US keen to assist in modernizing Bangladesh armed forces

[F-6 enthusiast]

The United States (US) is keen to assist in modernization of Bangladesh's armed forces while Dhaka and Washington agreed to continue discussion over sanction on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as two countries concluded eight round of security dialogue, reports BSS.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Ambassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins led their respective delegations at the daylong dialogue held in Washington DC on Wednesday, a foreign ministry press release said on Thursday.

During the meeting at the US Department of State, the two sides had constructive discussions on defence agreements like General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) which are "foundational agreements" meant to strengthen defence relationship between the two countries.

Bangladesh side raised deep concern regarding the sanctions on RAB and some of its current and former officials, and urged the US side to reconsider the decision.

Bangladesh delegation highlighted RAB's pivotal role in Bangladesh's fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes and also elaborated on how the sanctions on RAB is unjustified as the personnel do not enjoy any impunity.

The two sides discussed detailed the issue and agreed to continue discussion in this regard.

Bangladesh foreign secretary stated that Dhaka deeply values its partnership with the Washington while the US delegation appreciated strong ties between the two countries which is well reflected in the regular dialogues.

The US side praised Bangladesh's successes and leadership in UN Peacekeeping Operations.

The US delegation observed that, after 50 years of the independence, Bangladesh has emerged as a responsible country and taking part in resolving global crises and problems.

Two countries agreed to continue robust cooperation in counterterrorism and transnational crimes while the US side assured about its continued support in building law enforcement and prosecutorial capacity as well as in countering violent extremism in Bangladesh.

The dialogue also covered areas like cooperation in military training, maritime security and capacity development, regional issues like Rohingya, Indo-Pacific, and civilian security cooperation.

On Indo-Pacific Strategy, fruitful discussion took place, and Bangladesh expressed support to inclusive socio-economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.

Regarding Rohingya issue, the US highly praised Bangladesh's role, and gave a big thank and committed to continuing all possible support.

Bangladesh appreciated the determination by the US of the genocide against Rohingyas, and urged the US side to take follow up measures.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in aviation safety, with the view to early resumption of Dhaka New York Direct flight.

Bangladesh appreciated the robust support received from the US in terms of COVID-19 vaccines.

The next Security Dialogue would be held next year in Dhaka.


Bangladesh delegation was also comprised of Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md. Golam Sarwar, among others.

The US Side was represented by, among others, Assistant Secretary Jessica Lewis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelley Keiderling.

Later, the Bangladesh foreign secretary and AFD's PSO also held a separate meeting with the US Under Secretary.

US keen to assist in modernizing Bangladesh armed forces

The United States (US) is keen to assist in modernization of Bangladesh`s armed forces while Dhaka and Washington agreed to...

www.jagonews24.com

 

[UKBengali]

No, no, no.

There is nothing that BD needs from the US in the military field.

BD needs weapons from China, EU and Turkey.

US weapons come with too many strings attached and BD does not want this chain on it.

 

[Samurai_assassin]

No, no, no.

There is nothing that BD needs from the US in the military field.

BD needs weapons from China, EU and Turkey.

US weapons come with too many strings attached and BD does not want this chain on it.

Correct, keep well away from the yanks. They are an exceptionally dangerous power hungry corporate war machine.

 

[Avicenna]

No, no, no.

There is nothing that BD needs from the US in the military field.

BD needs weapons from China, EU and Turkey.

US weapons come with too many strings attached and BD does not want this chain on it.

Agree.

But consider this.

Access to US training is a game changer for Bangladesh's capability.

It's a double edged sword of course.

But something to consider.

 

[UKBengali]

Agree.

But consider this.

Access to US training is a game changer for Bangladesh's capability.

It's a double edged sword of course.

But something to consider.

BAF can be fully trained by the RAF if it buys Typhoons.

It can then pit itself against friendly nations like Turkey and maybe one day Pakistan once Hasina is finally gone to hone it's skills further.

Buying major weapons systems from USAF mean you have to align your foreign policy to their dictats. BD cannot go down this route.

 

[Trango Towers]

Why what's in it for America?

 

[leonblack08]

Why what's in it for America?

A base in St. Martin's island in Bay of Bengal to tighten the grip on China.

 

[Avicenna]

Why what's in it for America?

This should tell you alot.

@leonblack08

 

[Valar.]

A base in St. Martin's island in Bay of Bengal to tighten the grip on China.

If it's related to Malacca strait, shouldn't Andaman/Nicobar islands work better?

 

[Avicenna]

If it's related to Malacca strait, shouldn't Andaman/Nicobar islands work better?

Theoretically.

But India wouldn't allow a US base ever.

And things shifting in regards to the relationship between US/China/Russia/India, especially after Ukraine.

 

[bdslph]

simple look what they did to Pakistan and how they treat them

remember USA has no principals

 

[serenity]

Just make sure they don't put biolabs in Bangladesh to develop localized bioweapons that will be aimed at either or both India and China. Even military bases of small scale is whatever, they can easily be taken out by SRBM and even long range artillery types but biolabs is a different matter.

Usually the US pays off just the people they need to and pass laws within a country secretly. The underhanded methods go as far as economic accounting. The closer one gets to the US, the more they wonder where all their economic development went and money. China is probably not that much different in terms of economic benefits from cooperation etc and many aspects more hidden from the general public but the politics is less forceful than the US. Anyway economics is one thing as long as there's real benefits for both sides but military bases and "facilities" is not good news.

I bet even India would be watching the US closely with this stuff.

 

[Foinikas]

Agree.

But consider this.

Access to US training is a game changer for Bangladesh's capability.

It's a double edged sword of course.

But something to consider.

Interesting point. But they will keep trying to sell equipment to Bangladesh.
They might try to sell them aircraft and vehicles.

 

[bluesky]

Bangladesh delegation highlighted RAB's pivotal role in Bangladesh's fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes and also elaborated on how the sanctions on RAB is unjustified as the personnel do not enjoy any impunity.

No, RAB kills political opposition people at the dead of the night and call it cross-fire, a BD style of subduing anti-BAL people.

On the other hand, RAB and Police uses this cross-fire permission from that Namrudi Begum to extort money from the families of the disappearance victims.

No extortion money means killing by cross-fire while under the RAB or Police custody. Now, there is no RAB/ Police killing after the USA imposed sanctions.

No way, the USA should withdraw sanctions on the criminals.

 

[Bilal9]

Guys the US has Diego Garcia as a base in the Indian Ocean Southward of the tip of India.

They don't need a base in Bangladesh.