The Bangladesh Army chief, General Mohammed Abdul Mubeen, said that despite China helping his country modernise Chittagong port, there was no strategic shift in Bangladesh’s relationship with China.
The Bangladesh Army chief, General Mohammed Abdul Mubeen, said that despite China helping his country modernise Chittagong port, there was no strategic shift in Bangladesh’s relationship with China.
Speaking to media persons after reviewing the passing out parade of the 121st course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla on Tuesday, he said the collaboration with China on infrastructure building would not jeopardise Bangladesh’s friendly relationship with India.
Stressing the fact that the Bangla-China collaboration would not in any way hamper Indo-Bangla relationship, the Mubeen said, “The collaboration with China is purely to satisfy the infrastructure needs of our country.’’ Mubeen broke ice with the Pune media by simply saying, “My name is Mubeen and I command the Bangladesh Army.’’ According to the General, the Indo-Bangla relationship was at its best in present times.
A second generation army officer whose father, Major Baseth, served in the Bangladesh Army, Mubeen said, “The last few years have seen the relationship between India and Bangladesh strengthen. There is more interaction between the two nations now than ever before.’’
On the first-ever joint military exercise undertaken by the two countries in October 2011 — which saw commando units from both countries engage in a 14-day counter-insurgency exercise in the jungles of Bangladesh — Mubeen said, “Unless we sit down and discuss matters, there can be no understanding between countries. This joint military exercise was planned in 2007 and executed in 2011. It was a big success and helped us sharpen our skills to fight militants.’’
Despite improvement of ties between the two countries, Mubeen did not expect young men from Bangladesh being sent to the NDA for training in the near future. The General said, “The Bangladesh government has limited funds and the basic military training course in our country comprises a 2-year programme, followed by one year of military training. This is different from the NDA pattern. However, things could change in the future.’’
About terror groups operating in Bangladesh and fomenting trouble in India, Mubeen said the Bangladesh police, headed by former Bangladesh Army officers, had successfully cracked down on home-grown terrorists in Bangladesh. “The Bangladesh government does not allow the growth of terror in the country. Our two countries have also been working together to tackle this problem,’’ he said.
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