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

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশের সশস্ত্র বাহিনীর আধুনিকায়নে কাজ করতে চায় ইতালি

 

[Saif]

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/bangladesh-seeks-new-supply-of-ammo-from-pakistan/

Bangladesh seeks new supply of ammo from Pakistan
Numbers far greater than before
Ajay Banerjee
Updated At : 09:03 AM Aug 25, 2024 IST

Muhammad Yunus. Reuters file photo

New Delhi, August 24

Just three weeks after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and a new interim government was installed, Dhaka has ordered for fresh supply of artillery ammunition from Pakistan.

Sources in the security establishment said the Indian Government had been informed of the development and added that the order from Bangladesh was for thousands of rounds of ammunition to be delivered in three tranches, starting September.

The order was placed just days after Hasina quit. This is not the first time that Pakistan is supplying ammunition to Bangladesh. However, the numbers are far greater than usual. The ammunition is to be used in artillery guns that can fire at targets between 30 kms and 35 km.

Bangladesh is surrounded on three sides by India and on its fourth side is the Bay of Bengal, often forcing New Delhi to question, where Bangladesh army intends to use the ammunition. On its part, the export division of the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) board has sent out the list of order to all its factories for ramping up production.

The details of military exports to Bangladesh from Pakistan are mentioned in a letter sent from POF to Managing Directors of various divisions at Havelian, Sanjwal and Gadwal. The export is to be carried out in three shipments starting 1st week of September and ending in December.

This includes more than 40,000 rounds of ammunition, 40 tonnes of RDX in wax consistency for explosives and projectiles of high intensity, 2900 in number. The previous order in early 2023 was for 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

The Indian security agencies opine that the protests in Bangladesh leading to ouster of PM Sheikh Hasina on August 5 were supported by Jamaat-e-Islami in conjunction with Pakistan and Chinese intelligence agencies.

The role of Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, in converting protests over quotas into efforts to establish a regime favourable to Pakistan and China, undermining the previously installed Awami League government, has not been ruled out in the information provided by security agencies to the Indian Government.​

 

[Saif]

 

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/361833/bangladesh-seeks-more-defence-cooperation-from

Bangladesh seeks more defence cooperation from China
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain also sought China's support for resolving the Rohingya crisis
Nurul Islam HasibNurul Islam Hasib
Publish : 14 Oct 2024, 04:40 PMUpdate : 14 Oct 2024, 04:40 PM

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has sought more defence sector cooperation from Beijing, saying Chinese training has increased Bangladesh's UN peacekeeping capabilities.

"We have very important defence cooperation between China and Bangladesh. China is a major supplier of our defence equipment. And the modernization of our military services that we are looking forward to, I think we need a lot of cooperation in this respect from China," he said while speaking at a seminar on Bangladesh-China relations Monday.

Another area he mentioned is cooperation in personnel training.

"We have very deep defence training cooperation and this needs to continue and be enhanced, if possible," the adviser said, adding: "Cooperation with China also increased our capability in participation in UN peacekeeping operations which are important for our country."

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and experts from both sides spoke at the seminar organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in collaboration with the Centre for China Studies, DU.

The foreign adviser said that it is likely that the post-revolution trajectory of Bangladesh and its future relations with China might be influenced by various factors, including Bangladesh's political stability as well as the changing dynamics of regional and global politics.

Rohingya crisis

The adviser also sought China's support for resolving the Rohingya crisis. He particularly mentioned Chinese influence in Myanmar while seeking Beijing's "active role" in this regard.

"We know China has been cooperating with us for their return. The only solution to the problem is their return to their homeland. There is also a tripartite mechanism. We all know China has a lot of influence in Myanmar. Let us accept the realities. We look forward to China's more active role in their return," he said.​

 

[Bilal9]

Chinese naval fleet makes historic visit to Bangladesh​

The visit holds significant importance for deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation
https://www.dhakatribune.com/361672


Photo: Courtesy
Nurul Islam Hasib
Publish : 12 Oct 2024, 08:04 PM
Update : 12 Oct 2024, 08:04 PM
Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan arrived at Chittagong Port on Saturday, starting a goodwill visit to Bangladesh.

Yao Wen, ambassador of China to Bangladesh, welcomed the training fleet at the Port.

This visit marks the first occasion in four years since the Chinese naval fleet last visited Bangladesh, and it is the first foreign naval fleet to visit since the establishment of Bangladesh interim government, the Chinese Embassy said.

Diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, representatives from enterprises and Confucius Institute, and overseas Chinese, attended the welcoming ceremony.

“The visit holds significant importance for deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation,” the embassy said.

Ambassador Yao Wen said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.

“No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he reiterated.

The Chinese PLAN Task Group 83 berthed at Chittagong Port in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The Chinese waved the national flags of China and Bangladesh with great enthusiasm, extended high tribute to the Chinese Navy, and wished for a long live China-Bangladesh friendship.

During the fleet’s four-day goodwill visit, a series of events will take place, including bilateral meetings, ship open days, and deck reception, to enhance China and Bangladesh Navy cooperation and mutual trust, and contribute to the building of a maritime community of shared future, the embassy said.

The ambassador and the commanders of the Chinese naval fleet called on Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority.

The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation.

Both parties conveyed their strong confidence in the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening defense and security cooperation.

“China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height,” the embassy said.

 

[Saif]

Visa facilitation, defence ties stressed in army chief's meetings with Canadian side

Bangladesh and Canada have discussed ways to explore new horizons for enhancing the bilateral relationship in multifarious aspects

www.thedailystar.net

Visa facilitation, defence ties stressed in army chief's meetings with Canadian side

Photo: Courtesy/UNB

Bangladesh and Canada have discussed ways to explore new horizons for enhancing the bilateral relationship in multifarious aspects.

Bangladesh highlighted the importance of "facilitating and expediting" student visas for Bangladeshi students as well as visas for both serving and former military officials.

The discussions also paved the way for "enhanced" defence cooperation, particularly in expanding training exchanges between military institutions.

The issues were discussed during Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General Waker-Uz-Zaman's visit to Canada.

He was received by Ajit Singh, director of the Privy Council Office of Canada and High Commissioner-designate of Canada to Bangladesh, upon his arrival in Ottawa on October 23.

Both the army chief and the high commissioner-designate discussed addressing visa-related issues for all Bangladeshi citizens.

During the visit, the army chief met with Lieutenant-General Stephen R Kelsey, vice chief of the Defence Staff of Canada, and Salma Zahid, vice-chair of the Canada-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, in Ottawa.

Salma Zahid met with Waker-Uz-Zaman on October 23 and discussed areas of mutual interests.

In particular, the army chief highlighted the importance of facilitating and expediting student visas for Bangladeshis as well as visas for both serving and former military officials.

He highlighted the interim government's priority of youth development and sought Canada's assistance in this regard by facilitating more student visas citing the mutual benefits for both the countries.

Salma Zahid acknowledged the challenges in this regard due to Canada's existing housing shortage.

She encouraged Bangladeshi students to apply to designated institutions in Canada for expeditious visa processing and reaffirmed her commitment to finding solutions to address the current limitations on foreign student admissions.

The exploration of joint collaboration in educational exchange programmes and the potential signing of an MoU between Canadian and Bangladeshi universities were also discussed.

In addition, they discussed opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and infrastructure development.

In a separate meeting with Lieutenant-General Kelsey, Waker-Uz-Zaman advocated for streamlining visa processing for both serving and retired Bangladeshi military personnel.

He emphasised the need for a systematic approach for visa issuance and proposed to address individual cases if there are queries through bilateral consultations without generalising or stereotyping, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in Canada.​

 

[Saif]

ঢাকায় সামরিক সফরে মার্কিন প্রতিনিধিদল

 

[Saif]

Deputy Commander of US Indo-Pacific calls on army chief

A delegation led by deputy commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Lt Gen Joshua M Rudd yesterday paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman at Army Headquarters

www.thedailystar.net

Deputy Commander of US Indo-Pacific calls on army chief

Photo: BSS

A delegation led by deputy commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Lt Gen Joshua M Rudd yesterday paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman at Army Headquarters.

During the meeting, they discussed the existing good relations between the two countries and various issues of cooperation for future progress, said an ISPR release.

The army chief also thanked Joshua for meeting with him.​

 

[Saif]

Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties Soar as Arms Trade Gains Momentum

 

[Saif]

Trump 2.0 and the future of Bangladesh-US defence relations

The Bay of Bengal holds a great strategic value as about half of the world's container traffic passes through this region, and its seaports handle around one-third of world trade.

www.thedailystar.net

Trump 2.0 and the future of Bangladesh-US defence relations

Former US President and President-elect Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan on June 29, 2019. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Two months away from his second inauguration, Donald Trump aspires to be more protectionist to "Make America Great Again" this time. In his previous term, Trump declared the Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2019, citing this region as "the single most consequential region for America's future."

With the recent change in the administration in Bangladesh and the upcoming change in the United States, there is a growing need for reassessing the Bangladesh-US defence relations from a critical perspective. In the forthcoming years, the Indo-Pacific Strategy will be a key cornerstone for the US in engaging with Indo-Pacific nations. Hence, it has become imperative to look into and analyse what kind of defence ties may evolve between the two countries and why Bangladesh may face a dilemma while hedging between the US and China to maintain the ties under the second Trump presidency.

Before deep-diving into the defence dynamics, we must take a look at why Bangladesh is an inevitable player for the global powers in the region. Regarding the Indo-Pacific geopolitics, Bangladesh is deemed a strategic linchpin due to its crucial location that connects South Asia with Southeast Asia. Its geographic location in the heart of the Bay of Bengal region has turned it from a mere regional player to a vital strategic partner for major global powers—the US, the United Kingdom and Japan.

The Bay of Bengal holds a great strategic value as about half of the world's container traffic passes through this region, and its seaports handle around one-third of world trade. It is a major part of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which sees 80 percent of the global maritime oil shipments. A pronounced control over 118,813 square kilometres of the Bay, decisively affirmed through the rulings by the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), complements the significance accorded to Bangladesh as an inevitable player in the region.

Bangladesh's Indo-Pacific Outlook, unveiled in April 2023, echoes the country's nuanced approach to regional politics. The country champions an all-inclusive approach, accentuating regional cooperation and stability over strategic competition. Bangladesh is also projected to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2040, sitting at the intersection of major global markets with massive potential. Yet, per the World Bank data, it loses $1 billion annually due to tropical cyclones alone, and may lose one-third of its agricultural GDP by 2050 due to the impacts of climate change.

However, in the context of US-China rivalry in the region, the second Trump administration is expected to be more assertive. Analysts argue that among other issues, keeping China under pressure in the Indo-Pacific region will be one of the core geopolitical goals of Trump. In this respect, while evading the conflicts, Bangladesh must be cautious in stepping forward if it wants to exploit the geopolitical gains.

For five decades, Bangladesh and the US have enjoyed unfeigned defence relations and worked on a wide array of security issues, including maritime security, border security, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, defence purchase, and defence capability building. In recent times, the countries have developed a trustworthy relationship that is founded on shared values regarding a free and open Indo-Pacific. According to the US Department of State, Bangladesh has received $78.45 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and $14.5 million in International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance since 2014. With the US's assistance, Bangladesh has acquired patrol boats for its army, navy and coast guard, as well as mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles for international peacekeeping missions. In two phases, Bangladesh received 50 MRAPs under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme in 2019 to provide additional safety to its peacekeeping troops in Mali. Additionally, the US Army delivered 46 additional MRAPs with 11 mine rollers to Bangladesh in 2021.

Bangladesh also received two Hamilton-class cutters previously owned by the US Coast Guard under the EDA programme in 2013 and 2015. These naval assets are playing a crucial role in providing security to Bangladesh's maritime territory and ensuring safe passage for foreign vessels. In FY2021, the US approved the permanent export of over $14 million in defence articles to Bangladesh under the Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) mechanism. The items include aircraft, assault rifles, military electronics, ground vehicles, and fire control, laser, imaging and guidance equipment for the military.

Under the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the US has contributed nearly $44 million since 2005 to support training and equipment upgrades to improve Bangladesh's peacekeeping capabilities. Besides, the countries have been participating in security dialogues and joint exercises like Exercise Tiger Shark, CARAT, Exercise Shanti Doot, and Exercise Pacific Angel for years. These joint initiatives aim to expand partnerships in humanitarian and security aspects between the two countries and the region.

Despite numerous sectors of cooperation between Bangladesh and the US, there have been concerns regarding the former country's state of democracy and human rights during the Sheikh Hasina regime. However, Bangladesh has embarked on a new journey towards democracy and prosperity following the fall of the Hasina regime as the result of a student-led mass uprising in July 2024.

Conversely, the change in the US administration may corner Bangladesh to limit its military ties with China, which supplies most of its defence equipment. During Trump's first tenure, the US tried to use defence diplomacy to "woo" Bangladesh away from China. The US Secretary of Defence at the time, Mark Esper phoned former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, proposing to help modernise Bangladesh's military by 2030. The US offered Apache attack helicopters and missiles during that time. However, no major arms sales deal was formalised during Trump's first tenure. Bangladesh abandoned arms purchases from the US due to its stringent policies attached to arms use under the ACSA and GSOMIA agreements.

There is a strong possibility of the revival of talks between the two countries during the second Trump presidency, possibly including the signing of these agreements. However, Bangladesh may not opt for expensive US defence equipment to avoid increasing the burden on its plunging foreign exchange reserves.

The acquisition of two Hamilton-class cutters in 2013 and 2015 and the authorisation of over $14 million in defence articles to Bangladesh through DCS in FY2021 demonstrates the US's commitment to the military modernisation of Bangladesh. Yet, in the context of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, this defence rapport is palpable to be more complex in the coming days. Bangladesh's strategic hedging between the US and China has become increasingly precarious. Its hefty reliance on Chinese military equipment could be a ground of contention with the Trump administration, which is likely to be confrontational against China this time.

However, the success of future defence relations will widely depend on how these countries manage the competing priorities. For Bangladesh, upholding strategic autonomy while benefiting from US military cooperation without alienating China is going to be an arduous challenge. For the US, on the other hand, the challenge lies in offering attractive defence partnerships that acknowledge Bangladesh's strategic concerns and economic constraints.

Kawsar Uddin Mahmud is a researcher at KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).

Md Sakib Hossain is political and international relations analyst.​

 

[Saif]

A rare encounter as Pakistan and Bangladesh's top generals meet ​

 

[Saif]

The Singaporean ambassador meets the chief of staff of Bangladesh army General Waker Uz Zaman to express Singapore's willingness to sell various military hardware to Bangladesh. Right now, Singapore sells heavy machinegun and automatic grenade launcher to Bangladesh.

 

[Vsdoc]

Why are you posting in red?

Are you on your period?

 

[Saif]

Why are you posting in red?

Are you on your period?

It's blue now.

 

[Bilal9]

Why are you posting in red?

Are you on your period?

Please no gender-biased posts in poor taste. SMH...

 

[Bilal9]

The Singaporean ambassador meets the chief of staff of Bangladesh army General Waker Uz Zaman to express Singapore's willingness to sell various military hardware to Bangladesh. Right now, Singapore sells heavy machinegun and automatic grenade launcher to Bangladesh.

I believe we bought some portable lightweight howitzers from them...

"The Bangladesh Army has ordered the Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus, a 155mm self-propelled artillery piece that is air-transportable and designed for rapid deployment. This acquisition aims to enhance the army's long-range firepower capabilities."

 

[Saif]

I believe we bought some portable lightweight howitzers from them...

"The Bangladesh Army has ordered the Singapore Light Weight Howitzer (SLWH) Pegasus, a 155mm self-propelled artillery piece that is air-transportable and designed for rapid deployment. This acquisition aims to enhance the army's long-range firepower capabilities."

View attachment 11552

Is the picture taken from Singapore or Bangladesh?

 

[Bilal9]

Is the picture taken from Singapore or Bangladesh?

Singapore I believe. There are Bangladeshi ones too maybe, I will look.

 

[Saif]

Pakistan, Bangladesh underscore importance of stronger defence ties

COAS reiterates significance of joint efforts to promote peace.Lt Gen Hassan commends professionalism of Pakistan Army.Both sides explore further avenues for enhancing military ties.

www.geo.tv

Pakistan, Bangladesh underscore importance of stronger defence ties
Gen Asim Munir, Lt Gen S M Hassan hold extensive discussions on evolving security dynamics in region
January 14, 2025

Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan (left) meets Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi on January 14, 2025. — ISPR
​

• COAS reiterates significance of joint efforts to promote peace.​
• Lt Gen Hassan commends professionalism of Pakistan Army.​
• Both sides explore further avenues for enhancing military ties.​

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lt Gen S M Kamr-ul-Hassan on Tuesday underscored the importance of a stronger defence relationship, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.

During their meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, both the sides emphasised that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient against external influences, read a statement issued by the military’s media affairs wing.

The ISPR said that both sides held extensive discussions on the evolving security dynamics in the region and explored further avenues for enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

The COAS reiterated the significance of joint efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the broader region, while ensuring that both nations continue to contribute to regional security through collaborative defence initiatives.

Lt Gen Hassan commended the exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Army and acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces in their relentless fight against terrorism, noting that their efforts serve as a beacon of courage and determination.

Pak-Bangladesh relations took a new turn after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who had cordial ties with India, from office last year. Hasina, 77, fled a revolution in August 2024 to India.

Dhaka's ties with New Delhi have frayed after a student-led revolution toppled Hasina, who had the backing of India and now lives there in exile.

Last month, Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus said he had "agreed to strengthen relations" with Pakistan after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the sidelines of a conference in Egypt.

PM Shehbaz said he had a "warm and cordial exchange" with Yunus.

"Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration," he said on social media platform X.

Both "agreed to strengthen relations between the two countries through increased trade, commerce, and exchange of sports and cultural delegations" according to a statement from Yunus' office.

In November, the first cargo ship in decades to sail directly from Pakistan to Bangladesh successfully unloaded its containers in the port of Chittagong.

The leaders were taking part in a Cairo summit of eight Muslim-majority countries, the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation.​

 

[Saif]

Some pics of the recent visit of Bangladesh army delegation to Pakistan.