Bangladesh is set to receive a substantial shipment of defence materials from Pakistan in a move that could significantly alter the regional balance of power and influence. The defence deal, which is scheduled to be executed in three phases starting from September and concluding by December 2024, includes an extensive array of military supplies: 40,000 rounds of ammunition, 2,000 units of tank ammunition, 40 tons of RDX explosive in wax consistency, and 2,900 high-intensity projectiles. This marks a substantial increase from previous orders, signaling a notable enhancement in Bangladesh’s defence capabilities under its new leadership.
The defence materials will be delivered by Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), a state-owned defence contractor, with the details of the shipment outlined in a letter from POF’s General Manager of Exports. The correspondence was addressed to the Managing Directors of various POF divisions, including Havelian, Sanjwal, and Gadwal, confirming the scale and specifics of the defence supplies.
This defence transaction is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader strategy by Bangladesh’s interim government to strengthen its military capabilities. The increased volume of this year’s shipment, compared to the previous year’s relatively modest order of 12,000 rounds of ammunition, indicates a clear intent to bolster the nation’s defence readiness. The decision to source these materials from Pakistan, a country with which Bangladesh has had historically complex relations, adds a layer of geopolitical intrigue to the transaction.
The defence deal comes at a time of significant political transition in Bangladesh. The country has only recently begun to stabilise after a tumultuous period marked by widespread protests, violent clashes, and the high-profile resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled the country for 15 years. The unrest, which began in early July 2024, was initially sparked by grievances over quota reforms but quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. The protests, led by various opposition groups, including the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), ultimately led to Hasina’s departure on August 5, 2024.
Sheikh Hasina’s departure marked the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. Her tenure was characterised by economic growth and infrastructural development but also by allegations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. The protests that ousted her were fueled by a combination of public discontent over economic disparities, corruption, and perceived encroachments on civil liberties.
In the wake of her departure, an interim government was swiftly established, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, a globally respected figure for his pioneering work in microfinance, is seen as a unifying leader capable of steering Bangladesh through this period of instability. His appointment has been welcomed both domestically and internationally, with many hoping that his leadership will restore confidence and bring much-needed reforms to the country’s political and economic systems.
The change in leadership in Dhaka has been met with cautious optimism in Islamabad. Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan had been strained throughout Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, largely due to historical grievances dating back to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and Hasina’s pro-India stance. However, the ascension of Muhammad Yunus as interim leader has opened the door to a potential reset in bilateral relations.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has extended an olive branch to the new government in Dhaka. In recent statements, Sharif expressed his desire to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership. The defence deal, which was likely negotiated during this period of outreach, could be seen as a cornerstone of this renewed relationship.
The timing of this defence deal is significant. Bangladesh has recently witnessed a surge in anti-India sentiment, exacerbated by the recent flooding in Feni, which locals blame on India’s alleged release of dam water from Tripura without prior notice. This sentiment was further inflamed by a protest on August 26, outside the Indian Visa Application Centre in Satkhira, where hundreds of Bangladeshi visa applicants demonstrated against delays in processing their visas.
These developments have implications for India-Bangladesh relations, which are built on a foundation of shared history, language, and culture, as well as a 4,000 km shared border. Despite the current tensions, the interim government in Dhaka, under Muhammad Yunus, has sought to reassure India of its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties. Both Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have engaged in productive discussions, emphasising their desire to strengthen collaboration between the two nations.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Touhid Hossain, has also reiterated the interim government’s intent to work closely with India. This signals Dhaka’s recognition of India’s vital role as a regional ally and business partner, even as it explores new avenues for defence cooperation with Pakistan.
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