Army chief returns from Qatar visit focused on defence, job cooperation

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman returned home today after wrapping up an official visit to Qatar, which focused on strengthening military cooperation and expanding employment opportunities for retired Bangladesh Army personnel.

During the visit, General Waker held meetings with top civil and military officials of Qatar, including the deputy prime minister and minister of state for defence affairs, the minister of state for interior affairs, the chief of staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, and the deputy commander of the Internal Security Forces (Lekhwiya).

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) disclosed the updates in a press statement.

On May 3, the army chief paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee. They discussed cooperation between the Olympic committees of both countries, sports-related training, bilateral relations, and the possibility of establishing an Olympic Village in Bangladesh.

The following day, General Waker met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al Thani.

Discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, developing the defence industry, and exchanging skilled manpower.

He also met Lt Gen Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, chief of staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, to discuss joint training initiatives, the exchange of trainees between military institutions, and employment opportunities in Qatar for retired Bangladesh Army personnel.

The army chief had departed Dhaka for the official visit on May 3, the release added.