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Last month, Pakistani ISI’s Director General of Analysis Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar and other senior officials visited Dhaka
Bangladesh’s navy plans to induct 16 new warships by 2030. Pakistan’s offer of joint training and technology transfers is another agenda item. Representational image/X
Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff of Bangladesh, called on General Syed Asim, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. During this second high-level visit by the Bangladesh armed forces in recent days, both dignitaries engaged in discussions on matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Last month, Pakistani ISI’s Director General of Analysis Maj Gen Shahid Amir Afsar and other senior officials visited Dhaka.
Admiral Hassan commended Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional peace and stability and, in particular, appreciated the holding of the upcoming Multinational Maritime Exercise Aman 2025 and the conduct of the Aman Dialogue. He also acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ pivotal role in fostering peace and stability in the region.
Top Indian intelligence sources pointed out that this marks the second senior military delegation exchange in six months, signalling deepening defence ties between the two countries.
This has strategic implications as Bangladesh’s military has sourced 72% of its arms from China.
Closer Pakistan ties could amplify Beijing’s influence, given the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port links.
Bangladesh’s navy plans to induct 16 new warships by 2030. Pakistan’s offer of joint training and technology transfers is another agenda item.
In ongoing internal tension, Dhaka may seek Islamabad’s diplomatic backing amid Western pressure.
Another reason for increasing cooperation is to seek regional support to address the Rohingya crisis. Pakistan abstained from UN voting condemning Myanmar in 2023.
Bangladesh wants options beyond its traditional partners, the sources said.
