The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s long -standing government has brought a big change in the politics of Bangladesh. The country is facing political instability after withdrawing from power. Meanwhile, the presence of American soldiers has given rise to a new debate. On September 10, about 120 officers of the US Army and Air Force reached Chittagong from Dhaka. For him, 85 rooms were already booked at the Radisson Blue Hotel, but their names were not recorded in the guest register. It was officially stated that these soldiers have come for joint military exercises.

On 14 September, a transport aircraft of Egyptian Air Force landed at Chittagong Airport. The next day, American soldiers inspected the Patenga Airbase of Bangladesh Air Force. It is clear from these activities that Bangladesh has become the center of military diplomacy of many countries at this time.

Why are the questions arising?

The presence of American troops came into discussion and on August 31, the body of Terence Arvele Jackson, an American Special Force Command at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka, was found. The death of this officer who reached Bangladesh in April is considered suspicious. However, American and Bangladeshi officials have kept silence on the matter. This incident raises more questions about the presence of American soldiers.

Joint military exercise and its influence

American soldiers have previously been involved in military exercises like “Tiger Lightning 2025” and “Operation Lightning” in Bangladesh. The purpose of these exercises is to prepare for peace installation, cooperation between forces and strengthen regional security. After the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, these activities are being linked to America’s increasing strategic interest in Bangladesh.

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Tensions Between Arakan and Myanmar Army: Lieutenant General Joel JB Well, a senior US Army officer, is visiting Bangladesh on 24 March. The main objective of this visit is to discuss security related issues on the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar, especially due to increasing tension between the Arakan Army and Myanmar Army in Rakhine State.

The Rakhine state of Myanmar, which is bordering Bangladesh, is currently under the influence of the Arakan Army. This is a big concern for Bangladesh. The Arakan Army is an armed organization, which separates from the Myanmar government and wants autonomy for itself. Because of this, the possibility of conflict between Myanmar’s Junta Army and the Arakan Army is continuously increasing.

Major military targets of Arakan Army
Cities like Sitwe, Kaukafyu and Manang are the major military targets of the Arakan Army, and any military action in these areas will have a direct impact on the border of Bangladesh. In such a situation, the role of Bangladeshi Border Security Forces and their preparations become important in this situation.

Why is the tour of Lieutenant General Joel JB Well important?
According to the report of Northast News, Lieutenant General Joel JB Vell is the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army, USA Army. His visit is happening at a time when the situation in Rakhine state is tense. Along with him, other USARPAC officials are also joining this journey. During the visit, American military officer will meet Bangladeshi Army Director General of Operations Brigadier General Mohammad Alimul Amin, where he will discuss border security, military preparations and joint cooperation. American officials will try to understand how the Bangladeshi army can help in the protection of units deployed on the Myanmar border. The tour can further strengthen security relations between the US and Bangladesh.

India’s strategic role in Sitwear Port and Kaladan Project
The Sitwa port of Rakhine State is very important not only for Myanmar but also for India. The port is part of India’s Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project (KMTTP), which connects India’s northeastern state of Mizoram to the sea route through Myanmar. This project is important for India from a strategic point of view, as it is important for its business and connectivity. Any type of military action or tension in the Rakhine state is a matter of concern for India, and that is why India is closely monitoring this whole incident.

Possible results of American-Bangladesh military cooperation
The visit of Lieutenant General Well may be a symbol of increasing military cooperation between the American and the Bangladeshi army. This cooperation between Bangladesh’s strategic status and the technical expertise of the US Army can be helpful in strengthening border security. American military officials can also investigate during the visit to how the Bangladeshi army can provide assistance to units deployed on the Myanmar border. This cooperation can be helpful in maintaining regional stability and preventing possible conflict on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.