Bangladesh signs 4 military agreements signed with China

China has signed four military agreements with Bangladesh to enhance Dhaka’s defence capabilities.

They were signed on Monday in presence of visiting General Xu Qiliang, who is the vice-chairman of the central military commission of the Chinese Communist Party.The agreements were signed with the Bangladesh armed forces and with the Bangladesh University of Professionals run by the armed forces.Under the agreements, Chinese military would provide military support to Bangladesh armed forces and provide training to military personnel.

They will also help setting up a language laboratory under the agreement at Bangladesh University of Professionals .All these would be provided free of charge.Prime Minister’s security adviser Major General Tarique Ahmed Siddique (retd), army chief General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, naval chief Vice admiral M Farid Habib, air force chief Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari and Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq were present during the signing.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), before the signing the visiting team met senior military officials.
Bangladesh recalled China’s contribution in developing Bangladesh’s armed forces during the meeting and also laid “importance of relationship with China military”.China team also appreciated Bangladesh army’s professionalism and committed to increase cooperation for the development of Bangladesh armed forces.

They stressed on exchange of visits on regular basis.

The mutual relations between the two armies were established 40 years ago with the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.China was the biggest supplier of arms to Bangladesh in the last five years, according to the respected Sweden-based think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had earlier said two Chinese submarines would be inducted in Bangladesh Navy by 2015 to build it as “a three dimensional force”.Two new frigates – Abu Bakar and Ali Haider – procured from China were commissioned in March this year.

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun earlier said the submarines would help Bangladesh bring stability in the region.He had said China would help strengthen Bangladesh’s national defence capabilities which would eventually contribute to the regional stability.The SIPRI report shows Bangladesh bought anti-ship missiles, tanks, fighter aircrafts and other arms from China between 2008 and 2012.Analysts say lower cost makes the Chinese arms lucrative for Bangladesh.However, the current Hasina-led government also laid importance on its relationship with China .Finance minister AMA Muhith says that is needed for '‘strategic’ reason.China , alongwith India and Russia, supported the Hasina government after it took charge following the Jan 5 parliament polls.

Even as Western countries like US kept ranting for fresh elections, Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang said it would be possible to carry Sino-Bangladesh relations to 'new heights' with Hasina in power.

http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2014/05/12/4-military-agreements-signed-with-china

Bangladesh buys five Russian helicopters

Bangladesh Ministry of Defense concluded with the company "Rosoboronexport" contract for the supply of five military transport helicopters Mi- 171SH . On this, as reported by ITAR - TASS news agency, said the director of the Special Assignments "Rosoboronexport" Nikolai Dimidyuk . Transaction amount is not specified. Supply helicopters will be on account of export credit in the amount of a billion dollars , issued by Bangladesh Russia .

Agreement to provide export credit Bangladesh signed in January 2013. On account of the same transaction will be delivered to Bangladesh combat training aircraft Yak-130. Their transfer to the customer , according to Dimidyuk begin in the second half of 2015 . In total, the Bangladeshi military should get 15 Russian aircraft.

Early last year , when it signed an agreement on the allocation of export credit Bangladesh , Russia also agreed to provide the country $ 500 million for the first phase of construction of nuclear power plants " Ruppur ." It began last fall.

China biggest weapons supplier to Bangladesh

China was the biggest supplier of arms to Bangladesh from 2009 to 2013, with the country accounting for 82% of the total arms imported by Bangladesh during the period.“China was also a major supplier in the region, accounting for 54% of total Pakistani arms imports,” according to a press release issued by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The Swedish think-tank reported that China exported arms to 35 countries and of those, Bangladesh was the second biggest importer. It also reported that Bangladesh last year agreed on procurement of its first two submarines from China.Former major general and security analyst Abdur Rashid said that China had been the major arms supplier to Bangladesh for a long time. “Most of the arms are used by the armed forces while some aircraft were also purchased from China,” he added.

Asked why Bangladesh purchased mostly from China, Rashid pointed out two key reasons: lucrative financial arrangements and lower cost of arms.“Bangladesh doesn’t have adequate budget to procure arms from the wider global market,” he said.Bangladesh can buy arms from China on credit and in some cases, the loans are soft loans, the former army official added. “In 2013, Bangladesh and Russia inked a $1bn defence purchase agreement with an interest rate of 4.5%.”In a press conference in Dhaka yesterday, Chinese ambassador in Dhaka, Li Jun, said procurement of Chinese submarines by Bangladesh would help bring stability in the region.

China is helping Bangladesh to strengthen its national defence mechanism in accordance with Bangladesh’s defence strategy and this kind of co-operation would make its own contribution to ensure stability in the region, he observed.Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh navy would get two submarines by 2015 and the process of construction of a submarine base was underway. On that day, two new frigates – Abu Bakar and Ali Haider – procured from China were commissioned.According to IHS Jane’s, Bangladesh was the second biggest importer of Chinese arms, spending over $350mn in 2012.SIPRI data shows Bangladesh procured anti-ship missiles, tanks, fighter aircrafts and other arms from China between 2008 and 2012.

Bangladesh Navy to get 2 submarines by 2015

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said two submarines would be inducted in Bangladesh Navy by 2015 to build it as a "three dimensional" force.

http://www.asiandefencenews.com/2013/12/bangladesh-finalises-2-type-035-ming.html

"A process for induction of two submarines in 2015 in the naval force has been finalised as part of the present government's firm determination and commitment to turn Bangladesh Navy into a "three-dimensional force," she said, adding the two submarines would be added to the naval fleet by 2015.Besides, she said, the work on setting up the country's biggest naval base in Ramnabad area in coastal Patuakali district has already been launched.

Earlier on her arrival at the BNS Naval Base Isa Khan, the prime minister was received by Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M Farid Habib and Commander of the Chittagong Naval Zone Rear Admiral M Akhter Habib.Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing commissioning of two new frigates in Bangladesh Navy at BNS Naval Base Isa Khan here this morning.The two new frigates---Abu Bakar and Ali Haider--- procured from China have replaced two old British frigates.

The prime minister said the government with utmost importance has started the work on increasing necessary infrastructure for the navy including air base along with raising its war fleet."The issue of construction of a submarine base is under process," she said, adding that Khulna Shipyard is building two container ships with the funding of the navy which would play an active role in the country's economy.

Bangladesh Army gets self-propelled howitzer NORA B-52 K1 SP and Metis M-1 anti-tank missiles

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally hands over Metis M-1 anti-tank guided missiles to the Infantry Regiment of Bangladesh Army at Dhaka

Serbian-made NORA B-52 K1 155mm self-propelled howitzer for Bangladesh Army.

New Serbian-made self-propelled howitzer NORA B-52 K1 SP and Russian-made Metis M-1 anti-tank guided missiles entered in service with the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally handed over the Serbian-made 155mm NORA B-52 SP guns to the 11 SP Regiment, the lone SP Unit of Bangladesh Army, and the Russsia-made Metis M-1 missiles to the Infantry Regiment of Bangladesh Army in Tarmac Area at Dhaka Cantonment

She also handed over the China-made PF-98 anti-tank weapons and Turkey-made light armoured vehicles to the Infantry Regiment and sound ranging equipment to Locating Wing of the Artillery Regiment. On the occasion, a spectacular parade was held with the participation of the members of Artillery and Infantry Regiments of Bangladesh Army. The Prime Minister accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan inspected the parade riding on an open jeep.

The Premier also took a state salute. Lieutenant Col Md Aminul Islam and Captain Md Sajib were the parade commander and parade adjutant respectively.Ministers, defence adviser to the Prime Minister, the chief of air staff, defence attaches and advisers of different embassies and high commissions and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh hoped that with the addition of most-modern canons, armoured vehicles and equipment, the moral strength of the Artillery and Infantry Regiments meaning all members of Bangladesh Army would be boosted to a great extent.“I think that induction of most modern equipment in Bangladesh Army would cross a crucial step in achieving the Forces Goal-2030,” she said.

Besides, she said, necessary equipment have been purchased for Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force.Sheikh Hasina said most modern SP guns, sound ranging equipment, anti-tank missiles and light armoured vehicles have been procured for Bangladesh Army to build it as a well-equipped modern force and Sonar Bangla as dreamt by Bangabandhu.

The Prime Minister said agreements have already been signed to buy more modern war equipment including the multiple rocket launcher system which would be inducted in the army very soon