A couple of points:
Firstly, the initial problem lies in recognition of the problem.
As you have stated there appears to be a Pro-India government in BD presently.
But in all fairness they have taken steps that aren't completely in line with Indian interests.
i.e. Chinese submarine buy. i.e. Chinese built submarine base. i.e. not taking them up on their 500 mill carrot.
But who knows what the reality of the situation is.
My argument here is that I believe a BJP led India will pose a threat to Bangladesh in the future.
Not likely with actual military means, but more so intimidation.
I hope BD folks with leadership potential realize this as well.
With that being the assumption lets proceed:
1.2% versus 2% is a difference between 3.8 billion USD and 6.3 billion USD.
I agree with you, in order to field a more capable armed forces BD has to increase its absolute spending.
But also do it in an efficient manner. (Impossible, I know because its Bangladesh and corruption is a given)
But lets say you have another 2.5 billion annually from 2020 on to play with.
You can buy or invest a significant amount into your military.
For me, I would buy off the shelf immediately and get a stronger culture underway.
At the same time develop whats needed for in house weapons development and manufacturing.
JV with China, Turkey, Indonesia etc.
I do believe some steps like this are underway but the other BD members here have more specific info on it.
But its essential to change the culture and threat perceptions of the country's population and armed forces.
In terms of what I would do:
A specific example would be the BAF. I would make the investments needed to field a Western system and buy a Western fighter at this point. And increase training standards to effectively utilize it. My goal would be to get up to a level where BD can participate meaningfully in international exercises. But Western is very expensive. So field a Chinese type for the numbers.
As a side note, it's super intriguing what the BAF is thinking right now.
Similar approach to the other branches.
i.e. 2 old Chinese subs have already been bought. And reportedly the Chinese are going to build a dedicated sub base. Perhaps more new builds are being procured.
i.e. There is an "indigenous" Frigate program. 6 examples at some point. Chinese or European based.
i.e. BD seems to be buying some helicopters from Europe.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-s...a-sales-under-new-business-plan-idUKKBN1FP0TM
i.e. The 5 ex-RAF C-130J that have been bought.
https://www.janes.com/article/90032...e-surplus-uk-c-130j-airlifters-by-end-of-year
I would say acquire a mix of Western and Chinese weapons.
Become less reliant on India versus China dynamic.
Diversify politically into relationships with Japan, UK, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and yes the US.
Lean towards China but not all the way.
I would say BD and PK should become closer.
If not allies then certainly much more cordial, and develop military ties.
It doesn't take a genius to see a BJP India as a threat for BOTH nations.
Keep India on edge. Three fronts are worse than 2.
Bangladesh however, is challenged geographically, so there is a limit to any over animosity it can show towards India.
Keep in mind, its probably unlikely for their to ever be actual conflict with India in the future.
However, there is certainly going to be intimidation if BD does not have a capable military AND the political
orientation in place to respond to such intimidation by India.
