US and Bangladesh expand defense cooperation as military leaders meet in Dhaka
Asia-Pacific, News, US January 31, 2026 Comments Off on US and Bangladesh expand defense cooperation as military leaders meet in Dhaka3 minute read
The U.S. and Bangladesh have moved to deepen military cooperation following the successful conclusion of the follow-up discussions of the Ninth Bangladesh-U.S. Land Forces Talks (LFT) 2026, held over two days at Dhaka Cantonment.
The talks focused on strengthening army-to-army engagement through expanded training exchanges, joint exercises, capacity-building, and the broader use of advanced military technology. Both sides also emphasized closer coordination on disaster preparedness and contributions to regional security.
The latest meeting between the military leaders served as a follow-up to the ninth round of LFTs, previously held in the United States from September 8 to 10, 2025.
The Bangladeshi side was represented by a 22-member delegation led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Badrul Haque of the Bangladesh Army’s Military Training Directorate. The U.S. delegation consisted of four members led by Major Michael Jacob Oster of the Security Cooperation Division of the U.S. Army Pacific Command.
Brigadier General Md. Humayun Kabir, director of the Bangladesh Military Training Directorate, presided over both the opening and closing ceremonies.
According to Bangladesh authorities, the discussions were described as constructive and covered a wide range of issues aimed at enhancing cooperation and long-term strategic alignment between the two armies.
Focus on Training, Technology, and Regional Security
During the talks, both sides discussed military cooperation, capacity building, and strategic coordination in detail. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding training exchanges, improving the ability to operate advanced military equipment, and increasing technical cooperation.
Representatives from both countries reiterated their interest in further strengthening ongoing strategic cooperation and agreed on the importance of contributing to a stable regional security environment.
The talks also highlighted the need for joint preparedness for natural and man-made disasters, with both sides agreeing to take effective steps to improve coordination and response capabilities.
Officials noted that technical assistance and preparedness for global challenges would play an important role in maintaining regional peace and security in the years ahead.
Medical Cooperation and Broader Engagements
The land forces talks followed a recent visit by U.S. Army Major General E. Darrin Cox, commander of the 18th Theater Medical Command, aimed at strengthening military medical interoperability between the two countries.
Discussions during that visit included plans for potential joint drills focused on advanced trauma care, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear response. Cox also met senior Bangladesh Army leaders and toured military medical facilities in Dhaka and Sylhet.
“Our partnership with the Bangladesh Armed Forces is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests in regional stability,” Cox said.
“By collaborating on critical medical training for events like health crises and natural disasters, we are strengthening our combined readiness to meet future challenges together.”
Separately, U.S. Ambassador Brent Christensen met Bangladesh Army Chief General Walker-uz-Zaman to discuss further avenues for bilateral military cooperation.
Bangladesh and the U.S. have maintained regular Land Forces Talks as part of broader defense engagement efforts, with the eighth round held in October 2024. The latest meeting reflects continued momentum in bilateral military relations, particularly in training, disaster response, and regional security cooperation.
Related Articles
IRIA Exclusive
IRIA Publications
Regions
