Bangladesh strikes deal with China, puts entire Northeast at risk; BIG tension for India

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) signed a major deal on Tuesday with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International (CETC), a Chinese state-owned company. The deal, signed under a government-to-government framework, will see China establish an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing and assembly plant in Bangladesh and transfer technology. The establishment of a Chinese drone company in Bangladesh could increase India's concerns. It is believed that the Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is attempting to send a strong message to India through this deal, just before the upcoming elections.

What did the Bangladesh Army say?

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh issued a written statement saying that the agreement was signed at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment. Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan was present as the chief guest at the ceremony. Under the agreement, the Bangladesh Air Force and CETC International will jointly establish a state-of-the-art UAV manufacturing and assembly facility in Bangladesh.

What are the benefits for Bangladesh?

The statement said that this initiative includes technology transfer, capacity building, industrial skill development, and joint technical cooperation, which will help achieve long-term self-reliance in UAV production. Through this project, the Bangladesh Air Force will initially acquire the capability to manufacture and assemble various types of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs. In addition, the Bangladesh Air Force will also develop its own UAVs.

Who Attended the Signing Ceremony?

The release stated that these UAVs will be used not only for military operations but also for humanitarian assistance and disaster management. Those present at the signing ceremony included the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen; Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan; Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, Mohammad Saifullah Panna; Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury; senior officers of the Bangladesh Air Force; representatives of CETC International; and senior officials from the Armed Forces Division and various ministries. How will this increase India's tension?

It is believed that this drone deal will give China more opportunities to interfere in the Bangladeshi armed forces. There are also concerns that Bangladesh could use these drones to spy on India. There are fears that China could gain access to this drone technology, monitor the Indian border, and use it to its advantage. It is also possible that Bangladesh could use these drones for infiltration and smuggling into India if hostilities escalate.