.
Remembering the glorious heritage of ASC core of the Army and their active contribution in the infrastructural development of the country as well as service to the motherland when it was necessary, the Army top boss asked to enhance their total skills during their duty in and outside the country.
Stimulation has been created among the Army persons in presence of its Chief and conviction has been reiterated among each of the members (Core) for serving the motherland in future, the ISPR press Release added.
Besides, the Army Chief unveiled the foundation stone of the 50-Bed Combined Military Hospital at the Zahanabad Cantonment.
The army chief later paid homage at the monument 'Sangsaptok', at Zahanabad, built in Memory of the martyred and visited different military establishments.
Army high officials and media personnel, among others, were present at the event.
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The following article has been extracted from the official army webpage. It's a good overview of Bangladesh army.
www.army.mil.bd
About Bangladesh Army
General
Bangladesh Army emerged during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The mission of Bangladesh Army is to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bangladesh. In addition to its primary mission, the Bangladesh Army is also assisting the civilian government during times of national emergency.
Role of Bangladesh Army
Bangladesh Army intends to build a well trained and well-equipped deterrent land force to meet the traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges of 21st century. However, the roles of Bangladesh Army are:
· To defend sovereignty and territorial integrity.
· To plan and develop the mobilization of civil resources in support of land operations.
· To aid the civil administrations in maintenance of internal security and law and order situation, when assigned.
· To assist the civil administration in managing the disasters and natural calamities, when requested.
· To take part in nation development activities as and when asked for.
· To support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
· To take part in coalition operations with other nations if authorized by the parliament.
Achievement and Contribution
Achievement and contribution of Bangladesh Army has to be traced back through 5 broad categories of operational engagements. These are Internal Security Operations, Counter Insurgency Operations (CIO) in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), infrastructure and nation building activities, role in disaster management and UN peacekeeping operations.
Nation Building Activities and In Aid of Civil Power
Bangladesh Army has made commendable contributions in number of nation building activities assigned by government and could earn trust and confidence of common mass. It includes preparation of voter list with picture and National ID cards, Machine Readable Passport, construction of roads, flyover, underpass etc. So far, Bangladesh Army carried out good number of internal security operations in aid to the civil administration to bring back normalcy in life. Besides, in the wake of any disaster like flood, cyclone, earth-quake, building collapse and accidental fire incidents etc, Bangladesh Army provides the quickest support to the affected people.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Conflict
At the outbreak of the insurgency in CHT, the Government of Bangladesh deployed the army to fight CIO. In the process of fighting, many officers and men sacrificed their valuable lives for their utmost dedication and patriotism which led to exemplary counter insurgency conflict termination in South Asia. Due to remarkable contribution of Bangladesh Army in the field of maintenance of security and socio-economic development of CHT, long conflict of more than two decade ended with the signing of CHT Peace Accord in 1997 between the government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS). At present army is performing the role of post-CIO in order to support government machinery to perform its normal activities.
Contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations
The Bangladesh is actively involved in a United Nations Peace Support Operations under Blue Helmets since 1988. By this time Bangladesh Army has completed 50 missions in 40 countries. At present 7,085 peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army are deployed in 10 Missions of 10 different countries. Besides establishing world peace, our peacekeepers are earning huge amount of foreign remittance that contributes towards maintaining and increasing the growth rate of our National economy. In search of world peace, our peacekeepers dive deep in fathomless darkness; and they sacrifice their valuable lives. Till now 124 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have embraced martyrdom and many of our peacekeepers were injured.
Conclusion
Bangladesh Army has come a long way since its transformation from a non-descript entity to a credible defence forces in this sub-continent. As an institution, the Army today is self-confident and self-contained, with tremendous potentials to sustain growth, expansion and modernization. Army as deterrent land force is capable to meet the traditional and non-traditional security threats of 21st century in order to maintain territorial integrity of Bangladesh.
About Bangladesh Army - Bangladesh Army
HeadQuater of Bangladesh Army, All about Bangladesh Army
About Bangladesh Army
General
Bangladesh Army emerged during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The mission of Bangladesh Army is to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bangladesh. In addition to its primary mission, the Bangladesh Army is also assisting the civilian government during times of national emergency.
Role of Bangladesh Army
Bangladesh Army intends to build a well trained and well-equipped deterrent land force to meet the traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges of 21st century. However, the roles of Bangladesh Army are:
· To defend sovereignty and territorial integrity.
· To plan and develop the mobilization of civil resources in support of land operations.
· To aid the civil administrations in maintenance of internal security and law and order situation, when assigned.
· To assist the civil administration in managing the disasters and natural calamities, when requested.
· To take part in nation development activities as and when asked for.
· To support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
· To take part in coalition operations with other nations if authorized by the parliament.
Achievement and Contribution
Achievement and contribution of Bangladesh Army has to be traced back through 5 broad categories of operational engagements. These are Internal Security Operations, Counter Insurgency Operations (CIO) in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), infrastructure and nation building activities, role in disaster management and UN peacekeeping operations.
Nation Building Activities and In Aid of Civil Power
Bangladesh Army has made commendable contributions in number of nation building activities assigned by government and could earn trust and confidence of common mass. It includes preparation of voter list with picture and National ID cards, Machine Readable Passport, construction of roads, flyover, underpass etc. So far, Bangladesh Army carried out good number of internal security operations in aid to the civil administration to bring back normalcy in life. Besides, in the wake of any disaster like flood, cyclone, earth-quake, building collapse and accidental fire incidents etc, Bangladesh Army provides the quickest support to the affected people.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Conflict
At the outbreak of the insurgency in CHT, the Government of Bangladesh deployed the army to fight CIO. In the process of fighting, many officers and men sacrificed their valuable lives for their utmost dedication and patriotism which led to exemplary counter insurgency conflict termination in South Asia. Due to remarkable contribution of Bangladesh Army in the field of maintenance of security and socio-economic development of CHT, long conflict of more than two decade ended with the signing of CHT Peace Accord in 1997 between the government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS). At present army is performing the role of post-CIO in order to support government machinery to perform its normal activities.
Contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations
The Bangladesh is actively involved in a United Nations Peace Support Operations under Blue Helmets since 1988. By this time Bangladesh Army has completed 50 missions in 40 countries. At present 7,085 peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army are deployed in 10 Missions of 10 different countries. Besides establishing world peace, our peacekeepers are earning huge amount of foreign remittance that contributes towards maintaining and increasing the growth rate of our National economy. In search of world peace, our peacekeepers dive deep in fathomless darkness; and they sacrifice their valuable lives. Till now 124 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have embraced martyrdom and many of our peacekeepers were injured.
Conclusion
Bangladesh Army has come a long way since its transformation from a non-descript entity to a credible defence forces in this sub-continent. As an institution, the Army today is self-confident and self-contained, with tremendous potentials to sustain growth, expansion and modernization. Army as deterrent land force is capable to meet the traditional and non-traditional security threats of 21st century in order to maintain territorial integrity of Bangladesh.
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Global Firepower Ranking 2023: Implications for Bangladesh
For a country to showcase its national strength, military capability and coercive endurance, power becomes an important denominator in international politics.
Global Firepower Ranking 2023: Implications for Bangladesh
For a country to showcase its national strength, military capability and coercive endurance, power becomes an important denominator in international politics. Despite the renewed focus on ideational power exercised by countries be it in international forums, ideology and diplomacy, military power remains the core tool of any country to advance its security image in international relations. Global Firepower (GFP) is an internationally recognised ranking system to understand the military rankings, status and development of countries. In its recent issue, the Global Firepower 2023 ranks Bangladesh as the first paramilitary power and 12th "Powers on the Rise" in the world, a milestone achievement for a South Asian country only after India and Pakistan.
However, what constitutes power itself, remains a contested definitional pursuit among scholars, academicians and practitioners in international relations. Joseph Nye, an influential scholar on American foreign policy, stated that power is not only about commanding others to do something rather it is also about persuading others to get what one wants. This suggests power can be both soft power or hard power, where soft power includes economic pursuit or diplomacy and hard power includes military strength, defence and warfare equipment. Such soft/hard-power distinction may not always be a useful analytical tool to understand a country's influence in global politics, but certainly understanding a country's military capabilities in numbers can provide a brief overview of a country's position in the global armament landscape.
Global Firepower (GFP) Index illustrates a country's conventional fighting capability measured by eight categorical groups such as financials, geography, manpower, airpower, land forces, naval forces, natural resources, and logistics. Under these categorical groups, the index uses over 60 factors to calculate the comparative military strength of each country – standardised by the perfect Power Index (PwrIndx) value of 0.0000. Currently, Global Firepower (GFP) comprises 145 nations in its list with an expanding range each year.
The USA, Russia and China top the first three positions of the 2023 GFP list with PwrIndx of 0.0712, 0.0714 and 0.0722, respectively. Comparatively, the USA excels in airpower, logistics and geography, whereas Russia excels in manpower, land power, naval power, natural resources and financials. Similarly, China excels in manpower, naval power, land power and financials over the USA. For South Asia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh tops the list with PwrIndx of 0.1025, 0.1694 and 0.5871 respectively. The ranks of India (4th), Pakistan (7th) and Bangladesh (40th) describe the stark power imbalance in the region.
In comparison, India and Pakistan both hold a stronger advantage over Bangladesh in almost all categories. However, one interesting finding is that Bangladesh, given its relatively small square land (143,998 km), shared border (4413 km), coastline (580 km) and waterways (8370 km), still holds the upper hand over India in its geographical position. The reason for this is that Bangladesh has significant shared borders and a critical coastline on the Bay of Bengal with strategic maritime advantage.
One of the main strengths of Bangladesh is its population counting over 165 million. This fact can be acutely observed in the manpower category of Bangladesh, where in all of the indicators (available manpower, paramilitary, fit-for-service, reaching military age annually, total military personnel, active personnel and air force/army/navy personnel) the country tops among the first 32. The country currently hosts the world's largest paramilitary force combining 6,800,000 personnel, making it first in the GFP list. Also, the country has one of the largest active military forces in the world with around 7 million personnel. This might be one of the finest examples of a country's security landscape bound with territorial limitation, that a heavy population can act as an asset if mobilised effectively.
Bangladesh's military modernisation has been facilitated by the increased defence expenditure of the government. Starting in 2009, Bangladesh Armed Forces has focused on modernising its core forces including the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Forces often known as Force Goal 2030. The programme facilitated numerous upgradation programmes of tanks, tank missiles, light armoured vehicles, radar and aviation equipment, etc. Under this modernisation programme, Bangladesh currently stands 40th globally in terms of defence spending, amounting to USD 3.8 billion. In South Asia, the defence expenditure of Bangladesh ranks third only after India and Pakistan, which suggests in terms of strategic political calculation, the country is not limited only to soft power diplomacy.
However, the military landscape also suggests that Bangladesh is aptly equipped for conventional military warfare. On the contrary, the present global firepower landscape is increasingly shifting to the airspace and airborne military equipped with high-range missiles, advanced AI technology and data-enabled geo-precision. Adaptation to the global tech-military landscape will require heavy investment in military research and technology. Hence, Bangladesh needs to focus on increased R&D investment in the defence sector, instead of merely importing the logistics from other countries. This will enable the country to gather sufficient footing in the military research industry as well.
GFP 2023 signifies the fact that modern firepower capabilities depend not only on expenditure-reliant armed forces of a country's army, navy or air power, rather financialisation, logistics and geography also play a major role in determining a country's rank. Increased intra-state conflicts, growing polarisation, external allied pressure and existing security dilemmas all contributed to an increased securitisation and advancement of military power in recent decades. For South Asia, the implication will not only cover the uneasy tension between India and Pakistan, but also will extend to the other countries as well. Bangladesh's gradual climbing up in the ranks is the best example of this – that regional geopolitics has significant implications for a country's modernising military tendency.
Towkir Hossain is a Dhaka-based research analyst on international affairs
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US to Supply More Advanced Military Equipment to Bangladesh
The US government will provide the Bangladesh Armed Forces with more weapons and equipment to help defend its sovereignty.
www.thedefensepost.com
US to Supply More Advanced Military Equipment to Bangladesh
The US government will provide the Bangladesh Armed Forces with more weapons and equipment to help defend its sovereignty.
www.thedefensepost.com
US to Supply More Advanced Military Equipment to Bangladesh
The US government will provide the Bangladesh Armed Forces with more weapons and equipment to help defend its sovereignty, US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas has announced.
Speaking at the Defence Services Command and Staff College last week, the American diplomat revealed that the South Asian nation will soon take delivery of more state-of-the-art drones and surface ships from Washington.
The new defense hardware will support UN peacekeeping and other missions in Bangladesh.
“Over the next year, we expect to deliver the highly capable Blackjack UAS [unmanned aerial system], 35-foot SAFE patrol boats, and additional Zodiac rigid hull boats,” Haas disclosed.
The announcement came just before the US expressed concern about recent reports of violence in Dhaka, saying the Bangladeshi government must investigate “thoroughly, transparently, and impartially.”
Bolstering Defense Ties
According to Haas, the US is one of the major countries to help boost Bangladesh’s defense capabilities through foreign military aid.The US military regularly works with Bangladesh to strengthen its defense readiness and fortify their partnership, he said.
He added that the US has five goals for its Asian ally, including supporting a peaceful and stable nation, promoting democracy and human rights, and providing humanitarian protection.
Among the equipment delivered by the US to Dhaka were frigates, mine-resistant armored vehicles, and four C-130B tactical transport aircraft.
“This past year, we also delivered small UAS … [and] provided special operations units with modern weapons, ammunition, body armor, advanced radio systems, and first aid equipment,” Haas explained.
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A little old but good article on Bangladesh armed Forces.
www.thedailystar.net
BANGLADESH armed forces have come a long way since the Liberation War in 1971. Starting as a small guerilla force composed of Bengali elements of Pakistan army who joined the Liberation War to form the core fighting force of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Force), today it is a fairly large force, well-trained and well-armed. The armed forces have developed over the last four decades as a well-organised force capable of not only performing the primary role of defending the country's frontier from external aggression and internal subversion, but also increasingly and successfully helping in the task of nation-building. Ours is a force preferred by the UN for its global peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions. They have been our ambassadors abroad, earning gratitude of millions of people in strife-torn, war-ravaged, disaster-stricken parts of the world. Today, as we prepare to celebrate Armed Forces Day, it would be pertinent to take stock of the current situation and prepare for the future.
Bangladesh, despite many urgent priorities, has been spending about 1.5% of its GDP on defence, which is one of the largest sectors of government spending. As a result, the Army has grown from a force of 3 brigades in the early 1970s to its current strength of 8 divisions. It is a well-equipped force with tanks, artillery and missiles. The Air Force grew from virtual zero to its current component of modern combat aircraft, attack helicopters, long-range transport aircraft and a whole range of air defence systems. Bangladesh Navy too grew from a few patrol boats to its present component of modern missile-armed fighting ships, maritime patrol aircraft and soon to join submarine. This will give the Navy a 3-dimentional capability -- in the air, on the surface and underwater. The armed forces, that used to be a “men only” organisation, is today recruiting women in increasing numbers, a great step forward in a society that remains bound by its age-old traditions. With all these investments, the nation can ask: “Are the forces capable of meeting the defence needs of the county -- for the present and in the future?”
Bangladesh military is primarily designed to fight a conventional battle against external aggression. Happily for us, that threat is minimal, at present and in near future. Our land and maritime boundaries with Myanmar are well-demarcated. We share over 4,000 km border with India, and that too is demarcated, except for few stretches totaling about 9 km that are considered disputed. There are other issues such as enclaves and adverse possessed land (APL) that are in the process of negotiated settlement. The issue of water sharing of the common rivers, which often strains India-Bangladesh relations, has no military solution. There is no dispute between the two countries that could erupt into military confrontation. Moreover, the substantial military capabilities that Bangladesh has attained act as deterrence to any external military adventurism.
Notwithstanding localised conflict, nations today seek peaceful dialogue to settle their differences. However, there have been new emerging threats that need military intervention, often beyond the border. These threats are lumped under non-traditional threats.
Non-traditional threats can be broadly put under two categories: manmade and natural. Manmade threats include terrorism, arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, organised crime, money laundering, cybercrime etc. Natural threats include flood, cyclone and tidal surge, earthquake, global warming, deforestation, pollution, pandemics etc. These threats can often pose as existential crisis to the nation and may demand military assistance and intervention. Military forces are increasingly called upon to play their part in the non-traditional roles. As such, defence forces have to bring in necessary changes in their organisational structures and force planning to fit in their new roles. Bangladesh military is no exception.
Let us take the case of terrorism. In the highly globalised world, terrorism too is globalised. Terrorism has no frontier or nationality. Bangladesh military might have to fight terrorism not only inside Bangladesh but, when called upon by the international community, it might fight in distant land. In case of operations against international terrorist organisations, such as al-Qaeda, ISIL, Boko Haram or the Taliban, the fight can be bloody, fierce and long. Fighting these terrorist forces involves appropriate tactics and strategy, weapons and materiel, training and motivation. A well-coordinated multi-national force with a long term strategy along with appropriate tactics and technology is the answer. However, it is easier said than done. Bangladesh forces, when part of a multinational contingent, may find themselves operating along with forces that speak different languages, are equipped with different weapons and employ different tactics. These impediments have to be overcome to form a cohesive multi-national force.
Arms and drug smuggling too have attained international dimension and might see Bangladesh forces deployed overseas. There is a strong nexus in our part of the world between drug and arms smugglers of Myanmar, the Islamist militants in Bangladesh and Maoist insurgents in India. Those who are involved in arms and drug smuggling are often involved in human trafficking too. To support their illegal activities, they have to clandestinely collect and transfer funds through forged documents and bank accounts. Therefore, keeping a check on money laundering is a major task of the security forces. Military forces have a clear role in supporting all these counter-terrorism activities. In the case of natural disasters such as cyclone, earthquake etc. military forces are often deployed overseas.
Even fighting pandemics such as the on-going Ebola virus outbreak in Central Africa has shown that military forces are often the best option to enforce movement control across and within the country. The armed forces of Bangladesh will, therefore, have to be organised, equipped and trained to fight overseas in a variety of missions that are often far removed from conventional threat scenario for which they are primarily trained. This demands that the soldiers and officers have to be better educated, able to converse at least in English and preferably a third language, and have a good understanding of different cultures, religions and social norms. Now that women are taking over more active and visible role in the military, we need to train our forces to be more gender sensitive than ever before. Commanders at all levels have to be alert against any cases of sexual harassment. These are new challenges that need to be addressed.
Because most military operations are going to be multi-national efforts, UN or other international organisations are now focusing on how best military forces of different nations could operate under a joint umbrella to combat common threats, natural or manmade. In our region, we need to hold joint civil-military exercises under the umbrella of Saarc, Bimstec, Asean etc., where doctrines and interoperability could be tested and improved. Only through realistic multi-national training could we hope to achieve success when the real test comes.
Bangladesh military is an important partner in our quest for national progress. From building roads, bridges and dykes to training doctors, nurses, engineers and technicians -- the military is involved in the nation-building process. While concentrating on its primary mission of defense of the country, it is supplementing the national efforts to turn the huge youth population into highly productive manpower. In conclusion, it can be stated that in peace and in war, at present and into the future, Bangladesh armed forces remain relevant to the national goals and objectives.
The writer is the Registrar, East West University, Dhaka.
Bangladesh Armed Forces: Challenges for the future
BANGLADESH armed forces have come a long way since the Liberation War in 1971. Starting as a small guerilla force composed of Bengali elements of Pakistan army who joined the Liberation War to form the core fighting force of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Force), today it is a fairly large force...
Bangladesh Armed Forces: Challenges for the future
BANGLADESH armed forces have come a long way since the Liberation War in 1971. Starting as a small guerilla force composed of Bengali elements of Pakistan army who joined the Liberation War to form the core fighting force of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Force), today it is a fairly large force, well-trained and well-armed. The armed forces have developed over the last four decades as a well-organised force capable of not only performing the primary role of defending the country's frontier from external aggression and internal subversion, but also increasingly and successfully helping in the task of nation-building. Ours is a force preferred by the UN for its global peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions. They have been our ambassadors abroad, earning gratitude of millions of people in strife-torn, war-ravaged, disaster-stricken parts of the world. Today, as we prepare to celebrate Armed Forces Day, it would be pertinent to take stock of the current situation and prepare for the future.
Bangladesh, despite many urgent priorities, has been spending about 1.5% of its GDP on defence, which is one of the largest sectors of government spending. As a result, the Army has grown from a force of 3 brigades in the early 1970s to its current strength of 8 divisions. It is a well-equipped force with tanks, artillery and missiles. The Air Force grew from virtual zero to its current component of modern combat aircraft, attack helicopters, long-range transport aircraft and a whole range of air defence systems. Bangladesh Navy too grew from a few patrol boats to its present component of modern missile-armed fighting ships, maritime patrol aircraft and soon to join submarine. This will give the Navy a 3-dimentional capability -- in the air, on the surface and underwater. The armed forces, that used to be a “men only” organisation, is today recruiting women in increasing numbers, a great step forward in a society that remains bound by its age-old traditions. With all these investments, the nation can ask: “Are the forces capable of meeting the defence needs of the county -- for the present and in the future?”
Bangladesh military is primarily designed to fight a conventional battle against external aggression. Happily for us, that threat is minimal, at present and in near future. Our land and maritime boundaries with Myanmar are well-demarcated. We share over 4,000 km border with India, and that too is demarcated, except for few stretches totaling about 9 km that are considered disputed. There are other issues such as enclaves and adverse possessed land (APL) that are in the process of negotiated settlement. The issue of water sharing of the common rivers, which often strains India-Bangladesh relations, has no military solution. There is no dispute between the two countries that could erupt into military confrontation. Moreover, the substantial military capabilities that Bangladesh has attained act as deterrence to any external military adventurism.
Notwithstanding localised conflict, nations today seek peaceful dialogue to settle their differences. However, there have been new emerging threats that need military intervention, often beyond the border. These threats are lumped under non-traditional threats.
Non-traditional threats can be broadly put under two categories: manmade and natural. Manmade threats include terrorism, arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, organised crime, money laundering, cybercrime etc. Natural threats include flood, cyclone and tidal surge, earthquake, global warming, deforestation, pollution, pandemics etc. These threats can often pose as existential crisis to the nation and may demand military assistance and intervention. Military forces are increasingly called upon to play their part in the non-traditional roles. As such, defence forces have to bring in necessary changes in their organisational structures and force planning to fit in their new roles. Bangladesh military is no exception.
Let us take the case of terrorism. In the highly globalised world, terrorism too is globalised. Terrorism has no frontier or nationality. Bangladesh military might have to fight terrorism not only inside Bangladesh but, when called upon by the international community, it might fight in distant land. In case of operations against international terrorist organisations, such as al-Qaeda, ISIL, Boko Haram or the Taliban, the fight can be bloody, fierce and long. Fighting these terrorist forces involves appropriate tactics and strategy, weapons and materiel, training and motivation. A well-coordinated multi-national force with a long term strategy along with appropriate tactics and technology is the answer. However, it is easier said than done. Bangladesh forces, when part of a multinational contingent, may find themselves operating along with forces that speak different languages, are equipped with different weapons and employ different tactics. These impediments have to be overcome to form a cohesive multi-national force.
Arms and drug smuggling too have attained international dimension and might see Bangladesh forces deployed overseas. There is a strong nexus in our part of the world between drug and arms smugglers of Myanmar, the Islamist militants in Bangladesh and Maoist insurgents in India. Those who are involved in arms and drug smuggling are often involved in human trafficking too. To support their illegal activities, they have to clandestinely collect and transfer funds through forged documents and bank accounts. Therefore, keeping a check on money laundering is a major task of the security forces. Military forces have a clear role in supporting all these counter-terrorism activities. In the case of natural disasters such as cyclone, earthquake etc. military forces are often deployed overseas.
Even fighting pandemics such as the on-going Ebola virus outbreak in Central Africa has shown that military forces are often the best option to enforce movement control across and within the country. The armed forces of Bangladesh will, therefore, have to be organised, equipped and trained to fight overseas in a variety of missions that are often far removed from conventional threat scenario for which they are primarily trained. This demands that the soldiers and officers have to be better educated, able to converse at least in English and preferably a third language, and have a good understanding of different cultures, religions and social norms. Now that women are taking over more active and visible role in the military, we need to train our forces to be more gender sensitive than ever before. Commanders at all levels have to be alert against any cases of sexual harassment. These are new challenges that need to be addressed.
Because most military operations are going to be multi-national efforts, UN or other international organisations are now focusing on how best military forces of different nations could operate under a joint umbrella to combat common threats, natural or manmade. In our region, we need to hold joint civil-military exercises under the umbrella of Saarc, Bimstec, Asean etc., where doctrines and interoperability could be tested and improved. Only through realistic multi-national training could we hope to achieve success when the real test comes.
Bangladesh military is an important partner in our quest for national progress. From building roads, bridges and dykes to training doctors, nurses, engineers and technicians -- the military is involved in the nation-building process. While concentrating on its primary mission of defense of the country, it is supplementing the national efforts to turn the huge youth population into highly productive manpower. In conclusion, it can be stated that in peace and in war, at present and into the future, Bangladesh armed forces remain relevant to the national goals and objectives.
The writer is the Registrar, East West University, Dhaka.
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Bangladesh pursues balance in military modernization efforts
Despite past heavy reliance on China, South Asian nation now expanding defense ties with Russia, UK, India, Turkey, Germany - Anadolu Ajansı
www.aa.com.tr
Bangladesh pursues balance in military modernization efforts
Despite past heavy reliance on China, South Asian nation now expanding defense ties with Russia, UK, India, Turkey, Germany
Md. Kamruzzaman |08.12.2021 - Update : 08.12.2021
DHAKA, Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been modernizing its armed forces by maintaining a balanced approach, overcoming its dependency on any single other country or the dominance of great powers, say officials as well as geopolitical analysts.
"For a long time, Bangladesh has been heavily reliant on China for military weaponry since its independence in 1971. However, the situation has changed, and Bangladesh is now purchasing military equipment from several countries," A L M Fazlur Rahman, a defense analyst and former director general of the Bangladesh Border Guard, told Anadolu Agency.
According to official sources, the country launched a megaproject in 2009, dubbed Forces Goal 2030, with the goal of modernizing its military forces by 2030.
In 2017, the overcrowded delta nation of nearly 170 million people revamped the initiative, focusing on modernizing and strengthening its army, navy, and air forces with cutting-edge technology.
Underlining that the project is "time-befitting," Rahman added: "Dhaka must have the fortitude to overcome the domination of any particular external force."
Over the last few decades, the country has greatly expanded its defense cooperation with Russia, the UK, India, Turkey, and even Germany, besides China, the sources say.
Despite diplomatic pressure by neighboring India, Bangladesh purchased two submarines from China in 2016 for the first time in its history.
In retaliation, India even provided Myanmar with a Russian-made Kilo-class submarine in October last year, Rahman pointed out.
The country also announced its purchase of five British-made naval ships in November this year.
Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen said the purchase would be used to monitor and protect the "huge sea boundaries from others who enter Bangladeshi maritime territories for fishing or other activities."
Boosting Turkey-Bangladesh defense ties
In recent years, the country has turned its eyes to its Muslim long-time ally Turkey for defense cooperation on a bigger scale.
Turkish Ambassador in Dhaka Mustafa Osman Turan recently said Ankara was prepared to offer Dhaka need-based defense support and military hardware without conditions, similar to what multi-launcher rockets have already delivered. He also said Turkey was open to cooperative ventures in shipbuilding, not only for the military but also for civilian purposes, as well.
Preferring not to be named as he is not authorized to talk to the media, an army official told Anadolu Agency that his country was impressed by Turkish competence in making drones and military tanks. "We hope to receive huge support from Turkey in modernizing our defense sector."
Both countries are also interested in boosting defense cooperation with combined training of their armed forces.
Last week, Adm. Adnan Ozbal, the head of the Turkish Navy, and his Bangladeshi counterpart Adm. M Shaheen Iqbal met in Dhaka for a courtesy call to discuss the topic while Ozbal was on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh.
The naval chiefs discussed an "increasing of different training activities for the development of professional skills and other bilateral issues," said a media statement issued by Bangladesh armed forces' mouthpiece, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
National defense policy
Bangladesh's original national defense policy had been issued in 1974 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader, and was updated in 2018 by the government led by Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who is now the country's fourth-term premier.
Hasina also said multiple times that the country's armed forces were being modernized to keep up with developed nations as part of a diplomatic policy of "friendship to all and malice to none."
"We have added the modern infantry gazette, state-of-the-art weapons, aircraft and helicopters, various modern engineering equipment, sky-destroying automatic SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense), VSHORAD (Very Short-Range Air Defense), state-of-the-art Oerlikon air defense systems, etc., to the armed forces," state-run media quoted the prime minister as saying while addressing a military program in Dhaka last week.
Claiming that new naval and submarine bases were in development, she added that the country's naval forces had state-of-the-art corvettes, frigates, submarines, and maritime helicopters, as well as an elite operational unit known as SWADS (Special Warfare Diving and Salvage).
"State-of-the-art fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, high-powered air-defense radar, and surface-to-air missiles have been included in the Air Force," Hasina stated.
After coming to power in 1996, Hasina and her successive government also bought eight Mig-29 jet fighters from Russia, despite criticism over cost and maintenance.
Geographical location in favor
ISPR Director Lt. Col. Abdullah Ibn Zaid told Anadolu Agency over the phone that the government is gradually modernizing its military forces in light of the country's defense policy of 1974.
"Our main purpose is to develop a modern defense force, which does not imply that we are showing strength," Zaid said, adding that the country is on track to achieve its 2030 goal of developing a modern defense system.
"I will not disclose details of our military hardware procurement from different countries," he said, adding: "But I can say we are modernizing our defense forces."
However, former army officer Fazlur Rahman told Anadolu Agency that Bangladesh's geographical location favors extending defense cooperation with two Asian giants at the same time -- China and India.
"Because we are sandwiched between two major Asian players, I frequently refer to Bangladesh as a middle kingdom. So, if we are capable of effectively managing these two powers, we can benefit from both countries, and it also applies to the defense sector," he argued.
Bangladesh has been modernizing its armed forces by maintaining a balanced approach, overcoming its dependency on any single other country or the dominance of great powers, say officials as well as geopolitical analysts.
"For a long time, Bangladesh has been heavily reliant on China for military weaponry since its independence in 1971. However, the situation has changed, and Bangladesh is now purchasing military equipment from several countries," A L M Fazlur Rahman, a defense analyst and former director general of the Bangladesh Border Guard, told Anadolu Agency.
According to official sources, the country launched a megaproject in 2009, dubbed Forces Goal 2030, with the goal of modernizing its military forces by 2030.
In 2017, the overcrowded delta nation of nearly 170 million people revamped the initiative, focusing on modernizing and strengthening its army, navy, and air forces with cutting-edge technology.
Underlining that the project is "time-befitting," Rahman added: "Dhaka must have the fortitude to overcome the domination of any particular external force."
Over the last few decades, the country has greatly expanded its defense cooperation with Russia, the UK, India, Turkey, and even Germany, besides China, the sources say.
Despite diplomatic pressure by neighboring India, Bangladesh purchased two submarines from China in 2016 for the first time in its history.
In retaliation, India even provided Myanmar with a Russian-made Kilo-class submarine in October last year, Rahman pointed out.
The country also announced its purchase of five British-made naval ships in November this year.
Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen said the purchase would be used to monitor and protect the "huge sea boundaries from others who enter Bangladeshi maritime territories for fishing or other activities."
Boosting Turkey-Bangladesh defense ties
In recent years, the country has turned its eyes to its Muslim long-time ally Turkey for defense cooperation on a bigger scale.
Turkish Ambassador in Dhaka Mustafa Osman Turan recently said Ankara was prepared to offer Dhaka need-based defense support and military hardware without conditions, similar to what multi-launcher rockets have already delivered. He also said Turkey was open to cooperative ventures in shipbuilding, not only for the military but also for civilian purposes, as well.
Preferring not to be named as he is not authorized to talk to the media, an army official told Anadolu Agency that his country was impressed by Turkish competence in making drones and military tanks. "We hope to receive huge support from Turkey in modernizing our defense sector."
Both countries are also interested in boosting defense cooperation with combined training of their armed forces.
Last week, Adm. Adnan Ozbal, the head of the Turkish Navy, and his Bangladeshi counterpart Adm. M Shaheen Iqbal met in Dhaka for a courtesy call to discuss the topic while Ozbal was on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh.
The naval chiefs discussed an "increasing of different training activities for the development of professional skills and other bilateral issues," said a media statement issued by Bangladesh armed forces' mouthpiece, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
National defense policy
Bangladesh's original national defense policy had been issued in 1974 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader, and was updated in 2018 by the government led by Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who is now the country's fourth-term premier.
Hasina also said multiple times that the country's armed forces were being modernized to keep up with developed nations as part of a diplomatic policy of "friendship to all and malice to none."
"We have added the modern infantry gazette, state-of-the-art weapons, aircraft and helicopters, various modern engineering equipment, sky-destroying automatic SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense), VSHORAD (Very Short-Range Air Defense), state-of-the-art Oerlikon air defense systems, etc., to the armed forces," state-run media quoted the prime minister as saying while addressing a military program in Dhaka last week.
Claiming that new naval and submarine bases were in development, she added that the country's naval forces had state-of-the-art corvettes, frigates, submarines, and maritime helicopters, as well as an elite operational unit known as SWADS (Special Warfare Diving and Salvage).
"State-of-the-art fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, high-powered air-defense radar, and surface-to-air missiles have been included in the Air Force," Hasina stated.
After coming to power in 1996, Hasina and her successive government also bought eight Mig-29 jet fighters from Russia, despite criticism over cost and maintenance.
Geographical location in favor
ISPR Director Lt. Col. Abdullah Ibn Zaid told Anadolu Agency over the phone that the government is gradually modernizing its military forces in light of the country's defense policy of 1974.
"Our main purpose is to develop a modern defense force, which does not imply that we are showing strength," Zaid said, adding that the country is on track to achieve its 2030 goal of developing a modern defense system.
"I will not disclose details of our military hardware procurement from different countries," he said, adding: "But I can say we are modernizing our defense forces."
However, former army officer Fazlur Rahman told Anadolu Agency that Bangladesh's geographical location favors extending defense cooperation with two Asian giants at the same time -- China and India.
"Because we are sandwiched between two major Asian players, I frequently refer to Bangladesh as a middle kingdom. So, if we are capable of effectively managing these two powers, we can benefit from both countries, and it also applies to the defense sector," he argued.
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Army chief says force fully prepared to counter any enemy attack
Forces Goals 2030 will ensure a higher position for the Bangladesh Army globally, says Gen SM Shafiuddin Ahmedhttps://www.dhakatribune.com/301918
Ali Asif Shawon
Publish : 03 Jan 2023, 11:17 PMUpdate : 03 Jan 2023, 11:17 PM
The Bangladesh Army will rise to a higher position in the world in the next seven years if the Forces Goal 2030 can be achieved within the timeframe, Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.
“Bangladesh's defence policy was formulated according to foreign policy, which is why we are not an aggressive army,” he said. “But if someone is aggressive against us, we can give a proper response. We are always ready to serve the nation as per the government's instructions.”
Addressing reporters after observing the winter exercise of the Bangladesh Army at Savar Military Farm in the afternoon, Gen Shafiuddin said: “War policies are changing around the world with the advancement of modern technology. Hence, we are developing our army with the inclusion of modern technology and regular training on modern warfare doctrine.”
'Hard training, easy fighting'
The Army chief explained that battlefield strategies and weapons were constantly changing worldwide. “For example, drones and missiles are being used randomly in the Russia-Ukraine war. Keeping these things in mind, necessary arrangements are being made for the army.”
Gen Shafiuddin said the army was giving more importance to training than at any time in the past; winter exercises have been completed two years in a row, which had never happened before.
He said they were giving the utmost importance to training, keeping in mind the concept of “hard training, easy fighting”.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also directed us to speed up training programs. The premier said not to give any concession regarding training,” he added.
Gen Shafiuddin said they always think about the local people so that crops are not harmed because of the training. The army also gives humanitarian aid to locals.
The army chief on Tuesday distributed warm clothes while a medical team gave free treatment to underprivileged people.
All soldiers will return to their respective barracks after the winter training on January 6.
“To boost the country's production, Bangladesh Army is also harvesting crops, cultivating fish and raising cattle in the barren fields of all cantonment areas to implement the prime minister's directives to cultivate every inch of land of the country,” he added.
Lieutenant General Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Mohammad Saiful Alam, Quartermaster General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Tabrez Shams, General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Md Jubayer Salehin, Engineer-in-Chief at the Bangladesh Army, and other high officials were present during the press conference.
Alamgir Hossain, general secretary of the Defense Journalist Association of Bangladesh (DJAB), made some remarks on the journalists' behalf. DJAB Joint General Secretary Tariqul Islam Masum, Executive Committee Member Ali Asif Shawon, and Member Kazi Shohag, among others, were also present.
Success in UN missions
The army chief also spoke of the success of the Bangladesh Army in becoming the highest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions.“This happened due to professionalism, honesty, dedication and rigorous training,” he said.
“The army personnel are separated for a certain time before they are sent to the UN missions. After that, another specialized training is provided just three months before their departure,” the top army official added.
About the ongoing winter exercise, Gen Shafiuddin said: “This year's training is almost successful in all aspects.”
Replying to a query, he said: “Before taking charge, I said that I would increase transparency in the army and I have done it.
Beside this, I have reduced the army's distance from the people and the media workers.”
https://www.dhakatribune.com/301918
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কক্সবাজারে এডি আর্টিলারি গান ফায়ারিং পরিদর্শন করলেন সেনাবাহিনী প্রধান
কক্সবাজারের ইনানীস্থ এডি ফায়ারিং রেঞ্জে প্রথমবারের মত বাংলাদেশের মাটিতে ৩৫ মিঃ মিঃ টুইন ব্যারেল এ্যান্টি-এয়ারক্রাফট গান সিস্টেম সিএস/এএ৩ এর ফায়ারিং পরিদর্শন করেছেন সেনাবাহিনী প্রধান জেনারেল এস এম শফিউদ্দিন আহমেদ। প্রধান অতিথি হিসেবে উপস্থিত থেকে সোমবার (১১ মার্চ) তিনি এ ফায়ারিং পর্যবেক্ষণ কর
কক্সবাজারে এডি আর্টিলারি গান ফায়ারিং পরিদর্শন করলেন সেনাবাহিনী প্রধান
এফই অনলাইন ডেস্কPublished :
Mar 11, 2024 20:55Updated :
Mar 11, 2024 21:01কক্সবাজারের ইনানীস্থ এডি ফায়ারিং রেঞ্জে প্রথমবারের মত বাংলাদেশের মাটিতে ৩৫ মিঃ মিঃ টুইন ব্যারেল এ্যান্টি-এয়ারক্রাফট গান সিস্টেম সিএস/এএ৩ এর ফায়ারিং পরিদর্শন করেছেন সেনাবাহিনী প্রধান জেনারেল এস এম শফিউদ্দিন আহমেদ।
প্রধান অতিথি হিসেবে উপস্থিত থেকে সোমবার (১১ মার্চ) তিনি এ ফায়ারিং পর্যবেক্ষণ করেন। আন্তঃবাহিনী জনসংযোগ পরিদপ্তর (আইএসপিআর) এক বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে এ তথ্য জানিয়েছে।
পরিদর্শনকালে সেনাবাহিনী প্রধান তাঁর বক্তব্যে বলেন, জাতির পিতার অসমাপ্ত স্বপ্ন বাস্তবায়নে মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনার দিক নির্দেশনায় প্রণীত ফোর্সেস গোল-২০৩০ এর আলোকে বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর সম্প্রসারণ ও আধুনিকায়ন একটি যুগোপযোগী পদক্ষেপ। এরই ধারাবাহিকতায় আজ প্রথমবারের মত ১২ কিলোমিটার রেঞ্জ ক্ষমতা সম্পন্ন ৩৫ মিঃ মিঃ টুইন ব্যারেল এ্যান্টি-এয়ারক্রাফট গান সিস্টেম এর ফায়ারিং অনুষ্ঠিত হলো, যা বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর ইতিহাসে একটি স্মরণীয় ঘটনা।
উল্লেখ্য যে, উক্ত গান সিস্টেম ৪ কিলোমিটার দূরত্বে নিখুঁতভাবে স্থল এবং আকাশ লক্ষ্যবস্তুতে আঘাত হানতে সক্ষম।
এ সময় বাংলাদেশ সেনাবাহিনীর চিফ অব জেনারেল স্টাফ, সেনাবাহিনীর এ্যাডজুটেন্ট জেনারেল, সেনাবাহিনীর সামরিক সচিব, চিফ কনসালটেন্ট জেনারেল, এডহক কনস্ট্রাকশন সুপারভিশন কনসালটেন্ট; জেনারেল অফিসার কমান্ডিং (জিওসি) ১০ পদাতিক ডিভিশন ও এরিয়া কমান্ডার কক্সবাজার এরিয়াসহ সেনাসদর এবং কক্সবাজার এরিয়ার ঊর্ধ্বতন সামরিক কর্মকর্তাগণ, অন্যান্য অফিসার, জেসিও ও অন্যান্য পদবির সেনাসদস্যগণ এবং কক্সবাজারের বিভিন্ন মিডিয়ার প্রতিনিধিগণ উপস্থিত ছিলেন।
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Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh - Defence Agenda
Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh. Boran is marking a pivotal moment with its inaugural export to Bangladesh.
defenceagenda.com
Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh - Defence Agenda
Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh. Boran is marking a pivotal moment with its inaugural export to Bangladesh.
defenceagenda.com
Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh
- MUZAFFER ÜNSALDI
- DECEMBER 13, 2023
- 4:29 pm
Boran Howitzer Makes Maiden Export to Bangladesh. The first export of the air-portable 105 millimetre light towed howitzer Boran, which is produced by MAKİNE ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) A.Ş. with domestic and national facilities for the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), will be made to Bangladesh. This achievement demonstrates the prowess of our engineering capabilities and heralds a new era of international collaboration in the defence and aerospace industry.
Unveiling the Boran Howitzer: A Technological Marvel
Engineering Excellence at Its Core
The Boran Howitzer stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to engineering excellence. Meticulously crafted by our team of experts, this state-of-the-art artillery system combines cutting-edge technology with precision engineering, offering unparalleled performance on the battlefield.
Strategic Significance of the Boran Howitzer
In an era where strategic advantage is paramount, the Boran Howitzer emerges as a game-changer. Its advanced capabilities include enhanced range, pinpoint accuracy, and rapid deployment features, positioning it as a formidable asset for modern armed forces. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, possessing such a versatile and powerful artillery system becomes imperative for nations seeking to safeguard their interests.
The Maiden Export: A Milestone in Global Collaboration
Pioneering International Partnerships
The successful export of the Boran Howitzer to Bangladesh marks a significant milestone in fostering international partnerships within the defence industry. Collaborating with the Bangladesh Armed Forces not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also showcases the global relevance and acceptance of our cutting-edge technology.
Addressing Bangladesh’s Defence Needs
Bangladesh, with its unique geopolitical challenges, recognizes the strategic importance of possessing a versatile and technologically advanced artillery system. The Boran Howitzer’s deployment in Bangladesh aligns with the nation’s commitment to modernize its armed forces, safeguarding its borders and promoting regional stability.
Technological Features that Set the Boran Apart
Precision Guided Munitions (PGM)
The Boran Howitzer incorporates state-of-the-art precision-guided munitions, enabling accurate targeting and minimizing collateral damage. This feature enhances the artillery’s effectiveness in various operational scenarios, making it a versatile choice for modern military strategies.
Advanced Fire Control Systems
Equipped with cutting-edge fire control systems, the Boran Howitzer ensures optimal targeting and trajectory adjustments in real time. This not only enhances the accuracy of each shot but also enables swift adaptation to dynamic battlefield conditions.
Mobility and Rapid Deployment
In an era where agility is paramount, the Boran Howitzer’s design prioritizes mobility and rapid deployment. This feature ensures quick response times, allowing armed forces to swiftly adapt to evolving threats and maintain a strategic advantage.
Future Prospects: Redefining Defence Dynamics
Continued Innovation for Global Security
As we celebrate the Boran Howitzer’s maiden export, our commitment to innovation remains unwavering. GDH Digital envisions a future where advancements in defence technology continue to reshape global security paradigms. Our ongoing research and development initiatives aim to introduce even more cutting-edge solutions that address the ever-evolving challenges faced by modern armed forces.
Sustainable Defence Solutions
In addition to technological advancements, GDH Digital is committed to sustainability in defence. Our future endeavours will focus on developing eco-friendly solutions that align with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of military operations.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Defence
In conclusion, Boran Howitzer’s inaugural export to Bangladesh signifies more than a business transaction; it symbolizes the dawn of a new era in defence collaboration. Boran, an air-portable 105-millimetre towed howitzer manufactured at MKE A.Ş.’s Çankırı Weapons Factory, will be delivered to the Bangladesh army in the first months of 2024. With the delivery of 18 units, the first howitzer export in the history of the Republic will be realised.
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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.
www.hindustantimes.com
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.
India eyes Bangladesh as key market for military hardware
ByRezaul H Laskar and Rahul Singh, New Delhi
Jan 04, 2023 12:00 AM IST
Jan 04, 2023 12:00 AM IST
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.
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.
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Congrats Officer Cadet Mohammed Norman Ahmed from Bangladesh for winning the Commandant's Merit Award for overall performance of merit by an international cadet at Royal Military Academy Sand Hurst. Norman has exemplified all the best qualities of a leader.
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It is our duty to defend motherland: Army Chief tells seminar
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday said Bangladesh Army is doing everything to contribute to achieving Bangladesh’s foreign policy and helping the country become a Sonar Bangla, as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “It is our du
It is our duty to defend motherland: Army Chief tells seminar
UNB
Published :
Apr 18, 2024 19:59
Updated :
Apr 18, 2024 19:59
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday said Bangladesh Army is doing everything to contribute to achieving Bangladesh's foreign policy and helping the country become a Sonar Bangla, as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"It is our duty to defend our motherland and to maintain the sovereignty of the country, and we remain prepared for that. We are doing everything," he said.
The army chief made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled "Defence Diplomacy: Strategy for Bangladesh" hosted by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium.
Mentioning Bangabandhu's foreign policy dictum, "Friendship to all, malice towards none", he said they are doing everything to implement this foreign policy
"Diplomacy is nothing but an effort to achieve national interest in any form," said the army chief, putting emphasis on sustained economic growth by maintaining national security.
He mentioned how the army, in aid of civil power, is doing a lot of nation-building activities, disaster management efforts at home and abroad, and doing some internal security duties.
The army chief said wherever there is an opportunity, whether it is told and untold, they take the opportunity and do everything for the benefits of Bangladesh.
Talking about military diplomacy, he said they need to enhance the capability by putting in more resources and budget. "We know how to do it but we should have that capability to do it."
Regarding the Myanmar issue, the army chief said some of the military leaders in Myanmar are facing international sanctions and there is a risk of putting themselves in trouble.
"To make one friend happy, we cannot antagonize another. There are dynamics that we have to look into. Practical connotation has also been taken into consideration. We are doing our best and we are on the right track," he said.
General Shafiuddin said they have indigenously produced some remotely operated vehicles which are good innovations for Bangladesh Army. "Thus, we are saving a lot of foreign currency as earlier we needed to import these equipment."
He said military persons not only learn how to fight a war but also know how to prevent or avoid any war to achieve the national interest. "We are on the right track and we will not be failing in discharging our duties."
At the same time, General Shafiuddin said they never forget the main role of military forces which is to protect the sovereignty of the country and they should be ready in doing that.
He said intention can change overnight but capability does not change overnight. "You are my friend today but what happens if you are not my friend tomorrow? We should be capable of defending our national interest, our motherland but the main foreign policy dictum says every tone for us."
BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker and its Director General Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, among others, spoke.
Chief of General Staff, Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman was also present in the seminar.
Dr ASM Ali Ashraf, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, spoke on "Evolving Notion of Defence Diplomacy and its Role in Achieving Foreign Policy Goals"; ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, BIISS, talked about "Growing Geopolitical Competition: Challenges and Opportunities of Defence Diplomacy for Bangladesh"; Major General (Retd) Main Ullah Chowdhury, former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and A/FC, United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), discussed on "Defence Diplomacy in United Nations and Other Overseas Missions: Horizon to Explore" and Air Vice Marshall (Retd) Mahmud Hussain, Distinguished Expert, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU), and former Ambassador, Brunei, made a presentation on "Existing Practices of Defence Diplomacy and Future Directions: The Case of Bangladesh".
There was an open discussion session followed the presentations.
The speakers and discussants, during the open discussion session, noted that defence diplomacy has emerged as an effective diplomatic instrument and mechanism for crisis prevention to further a country's diplomatic ties vis-à-vis promoting its foreign and security policy objectives.
From Bangladesh's perspective, defence diplomacy is regarded as an important mechanism for using armed forces in a non-coercive manner that helps to attain the country's national interests and foreign policy goals, they said.
They also said that participation in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping missions - a form of defence diplomacy- is an avenue for Bangladesh to demonstrate its commitment towards global peace and stability as well as enhance its importance and influence worldwide.
The speakers mentioned that the concept and appeal of defence diplomacy are evolving in the diplomatic arena of Bangladesh.
Senior officials from different ministries, high officials from embassies and high commissions, former diplomats, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from various universities, and representatives from international organisations participated in the seminar and enriched it by presenting their valuable questions, opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.
UNB
Published :
Apr 18, 2024 19:59
Updated :
Apr 18, 2024 19:59
Chief of Army Staff General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Thursday said Bangladesh Army is doing everything to contribute to achieving Bangladesh's foreign policy and helping the country become a Sonar Bangla, as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"It is our duty to defend our motherland and to maintain the sovereignty of the country, and we remain prepared for that. We are doing everything," he said.
The army chief made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled "Defence Diplomacy: Strategy for Bangladesh" hosted by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium.
Mentioning Bangabandhu's foreign policy dictum, "Friendship to all, malice towards none", he said they are doing everything to implement this foreign policy
"Diplomacy is nothing but an effort to achieve national interest in any form," said the army chief, putting emphasis on sustained economic growth by maintaining national security.
He mentioned how the army, in aid of civil power, is doing a lot of nation-building activities, disaster management efforts at home and abroad, and doing some internal security duties.
The army chief said wherever there is an opportunity, whether it is told and untold, they take the opportunity and do everything for the benefits of Bangladesh.
Talking about military diplomacy, he said they need to enhance the capability by putting in more resources and budget. "We know how to do it but we should have that capability to do it."
Regarding the Myanmar issue, the army chief said some of the military leaders in Myanmar are facing international sanctions and there is a risk of putting themselves in trouble.
"To make one friend happy, we cannot antagonize another. There are dynamics that we have to look into. Practical connotation has also been taken into consideration. We are doing our best and we are on the right track," he said.
General Shafiuddin said they have indigenously produced some remotely operated vehicles which are good innovations for Bangladesh Army. "Thus, we are saving a lot of foreign currency as earlier we needed to import these equipment."
He said military persons not only learn how to fight a war but also know how to prevent or avoid any war to achieve the national interest. "We are on the right track and we will not be failing in discharging our duties."
At the same time, General Shafiuddin said they never forget the main role of military forces which is to protect the sovereignty of the country and they should be ready in doing that.
He said intention can change overnight but capability does not change overnight. "You are my friend today but what happens if you are not my friend tomorrow? We should be capable of defending our national interest, our motherland but the main foreign policy dictum says every tone for us."
BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker and its Director General Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, among others, spoke.
Chief of General Staff, Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman was also present in the seminar.
Dr ASM Ali Ashraf, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, spoke on "Evolving Notion of Defence Diplomacy and its Role in Achieving Foreign Policy Goals"; ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, BIISS, talked about "Growing Geopolitical Competition: Challenges and Opportunities of Defence Diplomacy for Bangladesh"; Major General (Retd) Main Ullah Chowdhury, former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and A/FC, United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), discussed on "Defence Diplomacy in United Nations and Other Overseas Missions: Horizon to Explore" and Air Vice Marshall (Retd) Mahmud Hussain, Distinguished Expert, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU), and former Ambassador, Brunei, made a presentation on "Existing Practices of Defence Diplomacy and Future Directions: The Case of Bangladesh".
There was an open discussion session followed the presentations.
The speakers and discussants, during the open discussion session, noted that defence diplomacy has emerged as an effective diplomatic instrument and mechanism for crisis prevention to further a country's diplomatic ties vis-à-vis promoting its foreign and security policy objectives.
From Bangladesh's perspective, defence diplomacy is regarded as an important mechanism for using armed forces in a non-coercive manner that helps to attain the country's national interests and foreign policy goals, they said.
They also said that participation in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping missions - a form of defence diplomacy- is an avenue for Bangladesh to demonstrate its commitment towards global peace and stability as well as enhance its importance and influence worldwide.
The speakers mentioned that the concept and appeal of defence diplomacy are evolving in the diplomatic arena of Bangladesh.
Senior officials from different ministries, high officials from embassies and high commissions, former diplomats, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from various universities, and representatives from international organisations participated in the seminar and enriched it by presenting their valuable questions, opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations during the open discussion session.
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Why the Army-run Educational Institutions are Reliable
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Why the Army-run Educational Institutions are Reliable
28 Apr 2024, 12:00 am
Lt Col Mohammad Anisuzzaman, PhD, AEC :
Bangladesh Army has been playing a tremendous role in Bangladesh's progress since 1971. Bangladesh Army is not only committed to protect the nation from the external threat but also has taken the responsibility to play a role in different sectors of development.
The education sector is one of them. An army-run educational institution is a brand name in Bangladesh. It is evident that the contribution of the Bangladesh Army in improving education is quite explicit and praiseworthy as well.
Bangladesh Army has been contributing to enlightening the nation by establishing schools, colleges (general, medical and cadet), and universities (general, technical and special), which are directly and indirectly administered by Bangladesh Army and have been running efficiently across the country.
As a result of the leaders' foresight, each Cantonment has adopted a master plan that calls for the establishment of educational institutions as part of better and more efficient educational planning from pre-primary level to graduation level.
Army-run institutions have been successful in forging strong relationships with every level of educational institutions in Bangladesh. Currently, the Bangladesh Army has made significant contributions to the development of education by establishing and managing 62 Cantonment Public Schools and Colleges (both in Bangla and English medium) as well as 01 public university throughout the nation, 12 cadet colleges, 04 engineering universities and institutes, 06 medical colleges, 02 Institutes of Business Administration known as Army IBA, and specialized school (Proyash) located at 10 different locations for children with special needs, which is basically designed for the Neuro-Development disordered children.
Most of the educational institutions administered by Bangladesh Army are at the school and college level and they are dispersed extensively around the nation, particularly inside or close to the Cantonments.
The ability of these schools to admit children of civilians is one of their most appealing features. The key characteristic of these institutions is the dual-medium instruction of the curriculum in Bangla and English.
There are many reasons for which the Army-run educational institutions are reliable in Bangladesh. First of all, in the field of running educational institutions, Bangladesh Army ensures proper monitoring by higher authorities. Generally, the trained Army Officers of Bangladesh Army directly lead these institutions. In this field, The Central Co-ordination Committee is headed by the CGS and the Chief Coordinator of the CCC is a Brigadier General, Director of Education.
Besides, within every six months all Principals of all institutions sit together, convene to get directives, share ideas and information. Its reflection is also seen in their educational institutions. There is a strong chain of command in the field of leading educational institutions.
Secondly, in most cases, each and every educational institution in the Cantonment is directly run by an Army Officer. For ensuring proper management, well-trained Military Officers from different arms and services are posted. The Head of the Institution ensures institutional discipline following the instructions commanded by Bangladesh army. Through his or her military attributes, students are taught discipleship and leadership.
Thirdly, an Army-run educational institution provides the best education amenities, including a standard educational environment, a large playground, a computer lab, a science lab, a library, and an auditorium, as well as sports courts. Here, the students get all types of facilities that they need for their physical and mental health.
For mental health support, generally an academic co-ordinator is recruited at an Army-run institute. He/She always counsels students to help them for their mental support in their crisis moments. Here, an academic co-ordinator plays the roles of a mind-builder.
Fourthly, Bangladesh Army recruits the skilled teachers to teach in their educational institutions. All teachers are trained up through internal training facilities. They are gradually skilled up by periodically training. These teachers help in making sure that the foundation of these students is made stronger so that they can compete with students from across the country. Here, a teacher is like a mentor.
All the teachers are also committed to taking extra care of weak students. They even go for home-visiting to nurture the weak students. Teachers also try their best to lead their students to cope with global advancement.
Besides, the achievements of these institutions are noteworthy. Every year, thousands of students are getting admitted to these institutions. Each year, thousands of students from these institutions take public examinations. These institutions have a very impressive passing rate.
The passing rate is about 100%, and the GPA (Grade Point Average) securing point is very impressive. Along with increasing enrollment, the passing rate and the number of GPA-5 students are also increasing year after year, in addition to pupils achieving high rankings in Bangladeshi public examination results.
If the results of both SSC and HSC are noticed, it is evident that Bangladesh Army-run institutions' results are always praiseworthy. Every year, in every public examination, Army-run institutions take top positions in the country.
Finally, co-curricular activities are important subjects in Army-run institutions. Here, through involving students in different clubs, they are taught culture and inspired to build themselves as ideal citizens. These co-curricular activities are also for making them ready for the competitive world.
To sum up, Bangladesh Army has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the educational system of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Army-run educational institutions have already earned a reputation for their remarkable success in leading students who consistently achieve outstanding results in public examinations. Such excellence is mainly attributed to rigorous scrutiny of intakes and the good quality of instructional ability.
The institutions are under the direct management and supervision of the Bangladesh Army and are committed to keeping pace with the competitive world and ensuring quality education for the students of Bangladesh.
(The writer is Principal, Jolshiri Cantonment School and College, Rupganj, Narayanganj.)
28 Apr 2024, 12:00 am
Lt Col Mohammad Anisuzzaman, PhD, AEC :
Bangladesh Army has been playing a tremendous role in Bangladesh's progress since 1971. Bangladesh Army is not only committed to protect the nation from the external threat but also has taken the responsibility to play a role in different sectors of development.
The education sector is one of them. An army-run educational institution is a brand name in Bangladesh. It is evident that the contribution of the Bangladesh Army in improving education is quite explicit and praiseworthy as well.
Bangladesh Army has been contributing to enlightening the nation by establishing schools, colleges (general, medical and cadet), and universities (general, technical and special), which are directly and indirectly administered by Bangladesh Army and have been running efficiently across the country.
As a result of the leaders' foresight, each Cantonment has adopted a master plan that calls for the establishment of educational institutions as part of better and more efficient educational planning from pre-primary level to graduation level.
Army-run institutions have been successful in forging strong relationships with every level of educational institutions in Bangladesh. Currently, the Bangladesh Army has made significant contributions to the development of education by establishing and managing 62 Cantonment Public Schools and Colleges (both in Bangla and English medium) as well as 01 public university throughout the nation, 12 cadet colleges, 04 engineering universities and institutes, 06 medical colleges, 02 Institutes of Business Administration known as Army IBA, and specialized school (Proyash) located at 10 different locations for children with special needs, which is basically designed for the Neuro-Development disordered children.
Most of the educational institutions administered by Bangladesh Army are at the school and college level and they are dispersed extensively around the nation, particularly inside or close to the Cantonments.
The ability of these schools to admit children of civilians is one of their most appealing features. The key characteristic of these institutions is the dual-medium instruction of the curriculum in Bangla and English.
There are many reasons for which the Army-run educational institutions are reliable in Bangladesh. First of all, in the field of running educational institutions, Bangladesh Army ensures proper monitoring by higher authorities. Generally, the trained Army Officers of Bangladesh Army directly lead these institutions. In this field, The Central Co-ordination Committee is headed by the CGS and the Chief Coordinator of the CCC is a Brigadier General, Director of Education.
Besides, within every six months all Principals of all institutions sit together, convene to get directives, share ideas and information. Its reflection is also seen in their educational institutions. There is a strong chain of command in the field of leading educational institutions.
Secondly, in most cases, each and every educational institution in the Cantonment is directly run by an Army Officer. For ensuring proper management, well-trained Military Officers from different arms and services are posted. The Head of the Institution ensures institutional discipline following the instructions commanded by Bangladesh army. Through his or her military attributes, students are taught discipleship and leadership.
Thirdly, an Army-run educational institution provides the best education amenities, including a standard educational environment, a large playground, a computer lab, a science lab, a library, and an auditorium, as well as sports courts. Here, the students get all types of facilities that they need for their physical and mental health.
For mental health support, generally an academic co-ordinator is recruited at an Army-run institute. He/She always counsels students to help them for their mental support in their crisis moments. Here, an academic co-ordinator plays the roles of a mind-builder.
Fourthly, Bangladesh Army recruits the skilled teachers to teach in their educational institutions. All teachers are trained up through internal training facilities. They are gradually skilled up by periodically training. These teachers help in making sure that the foundation of these students is made stronger so that they can compete with students from across the country. Here, a teacher is like a mentor.
All the teachers are also committed to taking extra care of weak students. They even go for home-visiting to nurture the weak students. Teachers also try their best to lead their students to cope with global advancement.
Besides, the achievements of these institutions are noteworthy. Every year, thousands of students are getting admitted to these institutions. Each year, thousands of students from these institutions take public examinations. These institutions have a very impressive passing rate.
The passing rate is about 100%, and the GPA (Grade Point Average) securing point is very impressive. Along with increasing enrollment, the passing rate and the number of GPA-5 students are also increasing year after year, in addition to pupils achieving high rankings in Bangladeshi public examination results.
If the results of both SSC and HSC are noticed, it is evident that Bangladesh Army-run institutions' results are always praiseworthy. Every year, in every public examination, Army-run institutions take top positions in the country.
Finally, co-curricular activities are important subjects in Army-run institutions. Here, through involving students in different clubs, they are taught culture and inspired to build themselves as ideal citizens. These co-curricular activities are also for making them ready for the competitive world.
To sum up, Bangladesh Army has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the educational system of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Army-run educational institutions have already earned a reputation for their remarkable success in leading students who consistently achieve outstanding results in public examinations. Such excellence is mainly attributed to rigorous scrutiny of intakes and the good quality of instructional ability.
The institutions are under the direct management and supervision of the Bangladesh Army and are committed to keeping pace with the competitive world and ensuring quality education for the students of Bangladesh.
(The writer is Principal, Jolshiri Cantonment School and College, Rupganj, Narayanganj.)
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RUET students develop bomb-disposal robot for Bangladesh Army
The robot, named Hades-X-ZeroThree, draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
RUET students develop bomb-disposal robot for Bangladesh Army
The robot can locate and retrieve bombs and traverse diverse terrains, including high and low roads, fields, and mud. Image: Collected from Facebook
A team of students from the Mechatronics Engineering Department of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has developed a remote-controlled bomb disposal robot for the Bangladesh Army. The robot, named Hades-X-ZeroThree, draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
'Hades' is the name of the Greek god of the underworld, while 'X-ZeroThree' signifies the initial development stage of the robot. According to the team, this robot can locate and retrieve bombs and traverse diverse terrains, including high and low roads, fields, and mud. The project, guided by Roknuzzaman Rana, Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Feroze Ali, Chief Assistant Professor, Mechatronics Engineering, was led by Kazi Atif and included Md. Al Tasdeed Ul Haque, Yashsir Arafat and Ariful Islam.
The robot has the capacity to lift and carry objects exceeding three kilograms and can be controlled using radio waves from a distance of one kilometer. It employs a specially designed hand for safe bomb defusal. The integrated wireless cameras and microphones enable real-time video and audio transmission to the operator and it is also equipped with night vision and headlights for both day and night operations.
The team mentions that the construction cost is minimal as the robot has been built domestically. Therefore, compared to commercially available robots with similar features, Hades-X-ZeroThree is significantly cheaper, costing only a fraction of the market price.
The team also faced significant challenges during development, primarily due to time and resource constraints. Limited funding further necessitated resourcefulness, says the team. In order to overcome this hurdle, they manufactured most of the components themselves, from the chassis and robotic arms to the wheels. This required utilising local workshops as the university's machine shop was closed during the Ramadan holidays.
Hades-X-ZeroThree was successfully handed over to the Bangladesh Army on April 19, at the Qadirabad Cantonment in Natore. Army representatives thoroughly evaluated the robot's functionalities and expressed interest in collaborating on future advancements, says the team.
The robot can locate and retrieve bombs and traverse diverse terrains, including high and low roads, fields, and mud. Image: Collected from Facebook
A team of students from the Mechatronics Engineering Department of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has developed a remote-controlled bomb disposal robot for the Bangladesh Army. The robot, named Hades-X-ZeroThree, draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
'Hades' is the name of the Greek god of the underworld, while 'X-ZeroThree' signifies the initial development stage of the robot. According to the team, this robot can locate and retrieve bombs and traverse diverse terrains, including high and low roads, fields, and mud. The project, guided by Roknuzzaman Rana, Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Feroze Ali, Chief Assistant Professor, Mechatronics Engineering, was led by Kazi Atif and included Md. Al Tasdeed Ul Haque, Yashsir Arafat and Ariful Islam.
The robot has the capacity to lift and carry objects exceeding three kilograms and can be controlled using radio waves from a distance of one kilometer. It employs a specially designed hand for safe bomb defusal. The integrated wireless cameras and microphones enable real-time video and audio transmission to the operator and it is also equipped with night vision and headlights for both day and night operations.
The team mentions that the construction cost is minimal as the robot has been built domestically. Therefore, compared to commercially available robots with similar features, Hades-X-ZeroThree is significantly cheaper, costing only a fraction of the market price.
The team also faced significant challenges during development, primarily due to time and resource constraints. Limited funding further necessitated resourcefulness, says the team. In order to overcome this hurdle, they manufactured most of the components themselves, from the chassis and robotic arms to the wheels. This required utilising local workshops as the university's machine shop was closed during the Ramadan holidays.
Hades-X-ZeroThree was successfully handed over to the Bangladesh Army on April 19, at the Qadirabad Cantonment in Natore. Army representatives thoroughly evaluated the robot's functionalities and expressed interest in collaborating on future advancements, says the team.
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Army chief off to Singapore to attend Shangri-La Dialogue
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka for Singapore today (Thursday) on an official visit
Army chief off to Singapore to attend Shangri-La Dialogue
Photo: ISPR
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka for Singapore today (Thursday) on an official visit.
During the visit, he will attend the "International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 21st Asia Security Summit-2024" to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2024.
In addition, the army chief will hold bilateral meetings with the Chief of Staff (Army Chief) of the Singapore Armed Forces and high-ranking military and civilian officials from various countries, according to an ISPR press release.
The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defence summit. It is a meeting where ministers debate the region's most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks, and come up with fresh approaches together.
It is worth mentioning that the main objectives of this conference are to discuss regional security risks in the Asia region, bilateral discussions on important military matters, and to determine joint action plans to deal with the risks.
The army chief will return to Bangladesh on June 2 after the conclusion of the conference, said the release.
Photo: ISPR
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka for Singapore today (Thursday) on an official visit.
During the visit, he will attend the "International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 21st Asia Security Summit-2024" to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2024.
In addition, the army chief will hold bilateral meetings with the Chief of Staff (Army Chief) of the Singapore Armed Forces and high-ranking military and civilian officials from various countries, according to an ISPR press release.
The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defence summit. It is a meeting where ministers debate the region's most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks, and come up with fresh approaches together.
It is worth mentioning that the main objectives of this conference are to discuss regional security risks in the Asia region, bilateral discussions on important military matters, and to determine joint action plans to deal with the risks.
The army chief will return to Bangladesh on June 2 after the conclusion of the conference, said the release.
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The outgoing chief of army staff has said that during his tenure he has tried his level best to increase the capability of Bangladesh army through procuring modern military gadgets and through increasing the standard of training.
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- Jan 24, 2024
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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.[H3]
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.India eyes Bangladesh as key market for military hardware[/H3]
ByRezaul H Laskar and Rahul Singh, New Delhi[H3]
Jan 04, 2023 12:00 AM IST
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]
That order came on the back of the Philippines ordering BrahMos missiles and Armenia buying Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers from India. (HT)
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.
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.
Hear hear - Defence cooperation with India is to be avoided at all costs.
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