Bangladesh looking to increase defense ties with Pakistan
Bangladesh has expressed its desire
to strengthen defence cooperation with Pakistan, showing particular interest in
acquiring advanced military hardware, including the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
This development underscores the growing ties between the two nations.
According to the Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR), the matter was discussed during the visit of
Bangladesh Armed Forces Principal Staff Officer, Lieutenant General SM Kamrul
Hassan, to Pakistan. During his meeting with Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer
Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, the two leaders discussed
potential defence collaborations, ARY News reported.
The Pakistani Air Chief reaffirmed
Pakistan's commitment to fostering a robust military partnership with
Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities for joint training programs and other
collaborative initiatives. Lt. Gen. Kamrul Hassan commended the Pakistan Air
Force’s innovative projects, advanced technologies, and indigenous development,
expressing specific interest in the JF-17 Thunder jets.
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On Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Hassan also met
with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, at the General
Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The discussions centered on the evolving regional
security environment and possibilities for deepening bilateral military
cooperation. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a resilient defence
partnership, free from external influences.
The Bangladeshi delegation also held
talks with General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of
Staff Committee, at the Joint Staff Headquarters. Both sides agreed on the
critical need for continued collaboration to enhance regional peace, security,
and stability. The ISPR noted their shared commitment to strengthening military
ties and insulating the relationship from external pressures.
This development signals a
significant shift in Bangladesh’s defence policy, as the country’s diplomatic
ties with India—its traditional defence partner—have soured. Following the
ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh’s
interim government, led by Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus, has sought to
cultivate closer ties with Pakistan across social, economic, political, and
military domains.
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The shift reflects Bangladesh’s
changing strategic priorities and highlights its focus on diversifying
partnerships amid a cooling relationship with New Delhi.
Source: https://e2india.com/