Defense Update Bangladesh

In the 1980s Bangladesh Army did not run any main battle tank manufacturing project in home. Some YouTube channel saying that India stopped Bangladesh’s tank project during Lt. Gen. Ershad’s regime. But that’s not true at all. In this video I described and explained the real matter with evidential facts & findings.

Bangladesh Armed Forces has several military agreements with different countries. This video shows a glimpse of those defense pacts Bangladesh has done with her allies.

Bangladesh Army bought 44 Main Battle Tank – 2000 or the MBT-2000 tanks from China in 2011. This battle tank was developed jointly by China & Pakistan Army. It is also known the “Al-Khalid Tank”, named after the 7th century Muslim general Khalid-Ibn al-Walid.  MBT-2000 has a great fire power in contrast with its reduced weight. It can be deployed for nigh fight as it is fitted with the thermal imaging systems. A 125mm smoothbore gun is the main armament of the tank, while a 12.7mm heavy machine gun & a 7.62mm remote operated machine gun are available.

Bangladesh Army and other armed force branches along with the paramilitary forces commissioned highly trained war dogs. Most of the trained dogs being used in the customs, police and RAB forces. But simultaneously, Bangladesh Army raised a squad of the war dogs trained in the country by the local instructors.  These dogs are intelligent, skilled and loyal to their masters in the battle field. BD Army has a detailed regime to train them with the most advanced tactics. Mostly these dog squads are composed of the German Shepherds, trained in the Special Forces training centers.

Bangladesh Army first participated in the International Army games – 2017 in Kazakhstan. In this event BD Army sent a team of 13 contestant and with support personnel. Bangladeshi team took part in the Sniper Frontier Contest only. Kazakhstan secured the first position. Russia-China jointly won the second position. Bangladesh got seventh position well ahead of Indian and Thai army sniper teams which secured positions respectively 11th and 14th. International Army Games is reputed military war game in which best of the best comes to contest in their favorite events. Masters of Artillery Fire, Drone Competition and such many events occurs during this military sports. It is a matter of proud for every Bangladeshi.  Army snipers are considered to be one of the most crucial component of any Special Forces operation. Perfectly trained snipers can create a big difference in any battle by hitting desired targets in desired time. And Bangladesh Army raising a unit of battle snipers...

Bangladesh Army bought a large amount Saab Group’s Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless gun system from Sweden. This is a combat proven weapons system being fielded by the dozens of armies across the globe. Upgraded M4 gun can fire a really wide range of rounds from anti-tank to anti-bunker shells. This is very light and easy to use portable system which will surely increase Bangladesh Army’s field fire power, especially, in the frontier regions.  Saab AB shows Bangladesh is the newer user of this latest weapons system in their infographic. On the other side, there are many reports emerged few months ago that BD Army going to induct some newer and smarter anti-tank guided missiles, guns and rocket systems from eastern and western European countries.  Now Bangladesh can easily challenge myanmar army in the eastern border of the country. Carl-Gustaf M4 guns of Bangladesh posing a serious threat to the burmese side for sure. If generals of the burmse military junta has any adventur...

Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in the EFES-2018 international military exercise organized by the Turkish Military. This time more than 24 countries attended the live fire massive war game. Most of the Muslim countries and other NATO allies included in the combined exercise. Bangladesh Army Paracommando Battalion and Bangladesh Navy SWADS were the participating units. Turkish Navy SAS-SAT helped to form and train Bangladesh Navy special force SWADS. There are very long-history between these two brotherly nation from the Ottoman era.  Turkey recently unequivocally supported Dhaka’s stance on Rohingya issues. Ankara provided financial and other support to Bangladesh to handle huge influx of Rohingya peoples fled from myanmar military’s genocide. According to the sources there are more bilateral military programs going to be help between Bangladesh and Turkey in the coming years.  The form the cooperation between them will be in the military technological sector...

In May 11, Bangladesh and india signed an defense agreement. Under this agreement india will finance Bangladesh’s military purchases. Bilateral military training exchange is also a part of this deal. Although, majority of the Bangladeshis are not happy and furious about this agreement Sheikh hasina government which is not elected forcefully done this.  Navies of both countries are also signed an MoU under which indian GRSE and Bangladesh Navy’s Khulna Shipyard will work together but in which project no clue. Many expert saying that this agreement going to bind Bangladesh for indian approval to buy anything for her armed forces. Patriotic Bangladeshis seeing this agreement as a treachery of the current government.  Everyone knows Bangladesh is the 3rd biggest remittance source of india. Bangladesh does not india’s military support for many reasons. One of the biggest reason is “treason”. India’s hegemonic designs against her neighbors are not hidden anymore. Nepal brok...

Bangladesh military operating various point and short range air defense missile systems. Those systems includes several hundred units of anti-aircraft gun systems, man portable air defense systems and short range surface-to-air missiles. Bangladesh Air Force & Army operating Chinese FM-90B SHORADS while Bangladesh Navy deployed FM-90N naval version.  Within this year BAF will complete induction of the Chinese LY-80E medium-range SAM system into active services. After that other armed services will do same. Due to the tensed geopolitical Bangladesh needs to secured its sky from any external threat. Hence network-centric advanced air defense systems are the most effective solution.

Ramu Cantonment of Bangladesh Army is located in the southern part of Bangladesh at Ukhia, Cox’s Bazaar. This is a new military station which hosts the newly formed 10th Infantry Division. Ramu Cant. is a strategically important base. Currently necessary infrastructure are being built to host various units & brigades.  New recruitments also in place to fulfill the expansion process. Ramu Cant being set up under the Forces Goal – 2030 modernization & expansion program of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. It’ll provide ultimate security to countless of very important civil-military installations and areas in the Chittagong region.

A fresh batch of newly commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army has passed out and took their iron tough oath to protect the country with their life. The passing out parade has been held in the Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground. Chief of Army Staff Gen. Abu Belal Shafiul Haque along with other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Here is the second part of the video:

A fresh batch of newly commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army has passed out and took their iron tough oath to protect the country with their life. The passing out parade has been held in the Bangladesh Military Academy Parade Ground. Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff General Shafiul Haque attended the ceremony. Family members and relatives of the cadets also attended. The ceremony is a common phenomenon when a new batch completes their 3 years long tough military training at BMA.  This is the first part of the full video:

Soldiers of the Bangladesh Army occasionally arranges various entertainment functions. In those programs they dance, sing and do comedy. Here is the first of the compilation.

Bangladesh Army updated their training program with the most modern and advanced procedure. To face the 21st century non-conventional security threats BA keep the soldiers upgraded with toughest military training.

Bangladesh Army’s the East Bengal Regiment Center or EBRC is a soldiers training center. This is the oldest regiment in BD Army.  Here soldiers gets advanced training for modern day land warfare, un-armed combat, character building etc.

Bangladesh Army formed a Riverine Brigade to enhance force’s operational capabilities in marshlands & rivers. Headquarter of this brigade has been established in Mithamain Upazilla of Kishoreganj district.  BD Army has bought 142 Tri-Shark high speed-boats and several other vessels. Among them two landing craft tank, landing craft utility are local made. Another Type C Command vessel also being built in home for army.

Bangladesh participating in the United Nations Peace Support Operations since 1988. Along with the three Armed Forces of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police also actively participating.  There are hundreds of such missions has been successfully completed. Currently almost 6000 soldiers & officers from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force are deployed in 11 UNPKO in 5 countries.

Bangladesh Military Academy is the main training institute for the training of the officer cadets. Officers of the Bangladesh Army gets their training from BMA. Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force cadets also have to participate in a three-month course here for Joint Services Course.  It is located at Bhatiary, in southern port city of Bangladesh, Chittagong.

Bangladesh Army opens the door for women officers & soldiers in 2000. It was a great decision to empower capable Bangladeshi females who wants to be the part of the country’s defenders.  Currently there are many posts and ranks filled by the Bangladeshi women in the Bangladesh Army. This TVC encouraging many young women of Bangladesh to come to join the armed forces services.

Bangladesh and the United States of America enjoys very warm and friendly relations. Both country follow the rules of democracy and upholding world peace. The military of both country, especially, Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army has strong bilateral relation. Both party exchanges training and conduct military drills. Two of U.S. Army officers Major Shawn Kelley & Major Spencer Philips has recently completed their course in the Defence Services Command & Staff College (DSCSC) of Bangladesh Armed Forces in Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.