Why does Bangladesh feel the need to increase its military strength?

New Delhi: There is a visible restlessness regarding the increase of military power in Bangladesh. There have been several meetings recently between representatives of the Bangladeshi army and government with China and Pakistan for weapons. The most interesting development in this context occurred just before the visit of Mohammad Yunus, the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, to China. Before Yunus’s trip to Beijing, four Chinese citizens met with officials from the Bangladeshi army. This meeting was regarding the purchase of weapons detection radars. Additionally, the Bangladeshi army has also decided to go to Pakistan to upgrade old tanks. The efforts to accelerate Bangladesh’s military preparations have raised several questions.

Why does Bangladesh feel the need to hastily increase its military strength?

According to a report by Northeast News, five days before Mohammad Yunus’s trip to China on March 26, the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence) granted security clearance to four Chinese nationals. This allowed them to hold meetings regarding plans to purchase weapon-locating radars with Bangladeshi army officials.

It is believed that these individuals were representing China North Industries Group Corporation Limited or Norinco. The meeting took place at the multi-purpose complex of the Bangladesh Army in Dhaka Cantonment. Documents reveal that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss an arms detection radar system (Model: SLC-2). A month before the meeting in Dhaka with the Chinese, on February 25, the Bangladesh Army headquarters sent an office order related to the visit of seven Bangladeshi Army officers to Taxila, Pakistan.

This pertains to the upgrading of 98 battle tanks at Margalla Heavy Industries Limited. Reportedly, a ‘special team’ of officers visited Margalla Heavy Industries Limited between March 2 and 7 to oversee the upgrades of 40 T-59 KMK and 58 T-69G tanks. Now, the Bangladesh Army will visit the company in Taxila by April 30.

Northeast News has learned from some documents that the Defense Wing of the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka invited the Bangladesh Army to visit Taxila. Following this, a seven-member team of the Bangladesh Army, led by Brigadier General Khairul Islam, visited the Margalla Heavy Industries Limited in the Taxila complex. Documents also indicate the purchase of new tanks. It has been said that upgrading two tanks will significantly enhance their modernization and combat readiness.




LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here