Top Bangladesh General Meets Pakistan Army Chief After Years, Discuss Bolstering Defence Ties Against 'External Influences'

In a significant move reflecting deepening military cooperation, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, the principal staff officer of Bangladesh's Armed Forces Division and second-in-command of its army, recently met Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad.

This marks the first visit by a top-ranking Bangladeshi army official to Pakistan in years, highlighting a renewed focus on defence engagement between the two nations.

The meeting also included discussions with Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the leaders held extensive deliberations on the evolving security dynamics in South Asia, exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral military ties.

The discussions emphasised the importance of bolstering defence relationships that are "resilient against external influences," a veiled reference to India.

Both generals underscored the need for an enduring partnership to navigate shifting geopolitical challenges in the region.

The visit gains additional significance as Pakistan is set to launch military training programs for the Bangladesh Army on Bangladeshi soil starting February 2025, an initiative signalling closer defence alignment between the two countries.

This engagement comes at a time when South Asia is grappling with rising regional complexities, including security concerns and power dynamics involving larger regional players. It also reflects Bangladesh’s evolving defence strategy and Pakistan’s efforts to expand its influence in the region through military diplomacy.

The visit by Lt Gen Hassan not only reinforces the growing defence ties between Dhaka and Islamabad but also raises questions about the broader geopolitical implications for South Asia’s security framework.