Bangladesh Signed Four Military Agreements With China

They were signed on Monday in presence of visiting General Xu Qiliang, who is the vice-chairman of the central military commission of the Chinese Communist Party.

The agreements were signed with the Bangladesh armed forces and with the Bangladesh University of Professionals run by the armed forces.

They will also help setting up a language laboratory under the agreement at Bangladesh University of Professionals. All these would be provided free of charge.

Prime Minister’s security adviser Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique (retd), army chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, naval chief Vice admiral M Farid Habib, air force chief Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari and Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq were present during the signing.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), before the signing the visiting team met senior military officials.

Bangladesh recalled China’s contribution in developing Bangladesh’s armed forces during the meeting and also laid “importance of relationship with China military”.

China team also appreciated Bangladesh army’s professionalism and committed to increase cooperation for the development of Bangladesh armed forces. They stressed on exchange of visits on regular basis.

The mutual relations between the two armies were established 40 years ago with the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had earlier said two Chinese submarines would be inducted in Bangladesh Navy by 2015 to build it as “a three dimensional force”.

Two new frigates – Abu Bakar and Ali Haider – procured from China were commissioned in March this year.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun earlier said the submarines would help Bangladesh bring stability in the region.

He had said China would help strengthen Bangladesh’s national defence capabilities which would eventually contribute to the regional stability.