(Commonwealth_India) Three months following the violent political upheaval that led to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi held a virtual meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, on Wednesday. This virtual interaction marks the first direct communication between the two senior military leaders since the August 5 political crisis that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee Bangladesh.
According to an official statement by the Indian Army, General Dwivedi and General Waker-Uz-Zaman exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including ongoing bilateral defence cooperation. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss broader regional security issues, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong military-to-military relations during a period of significant political and security challenges in Bangladesh.
This interaction between the Indian and Bangladeshi Army chiefs is particularly significant in light of the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh. The country’s recent upheaval, marked by protests and violence, has raised concerns about the influence of external powers, particularly Pakistan and China, in the region. Observers have speculated that these nations could seek to deepen their influence in Bangladesh during this time of uncertainty. In contrast, India and Bangladesh, which have long enjoyed close ties, are keen to ensure that regional security and cooperation continue despite the domestic turmoil in Dhaka.
The Indian Army statement highlighted that the meeting also focused on strengthening the bilateral defense relationship, which has deepened considerably over the past few years. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh developed strategic cooperation in several key areas, including defense, internal security, border management, and counterterrorism. The two nations have regularly engaged in joint training exercises, high-level visits, and the exchange of military hardware.
Moreover, the relationship between the senior military officials is one of mutual respect and collaboration. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, in particular, is said to maintain strong personal ties with the Indian military leadership, which has facilitated ongoing dialogue between the armed forces of the two nations.
The current political environment in Bangladesh is particularly fluid, with the military playing a crucial role not only in maintaining internal security but also in overseeing the peaceful transition of power. With the country navigating a period of political uncertainty, the military is increasingly seen as a stabilizing force. Both India and Bangladesh recognize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between their armed forces to ensure regional stability and security.
The ongoing unrest has also resulted in several reported incidents of violence, particularly targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh. In response to these concerns, the interim government in Bangladesh has assured India that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard the rights and security of minority groups. The Bangladesh Army, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, is expected to continue its efforts in addressing these security challenges, ensuring that the situation does not escalate into further instability.
In addition to security concerns arising from domestic instability, the porous 4,000 km-long border between India and Bangladesh remains a key concern for both nations. The region has long been vulnerable to cross-border trafficking, including the smuggling of narcotics, cattle, arms, and illegal immigration. With the political turmoil in Bangladesh, there are concerns that such illicit activities could increase, potentially spilling over into India.
The two countries’ border forces have traditionally engaged in regular meetings and coordination to address these issues, curb trans-border crimes, and enhance security along the shared frontier. However, a biannual meeting scheduled for this month between the border forces of the two countries has been postponed due to the current unrest. These meetings are typically a critical component of the broader security cooperation framework between the two countries, allowing both sides to address pressing concerns related to border management, smuggling, and illegal migration.
The virtual interaction between General Dwivedi and General Waker-Uz-Zaman underscores the continued importance of India-Bangladesh military ties, particularly in the context of the ongoing political and security challenges in Bangladesh. As both nations navigate a period of uncertainty, the continuation of high-level military engagement remains essential to ensuring the stability of the region. The focus on strengthening defence cooperation, maintaining border security, and addressing internal and external threats highlights the strategic depth of the India-Bangladesh relationship, which remains a key pillar of peace and stability in South Asia.
