Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman has openly highlighted the significant role Chinese weapons play in Bangladesh’s defense, including their Air Force and Navy. The focus keyword for this article is “Weapons From China.”
Bangladesh’s military cooperation with China is firmly rooted in practicality and economics. General Waker-Uz-Zaman noted in an interview with Prothom Alo that the country uses a substantial number of Chinese-manufactured weapons due to their affordability. “We use a lot of weapons from China. The air force uses weapons from China too. So does the navy. Their weapons are comparatively inexpensive,” he remarked, emphasizing Beijing’s importance as a partner in Bangladesh’s development.
China: A Partner In Development
General Zaman described China as not only a defense supplier but also a crucial development partner for Bangladesh. The relationship is underpinned by China’s significant investments in infrastructure and industrial sectors. “China is a partner in our development. They have investment in Bangladesh. So, China is very important to us,” he stated, reiterating Bangladesh’s foreign policy of “friendship towards all and malice towards none.” This policy has enabled Dhaka to balance relationships with global powers effectively.
India: A Give-And-Take Relationship
While China remains a strategic ally, the Army Chief underscored the importance of India as a neighbor. He described the relationship as mutually beneficial, with both nations deriving economic and strategic advantages. “India is an important neighbour. We are dependent on India in many ways. And India is getting facilities from us too,” he said.
General Zaman elaborated on areas of cooperation, including trade, healthcare, and regional stability. However, he cautioned against any perception of dominance, stating, “The people in no way should feel India is dominating over us, which goes against our interests.”
Security Along Borders And Beyond
Touching upon border security, General Zaman urged India to address sensitive issues like border killings and water-sharing agreements. He asserted that bilateral relations should be based on fairness and equal footing. “India should ensure it will not kill our people along the borders. We will get our fair share of water,” he emphasized.
Regarding internal security, the General reassured that Bangladesh’s armed forces are committed to maintaining peace in sensitive regions like the Chittagong Hill Tracts and ensuring stability along the Myanmar border.
Focus On Fair Elections
On the topic of Bangladesh’s political stability, General Zaman expressed unwavering support for the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. He emphasized the Army’s commitment to facilitating “fair, peaceful, and festive elections.” While the election timeline remains tentative, he reiterated the Army’s readiness to make sacrifices in the national interest.
“The chief advisor has given a timeframe. That is the correct time. We will extend all cooperation to the interim government to implement the election outline,” he assured.
Bangladesh’s ability to balance its relationships with major powers like China and India while maintaining internal stability highlights its strategic foresight and commitment to national interests. As General Zaman aptly summarized, the nation’s policies reflect a careful blend of pragmatism and diplomacy.