[🇧🇩-Land] Military Cooperation Between Bangladesh and Other Nations
- Thread starter Saif
- Start date
Bangladesh Defense
Saif
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2024
- Messages
- 17,175
- Likes
- 8,203
- Nation
- Residence
- Axis Group
I think there is a little room for Bangladesh and the U.S.A. to build a defense partnership beyond procuring some non-lethal weapons by the Bangladesh army. The U.S.A. does not transfer military technology to non NATO countries. Another avenue of cooperation is exchange of training, which has been going on since the 80s.
www.tbsnews.net
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Mira Resnick
Describing Bangladesh-US relationship "multifaceted and comprehensive," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick has said there is so much that the two countries can do together, including in the security relationship.
"We don't want to see a situation that risks the growth that we have seen in this relationship," she told UNB in an interview during her visit to Bangladesh last week, expressing US' willingness to "strengthen and deepen" the ties.
Responding to a question on diversification of defense relationship, the US diplomat said they welcome Bangladesh's diversification of procurement for their defense needs.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Bangladesh to make sure that they're interoperable with their partners, including the United States," she said, noting that it was one of the things that came up in the 9th security dialogue held between the two countries in Dhaka.
The US deputy assistant secretary said it was a great opportunity to have a discussion with Bangladesh to talk about ways that the United States may be able to help with military modernization.
"We are looking for ways that we can help Bangladesh modernize its military and be able to invest in what we call maritime domain awareness to be able to understand what is on your coastal borders, what is coming to by air, land, sea and by cyberspace," she said.
Resnick said there are a lot of opportunities for them to be able to expand and deepen this relationship between the two countries.
As the next national election came up for discussion during her visit, she said the United States firmly supports "free, fair and peaceful" elections in Bangladesh.
"Our counterparts reiterated the prime minister's commitment toward free, fair and peaceful elections," she added.
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions.
The US and Bangladesh discussed cooperation in the areas of climate resilience, counterterrorism, disaster relief, military modernization and human rights and what they can do better on the Bangladesh side and the United States side to help support this important relationship.
Over the next year, the US expects to deliver the highly capable Blackjack UAS, 35-foot SAFE Patrol Boats, and additional Zodiac Rigid Hull Boats.
These systems will help Bangladesh conduct UN missions and defend its sovereignty.
"Those particular equipment does not require GSOMIA but it will require the technology security and foreign disclosure review which Washington does," said the US deputy assistant secretary.
She said these are particular equipment and they are very excited to be able to support new deliveries of equipment that can help support Bangladesh security and their contributions to UN peacekeeping forces.
She said GSOMIA is needed for more advanced procurement. "And when the government of Bangladesh is ready for that we stand ready to work with the Bangladesh government to sign a GSOMIA."
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between two countries.
"We plan to make sure that Bangladesh understands how we protect our military information. And we would like to understand better how Bangladesh protects its secret military information so that we can have this," said the US official.
Responding to a question, she said, it is going to be up to the government of Bangladesh to pursue whichever agreement they would like at whichever point makes sense to Bangladesh.
Asked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, Resnick said the United States is committed to working together to ensure that the region is open, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
"The best example it came up during the dialogue is that the ability of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to protect Bangladeshi fishermen in your territorial waters, using the kind of software that the United States provides to your Navy and Coast Guard, and also patrol boats and ships," she said, adding that it is this kind of cooperation that helps your economy and helps your security and that is our outlook. "That is our view of the Indo-Pacific strategy."
Responding to a question on frequent engagement between the two countries, Resnick said as the relationship grows, there is a growing interest in Bangladesh.
"I think also, as we move toward elections here in Bangladesh, there is more interest in Washington to see a free and peaceful election," she added.
The US official said the United States remains committed to being a development partner here in Bangladesh.
The US said they have a number of goals that they would like to see in Bangladesh, including providing its own security and being able to contribute to regional security goals.
"We would like to see Bangladesh continue to grow its environmental resilience, including address the vulnerabilities that come with climate change. We would like to see sustainable economic growth, and shared prosperity that also includes fair labor standards and free assembly at in the workplace," said Resnick.
"And of course, we would like to see Bangladesh commit to international standards for human rights and human protection when it comes to the Rohingya crisis and be able to support those refugees until there is an opportunity for safe, voluntary and dignified returns," she added.
Asked about the sanctions issues, Resnick said, "As a matter of policy, we don't preview our sanctions. We designated RAB due to widespread credible allegations of torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings....we will need to see real accountability and structural reform in order to remove those sanctions."
On 5 September, Mira Resnick and Bangladesh Director General (North America) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khandker Masudul Alam co-chaired the Ninth US-Bangladesh Bilateral Security Dialogue in Dhaka.
The dialogue, established in 2012, reflects "our growing security relationship with Bangladesh and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region," Resnick said.
Discussions focused on efforts to expand partnerships in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, defense trade, military cooperation, and counterterrorism, as well as maritime security and regional issues.
Much to do together and help modernise Bangladesh military: US official Mira Resnick
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions
Much to do together and help modernise Bangladesh military: US official Mira Resnick
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Mira Resnick
Describing Bangladesh-US relationship "multifaceted and comprehensive," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick has said there is so much that the two countries can do together, including in the security relationship.
"We don't want to see a situation that risks the growth that we have seen in this relationship," she told UNB in an interview during her visit to Bangladesh last week, expressing US' willingness to "strengthen and deepen" the ties.
Responding to a question on diversification of defense relationship, the US diplomat said they welcome Bangladesh's diversification of procurement for their defense needs.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Bangladesh to make sure that they're interoperable with their partners, including the United States," she said, noting that it was one of the things that came up in the 9th security dialogue held between the two countries in Dhaka.
The US deputy assistant secretary said it was a great opportunity to have a discussion with Bangladesh to talk about ways that the United States may be able to help with military modernization.
"We are looking for ways that we can help Bangladesh modernize its military and be able to invest in what we call maritime domain awareness to be able to understand what is on your coastal borders, what is coming to by air, land, sea and by cyberspace," she said.
Resnick said there are a lot of opportunities for them to be able to expand and deepen this relationship between the two countries.
As the next national election came up for discussion during her visit, she said the United States firmly supports "free, fair and peaceful" elections in Bangladesh.
"Our counterparts reiterated the prime minister's commitment toward free, fair and peaceful elections," she added.
She said the US would like to make sure that Bangladesh is committed to human rights and make sure that there is accountability for past actions.
The US and Bangladesh discussed cooperation in the areas of climate resilience, counterterrorism, disaster relief, military modernization and human rights and what they can do better on the Bangladesh side and the United States side to help support this important relationship.
Over the next year, the US expects to deliver the highly capable Blackjack UAS, 35-foot SAFE Patrol Boats, and additional Zodiac Rigid Hull Boats.
These systems will help Bangladesh conduct UN missions and defend its sovereignty.
"Those particular equipment does not require GSOMIA but it will require the technology security and foreign disclosure review which Washington does," said the US deputy assistant secretary.
She said these are particular equipment and they are very excited to be able to support new deliveries of equipment that can help support Bangladesh security and their contributions to UN peacekeeping forces.
She said GSOMIA is needed for more advanced procurement. "And when the government of Bangladesh is ready for that we stand ready to work with the Bangladesh government to sign a GSOMIA."
General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between two countries.
"We plan to make sure that Bangladesh understands how we protect our military information. And we would like to understand better how Bangladesh protects its secret military information so that we can have this," said the US official.
Responding to a question, she said, it is going to be up to the government of Bangladesh to pursue whichever agreement they would like at whichever point makes sense to Bangladesh.
Asked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, Resnick said the United States is committed to working together to ensure that the region is open, prosperous, resilient, and secure.
"The best example it came up during the dialogue is that the ability of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to protect Bangladeshi fishermen in your territorial waters, using the kind of software that the United States provides to your Navy and Coast Guard, and also patrol boats and ships," she said, adding that it is this kind of cooperation that helps your economy and helps your security and that is our outlook. "That is our view of the Indo-Pacific strategy."
Responding to a question on frequent engagement between the two countries, Resnick said as the relationship grows, there is a growing interest in Bangladesh.
"I think also, as we move toward elections here in Bangladesh, there is more interest in Washington to see a free and peaceful election," she added.
The US official said the United States remains committed to being a development partner here in Bangladesh.
The US said they have a number of goals that they would like to see in Bangladesh, including providing its own security and being able to contribute to regional security goals.
"We would like to see Bangladesh continue to grow its environmental resilience, including address the vulnerabilities that come with climate change. We would like to see sustainable economic growth, and shared prosperity that also includes fair labor standards and free assembly at in the workplace," said Resnick.
"And of course, we would like to see Bangladesh commit to international standards for human rights and human protection when it comes to the Rohingya crisis and be able to support those refugees until there is an opportunity for safe, voluntary and dignified returns," she added.
Asked about the sanctions issues, Resnick said, "As a matter of policy, we don't preview our sanctions. We designated RAB due to widespread credible allegations of torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings....we will need to see real accountability and structural reform in order to remove those sanctions."
On 5 September, Mira Resnick and Bangladesh Director General (North America) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khandker Masudul Alam co-chaired the Ninth US-Bangladesh Bilateral Security Dialogue in Dhaka.
The dialogue, established in 2012, reflects "our growing security relationship with Bangladesh and our shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region," Resnick said.
Discussions focused on efforts to expand partnerships in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping, defense trade, military cooperation, and counterterrorism, as well as maritime security and regional issues.
Saif
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2024
- Messages
- 17,175
- Likes
- 8,203
- Nation
- Residence
- Axis Group
Bangladesh must not take its defense relations with the U.S.A. to a level from where they can dictate our defense relations with China. China is our biggest pillar of sovereignty and we must not do something which can harm our defense relations with China. We should focus on exchange of training with the U.S. army and refrain from signing GSOMIA AND ACSA.
asia.nikkei.com
Defense diplomacy is part of Washington's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. In June 2019, the Department of Defense released its first report on the strategy, in which it recognized Bangladesh as an "emerging partner," alongside Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives in South Asia.
"Our Indo-Pacific vision is rooted in the fact that the United States, like Bangladesh, is an Indo-Pacific country," Stone told Nikkei. "Maritime and regional security in South Asia are critical to ensuring a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the benefit of all its nations, which is why we prioritize efforts that promote security."
The growing influence of China in the region, and Bangladesh's participation in Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, have made it imperative for the U.S. to vigorously pursue its Indo-Pacific agenda, said Riaz, who is also a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
The U.S. and Bangladesh have already collaborated on security in a range of areas, from counterterrorism to peacekeeping, under a foreign military financing scheme started in 2005. Since 2018, it has dispensed an additional $60 million to help pay for Bangladesh's maritime security and address other issues of critical concern.
The U.S. administration is "aggressively pushing" the Indo-Pacific gambit to counteract China's BRI, of which Bangladesh has been a part since 2016, according to Amena Mohsin, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. "The U.S. wants partnership on the war on terrorism [and] partnership on arms sales," she told Nikkei. "Bangladesh has strategic importance."
M. Humayun Kabir, a former ambassador to the U.S. who is now acting president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a Dhaka think tank, said this puts Bangladesh in a tricky position. "This will be difficult for Bangladesh, as it is a friend of both the U.S. and China," said Kabir.
According to an official data, the U.S., with which Bangladesh enjoyed almost $7 billion in trade surplus in 2019, is the country's single largest export destination, while the South Asian economy of 170 million people has a chronic trade deficit -- totaling $12 billion in 2019 -- with China, its largest source of imports.
Riaz of Illinois State University predicted a shift in U.S. policy toward South Asia, with more engagement, if Joe Biden is elected president in November. But he believes it "won't be more accommodative to China's growing influence."
US uses defense diplomacy to woo Bangladesh away from China
Washington sees Dhaka as an 'emerging' ally in its Indo-Pacific strategy
asia.nikkei.com
US uses defense diplomacy to woo Bangladesh away from China
Washington sees Dhaka as an 'emerging' ally in its Indo-Pacific strategy
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a call from the U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month, offering to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Akira Kodaka and Reuters)
A.Z.M. ANAS, Contributing writerSeptember 22, 2020 19:12 JST
DHAKA -- The U.S. has stepped up efforts to entice Bangladesh into buying more of its military hardware in recent weeks, as it hopes to win over an "emerging" ally in South Asia, where China has been expanding its economic influence.
In a rare outreach, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month phoned Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also oversees the Ministry of Defense, proposing to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030.
The two countries opened talks on the sale of advanced military gear such as Apache helicopters and missiles last year. A deal is believed to be in the cards, although no details have been revealed, with Laura Stone, a deputy assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of State, saying that Congress had not yet been "formally notified." Any deal will frustrate China, which is now the biggest supplier of cheaper defense equipment.
"We're looking to deepen our security cooperation with Bangladesh, which is very much of mutual interest, with full respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence of action," Stone wrote in an email response to questions posed by the Nikkei Asian Review recently.
"We stand ready to serve as the partner of choice for Bangladesh regarding the sale of defense articles," said Stone, who oversees India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives at the State Department's South and Central Asian affairs desk.
Bangladesh has been buying more arms from the U.S. since the 1990s, with purchases reaching $110 million in the 10 years through 2019. But that is dwarfed by the $2.59 billion it spent on military equipment from China since 2010, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Ali Riaz, distinguished professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that the timing of the phone call between the U.S. defense secretary and Bangladesh's prime minister was "very important" because of Dhaka's warming relations with Beijing.
China's influence in Bangladesh goes beyond trade and infrastructure investment. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, China sent supplies, such as masks and gowns, and a medical team to Bangladesh to advise on the pandemic response. In addition, a Phase 3 trial of a vaccine developed by the privately owned Chinese company Sinovac Biotech is in progress.
Beijing recently lifted tariffs on 97% of Bangladesh imports after it secured a $250 million airport terminal construction contract in the northeastern city of Sylhet, which borders India.
Bangladesh is now trying to corral a $1 billion Chinese credit line to manage the Teesta River after a deal to share its water with India languished for years, mainly due to opposition from the state of West Bengal on the Indian side.
Bangladesh has been treading a fine line between India and China, but now Washington has taken a proactive approach.
"The Bangladesh government will have to balance conflicting expectations. Bangladesh can do it if the national interests remain the primary consideration," Riaz wrote in an email to Nikkei.
DHAKA -- The U.S. has stepped up efforts to entice Bangladesh into buying more of its military hardware in recent weeks, as it hopes to win over an "emerging" ally in South Asia, where China has been expanding its economic influence.
In a rare outreach, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper earlier this month phoned Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also oversees the Ministry of Defense, proposing to help the South Asian country modernize its military by 2030.
The two countries opened talks on the sale of advanced military gear such as Apache helicopters and missiles last year. A deal is believed to be in the cards, although no details have been revealed, with Laura Stone, a deputy assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of State, saying that Congress had not yet been "formally notified." Any deal will frustrate China, which is now the biggest supplier of cheaper defense equipment.
"We're looking to deepen our security cooperation with Bangladesh, which is very much of mutual interest, with full respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence of action," Stone wrote in an email response to questions posed by the Nikkei Asian Review recently.
"We stand ready to serve as the partner of choice for Bangladesh regarding the sale of defense articles," said Stone, who oversees India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives at the State Department's South and Central Asian affairs desk.
Bangladesh has been buying more arms from the U.S. since the 1990s, with purchases reaching $110 million in the 10 years through 2019. But that is dwarfed by the $2.59 billion it spent on military equipment from China since 2010, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Ali Riaz, distinguished professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that the timing of the phone call between the U.S. defense secretary and Bangladesh's prime minister was "very important" because of Dhaka's warming relations with Beijing.
China's influence in Bangladesh goes beyond trade and infrastructure investment. After the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, China sent supplies, such as masks and gowns, and a medical team to Bangladesh to advise on the pandemic response. In addition, a Phase 3 trial of a vaccine developed by the privately owned Chinese company Sinovac Biotech is in progress.
Beijing recently lifted tariffs on 97% of Bangladesh imports after it secured a $250 million airport terminal construction contract in the northeastern city of Sylhet, which borders India.
Bangladesh is now trying to corral a $1 billion Chinese credit line to manage the Teesta River after a deal to share its water with India languished for years, mainly due to opposition from the state of West Bengal on the Indian side.
Bangladesh has been treading a fine line between India and China, but now Washington has taken a proactive approach.
"The Bangladesh government will have to balance conflicting expectations. Bangladesh can do it if the national interests remain the primary consideration," Riaz wrote in an email to Nikkei.
Bangladeshi air force in a fly pass during a national celebration. The country has spent $110 million in arms from the U.S. but $2.59 billion in similar from China in the ten years to 2019. © ReutersDefense diplomacy is part of Washington's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. In June 2019, the Department of Defense released its first report on the strategy, in which it recognized Bangladesh as an "emerging partner," alongside Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives in South Asia.
"Our Indo-Pacific vision is rooted in the fact that the United States, like Bangladesh, is an Indo-Pacific country," Stone told Nikkei. "Maritime and regional security in South Asia are critical to ensuring a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region for the benefit of all its nations, which is why we prioritize efforts that promote security."
The growing influence of China in the region, and Bangladesh's participation in Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative, have made it imperative for the U.S. to vigorously pursue its Indo-Pacific agenda, said Riaz, who is also a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
The U.S. and Bangladesh have already collaborated on security in a range of areas, from counterterrorism to peacekeeping, under a foreign military financing scheme started in 2005. Since 2018, it has dispensed an additional $60 million to help pay for Bangladesh's maritime security and address other issues of critical concern.
The U.S. administration is "aggressively pushing" the Indo-Pacific gambit to counteract China's BRI, of which Bangladesh has been a part since 2016, according to Amena Mohsin, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. "The U.S. wants partnership on the war on terrorism [and] partnership on arms sales," she told Nikkei. "Bangladesh has strategic importance."
M. Humayun Kabir, a former ambassador to the U.S. who is now acting president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a Dhaka think tank, said this puts Bangladesh in a tricky position. "This will be difficult for Bangladesh, as it is a friend of both the U.S. and China," said Kabir.
According to an official data, the U.S., with which Bangladesh enjoyed almost $7 billion in trade surplus in 2019, is the country's single largest export destination, while the South Asian economy of 170 million people has a chronic trade deficit -- totaling $12 billion in 2019 -- with China, its largest source of imports.
Riaz of Illinois State University predicted a shift in U.S. policy toward South Asia, with more engagement, if Joe Biden is elected president in November. But he believes it "won't be more accommodative to China's growing influence."
Saif
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2024
- Messages
- 17,175
- Likes
- 8,203
- Nation
- Residence
- Axis Group
বাà¦à¦²à¦¾à¦¦à§à¦¶-রাশিà§à¦¾ à¦à§à§à¦¨à§à¦ à¦à§à¦¾à¦°à§à¦à¦¿à¦ à¦à§à¦°à§à¦ªà§à¦° ৩ৠসà¦à¦¾ à¦à§à§à¦à¦¨
বাà¦à¦²à¦¾à¦¦à§à¦¶ ঠরাশিà§à¦¾ à¦à¦° মধà§à¦¯à¦à¦¾à¦° ৩ৠà¦à§à§à¦¨à§à¦ à¦à§à¦¾à¦°à§à¦à¦¿à¦ à¦à§à¦°à§à¦ªà§à¦° সà¦à¦¾ à¦à¦ বà§à¦§à¦¬à¦¾à¦° (০৩ à¦à¦ªà§à¦°à¦¿à¦² ২০২৪) সশসà§à¦¤à§à¦° বাহিনৠবিà¦à¦¾à¦ à¦à¦° মালà§à¦à¦¿à¦ªà¦¾à¦°à¦ªà¦¾à¦¸...
বাংলাদেশ-রাশিয়া জয়েন্ট ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের ৩য় সভা আয়োজন
Published :Apr 03, 2024 22:05
Updated :
Apr 03, 2024 22:05
বাংলাদেশ ও রাশিয়া এর মধ্যকার ৩য় জয়েন্ট ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের সভা আজ বুধবার (০৩ এপ্রিল ২০২৪) সশস্ত্র বাহিনী বিভাগ এর মাল্টিপারপাস হলে অনুষ্ঠিত হয় বলে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে জানানো হয়েছে।
এর পূর্বে ১ম সভা ০৩-০৫ ডিসেম্বর ২০১৮ সালে বাংলাদেশে এবং ২য় সভা ২০-২২ আগস্ট ২০১৯ সালে রাশিয়ায় অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। এ দুই দেশের মধ্যে সামরিক সরঞ্জাম সংক্রান্ত সহযোগিতার বিষয়ে বিস্তৃত সুযোগ সৃষ্টি করাই এ ওয়ার্কিং গ্রুপের লক্ষ্য।
বাংলাদেশ এবং রাশিয়ার মধ্যে সামরিক সহযোগিতা উষ্ণ ও নিবিড়। বাংলাদেশ সশস্ত্র বাহিনীকে সামরিক উন্নয়ন ও প্রশিক্ষণে সহযোগিতা প্রদানের জন্য রাশিয়া নিয়মিত সহায়তা করছে। এই সভা প্রযুক্তি, প্রতিরক্ষা সরঞ্জাম, রক্ষণাবেক্ষণ, প্রশিক্ষণ, সামরিক সফর ও পরিদর্শন, কর্মশালা ইত্যাদি ক্ষেত্রে উভয় দেশের মধ্যকার সামরিক সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধি করবে।
এই সভায় বাংলাদেশের প্রতিনিধি দলের নেতৃত্ব দেন সশস্ত্র বাহিনী বিভাগ এর প্রিন্সিপাল স্টাফ অফিসার, লেফ্টেন্যান্ট জেনারেল মিজানুর রহমান শামীম, বিপি, ওএসপি, বিএএম, এনডিসি, পিএসসি এবং রাশিয়া প্রতিনিধিদলের নেতৃত্ব প্রদান করেন চীফ অফ ফার্স্ট ডিপার্টমেন্ট, রাশিয়ান ফেডারেল সার্ভিস ফর মিলিটারি টেকনিকাল কো-অপারেশন, মি. ভরন্টসভ আলেকজেন্ডার ভেনিয়ামিনোভিক।
এছাড়া বাংলাদেশের পক্ষে তিন বাহিনীর উর্ধ্বতন কর্মকর্তাগণ, পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়, আইনবিচার ও সংসদ বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয়, অর্থ মন্ত্রণালয়ের কর্মকর্তাগণ ও রাশিয়ায় নিযুক্ত বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা উপদেষ্টা উপস্থিত ছিলেন। ১৯ সদস্যের একটি দল সভায় রাশিয়ার প্রতিনিধিত্ব করেন।
Saif
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2024
- Messages
- 17,175
- Likes
- 8,203
- Nation
- Residence
- Axis Group
China-Bangladesh military drill signals shift in geopolitics
Breaking News, International News & Multimedia
thedailynewnation.com
China-Bangladesh military drill signals shift in geopolitics
7 May 2024, 12:00 am
The Diplomat :
Bangladesh and China will conduct their first-ever joint military exercises in early May.
Announcing the China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024 joint exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said in Beijing on April 25 that the joint drill in Bangladesh, which is "based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations" will see the two sides participate in joint exercises "such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps."
China and Bangladesh have strong economic ties. Beijing has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the second-highest in a South Asian country after Pakistan.
It has played a significant role in building bridges, roads, railway tracks, airports, and power plants in Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade grew from $3.3 billion in 2009-10 to over $20 billion in 2021-22. Importantly, a broad array of products from Bangladesh enjoys zero tariffs in China.
In addition, China has emerged as an important military ally of Bangladesh. It provided the Bangladesh Navy with two refurbished submarines in 2016 at a discounted price of $205 million.
Moreover, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a $1.21- billion China-built submarine base last year.
Located at Cox Bazaar off the Bay of Bengal coast, the base can house six submarines and eight warships simultaneously.
China's bolstered relationship with Bangladesh, especially in naval cooperation, stems from the 2002 Defense Cooperation Agreement, covering military training and defense supplies.
The planned joint military exercises will deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
In China's military strategy, engaging in international joint military exercises is viewed as a crucial aspect of utilizing military power abroad, categorized under what strategists term "non-war military operations."
7 May 2024, 12:00 am
The Diplomat :
Bangladesh and China will conduct their first-ever joint military exercises in early May.
Announcing the China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024 joint exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said in Beijing on April 25 that the joint drill in Bangladesh, which is "based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations" will see the two sides participate in joint exercises "such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps."
China and Bangladesh have strong economic ties. Beijing has invested over $25 billion in various projects in Bangladesh, the second-highest in a South Asian country after Pakistan.
It has played a significant role in building bridges, roads, railway tracks, airports, and power plants in Bangladesh.
Bilateral trade grew from $3.3 billion in 2009-10 to over $20 billion in 2021-22. Importantly, a broad array of products from Bangladesh enjoys zero tariffs in China.
In addition, China has emerged as an important military ally of Bangladesh. It provided the Bangladesh Navy with two refurbished submarines in 2016 at a discounted price of $205 million.
Moreover, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a $1.21- billion China-built submarine base last year.
Located at Cox Bazaar off the Bay of Bengal coast, the base can house six submarines and eight warships simultaneously.
China's bolstered relationship with Bangladesh, especially in naval cooperation, stems from the 2002 Defense Cooperation Agreement, covering military training and defense supplies.
The planned joint military exercises will deepen bilateral defense cooperation.
In China's military strategy, engaging in international joint military exercises is viewed as a crucial aspect of utilizing military power abroad, categorized under what strategists term "non-war military operations."
Saif
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2024
- Messages
- 17,175
- Likes
- 8,203
- Nation
- Residence
- Axis Group
কেন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বাড়াতে চায় বাংলাদেশ?
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে...
কেন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বাড়াতে চায় বাংলাদেশ?
শেখ শাহরিয়ার জামান
১৪ এপ্রিল ২০২৪, ২৩:৫৯
বাংলাদেশের পতাকা (ছবি: সংগৃহীত)
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে জাতীয় স্বার্থকে মাথায় রেখে নিজের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা সাজাতে চায় সরকার।
এ বিষয়ে সাবেক পররাষ্ট্র সচিব ও দিল্লি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বঙ্গবন্ধু চেয়ার মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'একটি দেশের অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির সঙ্গে সঙ্গে তার প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি পাবে, এটিই স্বাভাবিক। আগে পুরোপুরি অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা অর্জন এবং পরে প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, বিষয়টি এ ধরনের নয়। দুটোই একসঙ্গে হয়ে থাকে।'
উল্লেখ্য, চীন, ভারত, ফ্রান্স, জাপানসহ মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা রয়েছে। এছাড়া আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে এটি নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
প্রতিরক্ষার উদ্দেশ্য
বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা নিজেকে রক্ষা করার জন্য এবং অপরকে আক্রমণ করার উদ্দেশ্যে নয়। তবে প্রতিরক্ষা নীতির অন্যতম উদ্দেশ্য হচ্ছে কেউ শক্তি প্রয়োগ করলে বাংলাদেশ সেটি প্রতিহত করবে।
মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'আমাদের নীতি হচ্ছে—ডিফেন্সিভ ডিফেন্স (রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা)। দেশের সার্বভৌমত্ব, সম্পদ ও মানুষের মঙ্গলের জন্য, রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি এবং বাংলাদেশ সবসময় নিজেদের উন্নয়নের জন্য রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি অবলম্বন করেছে।'
কোন কোন দেশে আগ্রহ
অনেক আগে থেকেই চীনের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বজায় রেখেছে বাংলাদেশ। পরবর্তীতে ভারতের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই হয়। এরপর আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা করেছে।
সম্প্রতি উন্নত বিশ্বের ফ্রান্স ও জাপানের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা স্মারক করেছে। এর আগে মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কুয়েত, কাতার ও সৌদি আরবের সামরিক বাহিনীর সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের বাহিনীর সমঝোতা রয়েছে।
সম্পাদিত চুক্তির বাইরে ইতালি, যুক্তরাষ্ট্র, যুক্তরাজ্য, নেদারল্যান্ডস, থাইল্যান্ড, তুরস্ক, ব্রাজিলের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
এ বিষয়ে মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, আমাদের নিজেদের প্রয়োজনেই প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে হবে। এখানে অন্য দেশগুলো তাদের প্রয়োজনে বাংলাদেশকে সহায়তা করবে বা দেবে।
প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতাতে সাধারণত যেসব প্রশিক্ষণ, যৌথ মহড়া, তথ্য আদান-প্রদান, সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, প্রতিনিধিদল আদান-প্রদানসহ অন্যান্য বিষয় সংযুক্ত থাকে।
এ বিষয়ে শহীদুল হক বলেন, যতক্ষণ পর্যন্ত আমরা কোনও বৃহৎ শক্তির জোটে যুক্ত না হচ্ছি, এ ধরনের সহযোগিতার কারণে সমস্যা হওয়ার তেমন কোনও কারণ নেই।
শেখ শাহরিয়ার জামান
১৪ এপ্রিল ২০২৪, ২৩:৫৯
বাংলাদেশের পতাকা (ছবি: সংগৃহীত)
অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা ও জটিল ভূ-রাজনৈতিক পরিস্থিতির কারণে বিভিন্ন দেশের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বৃদ্ধিতে আগ্রহী বাংলাদেশ। গত কয়েক বছরে বেশ কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ বিভিন্ন প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা চুক্তি বা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই করেছে। আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে আলোচনা চলছে। সামগ্রিকভাবে জাতীয় স্বার্থকে মাথায় রেখে নিজের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা সাজাতে চায় সরকার।
এ বিষয়ে সাবেক পররাষ্ট্র সচিব ও দিল্লি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বঙ্গবন্ধু চেয়ার মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'একটি দেশের অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধির সঙ্গে সঙ্গে তার প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি পাবে, এটিই স্বাভাবিক। আগে পুরোপুরি অর্থনৈতিক সক্ষমতা অর্জন এবং পরে প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, বিষয়টি এ ধরনের নয়। দুটোই একসঙ্গে হয়ে থাকে।'
উল্লেখ্য, চীন, ভারত, ফ্রান্স, জাপানসহ মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা রয়েছে। এছাড়া আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে এটি নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
প্রতিরক্ষার উদ্দেশ্য
বাংলাদেশের প্রতিরক্ষা ব্যবস্থা নিজেকে রক্ষা করার জন্য এবং অপরকে আক্রমণ করার উদ্দেশ্যে নয়। তবে প্রতিরক্ষা নীতির অন্যতম উদ্দেশ্য হচ্ছে কেউ শক্তি প্রয়োগ করলে বাংলাদেশ সেটি প্রতিহত করবে।
মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, 'আমাদের নীতি হচ্ছে—ডিফেন্সিভ ডিফেন্স (রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা)। দেশের সার্বভৌমত্ব, সম্পদ ও মানুষের মঙ্গলের জন্য, রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি এবং বাংলাদেশ সবসময় নিজেদের উন্নয়নের জন্য রক্ষার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা নীতি অবলম্বন করেছে।'
কোন কোন দেশে আগ্রহ
অনেক আগে থেকেই চীনের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা বজায় রেখেছে বাংলাদেশ। পরবর্তীতে ভারতের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা সমঝোতা স্মারক সই হয়। এরপর আরও কয়েকটি দেশের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা করেছে।
সম্প্রতি উন্নত বিশ্বের ফ্রান্স ও জাপানের সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশ প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতা স্মারক করেছে। এর আগে মধ্যপ্রাচ্যের কুয়েত, কাতার ও সৌদি আরবের সামরিক বাহিনীর সঙ্গে বাংলাদেশের বাহিনীর সমঝোতা রয়েছে।
সম্পাদিত চুক্তির বাইরে ইতালি, যুক্তরাষ্ট্র, যুক্তরাজ্য, নেদারল্যান্ডস, থাইল্যান্ড, তুরস্ক, ব্রাজিলের সঙ্গে প্রতিরক্ষা সহযোগিতা নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে।
এ বিষয়ে মো. শহীদুল হক বলেন, আমাদের নিজেদের প্রয়োজনেই প্রতিরক্ষা সক্ষমতা বাড়াতে হবে। এখানে অন্য দেশগুলো তাদের প্রয়োজনে বাংলাদেশকে সহায়তা করবে বা দেবে।
প্রতিরক্ষা সমঝোতাতে সাধারণত যেসব প্রশিক্ষণ, যৌথ মহড়া, তথ্য আদান-প্রদান, সক্ষমতা বৃদ্ধি, প্রতিনিধিদল আদান-প্রদানসহ অন্যান্য বিষয় সংযুক্ত থাকে।
এ বিষয়ে শহীদুল হক বলেন, যতক্ষণ পর্যন্ত আমরা কোনও বৃহৎ শক্তির জোটে যুক্ত না হচ্ছি, এ ধরনের সহযোগিতার কারণে সমস্যা হওয়ার তেমন কোনও কারণ নেই।
Members Online
No members online now.
