Last Updated:
Bangladesh has sent fighter pilots and technical specialists to Pakistan for advanced training, while Pakistan’s HIT has proposed upgrades to Bangladesh’s ageing tank fleet
Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Pakistan’s military influence in Bangladesh has grown steadily.
Bangladesh’s defence ties with Pakistan are deepening as Dhaka increasingly engages in military technology cooperation with Islamabad.
Bangladesh has sent fighter pilots and technical specialists to Pakistan for advanced training, while Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has proposed upgrades to Bangladesh’s ageing tank fleet.
These developments highlight a growing partnership that could pave the way for Dhaka to access advanced defence systems, raising questions about future missile technology transfers.
Pakistan’s Expanding Military Influence in Bangladesh
Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Pakistan’s military influence in Bangladesh has grown steadily.
The student-led uprising that toppled Hasina’s government created a political vacuum, and Dhaka’s interim leadership under Muhammad Yunus began steering foreign policy away from India.
This shift opened the door for Islamabad to reassert itself in Bangladesh’s defence and strategic sectors.
Reports highlight that Pakistan has supplied defence materials, including ammunition, and initiated high-level military dialogues.
Analysts argue that Pakistan views Bangladesh as a strategic partner to counterbalance India’s dominance in South Asia.
The revival of military training programmes, easing of trade restrictions, and frequent visits by Pakistani delegations underscore a deliberate effort to tighten Islamabad’s grip on Dhaka’s armed forces. This marks a significant realignment in regional geopolitics, with Bangladesh increasingly positioned within Pakistan’s sphere of influence.
High-Level Military Visits Since August 2024
Between August 2024 and late 2025, several Pakistani military officials have visited Bangladesh, signalling a thaw in relations.
In October 2025, Lieutenant General Tabassum Habib, Director General of Joint Staff, led a four-day official visit to Dhaka, marking one of the highest-level engagements since the interim government took office.
Earlier, in October 2024, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also met Bangladesh’s army chief to discuss joint training and cooperation.
The Pakistan Navy frigate PNS Saif docked at Chattogram in November 2025 for a goodwill visit, further cementing ties.
These visits, combined with delegations from Pakistan’s ISI and defence industry, reflect a coordinated strategy to rebuild trust and establish long-term defence collaboration. The frequency and seniority of these visits highlight Islamabad’s determination to integrate Bangladesh into its military orbit.
Pakistan’s military influence in Bangladesh has expanded rapidly since August 2024, facilitated by frequent high-level visits and defence cooperation initiatives. Senior Pakistani officials, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff and HIT’s leadership, have engaged Dhaka in discussions ranging from training programmes to industrial collaboration.
The HIT chairman’s visit underscores the seriousness of these ties, with proposals to modernise Bangladesh’s armoured fleet already on the table. While missile technology transfers remain speculative, the involvement of HIT and China’s parallel support suggests a growing possibility of advanced systems reaching Dhaka.
Ultimately, Bangladesh appears to be transforming into a strategic arena where Pakistan and China jointly seek to counterbalance India’s dominance. This evolving alignment highlights a new geopolitical reality – Bangladesh is no longer just a passive player but an active participant in South Asia’s shifting defence landscape.
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, …Read More
Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, … Read More
November 28, 2025, 16:42 IST
Read More
