Bangladesh and Pakistan Revive Military Ties Through High-Level Defense Cooperation Initiatives

Bangladesh and Pakistan are rapidly strengthening their bilateral relations through numerous high-level military, diplomatic, and political exchanges, despite the troubled history between the two nations dating back to Pakistan's atrocities during Bangladesh's 1971 liberation struggle.

This strategic shift is occurring under the leadership of Bangladesh's Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who appears to be redirecting the country's foreign policy away from India, Bangladesh's largest neighboring country with which it shares almost its entire land border.

A significant delegation from Pakistan's military production sector, led by Lieutenant General Shakir Ullah Khattak, Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), met with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman in Dhaka on Sunday. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh Army, they discussed "various prospects for defence cooperation between two countries" during this courtesy call.

Heavy Industries Taxila, established in 1971, represents one of Pakistan's largest defense manufacturing complexes and military industrial facilities.

The two nations are also enhancing their defense collaboration through training programs. Bangladesh is seeking Pakistan's assistance in training fighter pilots and technical staff, marking the first formal military-aviation training exchange between these South Asian countries. Senior military officials in Bangladesh have described this as a diversification of the country's security interests and a move away from traditional military training ties with India.

These developments indicate a significant recalibration of Bangladesh's defense strategy. For Pakistan, gaining access to military facilities in Bangladesh potentially provides strategic advantages, including the possibility of two-front capabilities in any future conflict with India.

Bangladesh's plans to reactivate its Lalmonirhat air base, situated merely 20 kilometers from India's West Bengal border near Cooch Behar district, has raised strategic concerns. The base's proximity to India's strategically vital Siliguri Corridor (commonly referred to as the "Chicken's Neck") has heightened these apprehensions, particularly given certain statements from high-ranking Bangladesh officials.

The current delegation visit represents the second high-profile Pakistani military delegation to Bangladesh within a month. Previously, on October 26, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. Their discussions encompassed bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and defense cooperation.

During that meeting, General Mirza expressed Pakistan's desire to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, noting that "Our two countries will support each other." He also mentioned that a shipping route between Karachi and Chittagong ports had already commenced operations, with plans for a Dhaka-Karachi air route expected within months.

Earlier this year, in January, senior officials from Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, including Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, Director General of Analysis, visited Bangladesh.

Furthermore, Pakistan's Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf held discussions with Bangladesh's Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and his counterpart Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan last month to enhance bilateral defense ties. These meetings focused on strengthening military cooperation, improving capabilities, and expanding collaboration through training programs, seminars, and official visits.

The two countries also participated together in the joint military exercise AMAN, conducted in Karachi and the North Arabian Sea in February 2025, further cementing their growing military relationship.