Bangladesh, US to hold defence dialogue on Aug 23, 24 in Dhaka

The US and Bangladesh will hold a defence dialogue on August 23-24 in Dhaka as the two countries seek to strengthen security cooperation in the changed geopolitical landscape.

Brig Gen Thomas J James, director of strategic planning and policy of the US Indo-Pacific Command, will lead the US side and Brig Gen Husain Muhammad Masihur Rahman, director general at the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, will lead the Bangladesh side.

According to diplomatic sources, security environment in the Indo-Pacific, military cooperation, training, countering terrorism, humanitarian and disaster management would be some of the issues discussed in the meeting.

The meeting comes as Washington has ratcheted up its efforts to deepen engagement with Bangladesh in the areas of democracy, human rights, trade and investment and regional security.

Over the last months, a series of US delegations visited Bangladesh, and Washington is calling for a free and fair election in Bangladesh.

Earlier, US officials said they want Bangladesh to be on its side over the Russia-Ukraine war, while also seeking to sign Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), the foundational agreements meant to strengthen defence relationship between two countries.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen last week said Dhaka is not likely to sign any defence agreements before the elections as the development needs were the priorities of the government now.