File Photo: Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan - July 07, 2018: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type-96 wheeled armored personnel carrier.

on November 24, 2024

Dhaka set to sign defense deal with Tokyo

By Diplomatic Correspondent

Bangladesh is set to sign a defense agreement with Japan to procure military equipment. Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who holds the defense portfolio, have already given his consent on the issue.
The defense ministry has now sent the document to the Public Security Division, the foreign ministry, the Finance Division, and the Economic Relations Division for their final approval and opinions on the agreement.
Tokyo had previously proposed signing an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology between the two Asian nations.
All three branches of the armed forces – the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, and Bangladesh Air Force – along with the foreign ministry have expressed no objections to the agreement.
Based on Bangladesh's feedback, Japan revised the draft agreement and has resubmitted it for final consent.
Officials at the defense ministry said Bangladesh and Japan enjoy friendly bilateral relations, which also extend to the armed forces of both countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation was signed in April 2023, aiming to elevate the existing comprehensive partnership between the two nations to a strategic partnership.
The agreement is expected to further strengthen military ties between the two countries, the officials added.
Japanese military equipment manufacturers have shown interest in selling arms to Bangladesh for several years. Meanwhile, a delegation of Japanese military equipment manufacturers has visited Bangladesh.
Japan requested Bangladesh to sign the agreement during a foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries held in Dhaka last June