Bangladesh has traditionally depended on Chinese weapons and military equipment, but after the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, its stance is now seen turning to Pakistan’s firm friend Turki. Ideological equality is also being seen between the two countries. While the influence of the fundamentalists on the Yunus government seems to be increasing, the Turki President Recep Tayyip Erdoan is dreaming of the return of the Khalifa period.

On Monday 21 July, the Yunus government sent Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan on a tour of Turki. He will meet his counterpart of Turki in Istanbul and interact on the purchase of military equipment. The purpose of this journey is to strengthen Bangladesh’s defense structure and promote strategic cooperation with Turks.

Turki blocks before Navy Chief’s visit to America

Earlier on July 16, Bangladesh Chief Admiral Mohammad Najmul Hasan left for the US on holiday, but according to Northeast News, he will also be on the official visit of Turki between 22 and 25 July. That is, both the Navy and Air Force of Bangladesh will be present in Istanbul. The journey is taking place at the invitation of the Turki Navy Commander.

Distance from China increased? Bijing tour canceled a sign

According to experts, this new stance can be a matter of concern for China. China has been a major supplier of military equipment to Bangladesh for years. But the cancellation of the Baming Yatra of Army Chief General Waqar-e-Zaman confirms this strategic change. The visit was proposed on the invitation of China’s People’s Liberation Army.

Purchase of Howyzer, Rocket and Light Tanks from Turkas

Bangladesh has already purchased MKE Boron 105 mm Hovitzer cannons from Turki. Last year 18 cannons were called. There is a plan to increase their number to 200 in future. Apart from this, the purchase of Turki Tulpar Tulpar Tulpar Tulpar light tanks with TRG-230 and TRG-300 rocket systems is also being considered.

Gorgun’s Dhaka visit increased the temperature of relations

On 8 July, Turki’s Defense Industry Secretary Haluk Gorgun visited Dhaka. He met the three Bangladesh chiefs-General Waqar-e-Zaman, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Admiral Najmul Hasan. Apart from this, Gorgun also held secret talks with Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus. The meeting was coordinated by the intelligence branch of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh.

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Bangladesh-turkey defense: The military partnership between Bangladesh and the Turki has now reached co-production and defense industrial construction. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chaudhary Aashiq Mahmood bin Harun’s recent Turki Yatra is an attempt to take this cooperation forward at formal and strategic levels. Chaudhary Aashiq Mahmood bin Harun visited Turk’s state-owned company Makin Way Kimya Andistrcy (MKE) and discussed in detail the topics such as defense technical transfer, joint production, and industrial capacity building.

This is not the first time that Bangladesh has cooperated with MKE. Earlier, Dhaka had bought 18 units of MK Boron 105mm Howitzer and plans to increase 200 units in future. He has proposed to buy many things for this, with Otokar Tulpara Light Tank, which is a light armored war vehicle of Turkis. Apart from this, Bayraktar TB2 Drone, small arms, ammunition, and artillery systems are included.

Mou between Bangladesh-Turkia

According to sources, the two countries are soon to give institutional forms to the Defense Industrial Working Group. The two are beginning to dialogue on the MOU for sharing technology and production agreement between the two. This formal structure will lay the foundation for permanent defense participation. Countless military cooperation between Turki and Bangladesh does not directly challenge the China-Pakistan strategic camp, but the old military ties of Turkas with Pakistan already exist. Bangladesh is also strengthening its military base by taking advantage of the technical capabilities of Turkia.

This is not the first time that Bangladesh has taken a step against India. Even before this, Yunus is busy in increasing its proximity with Pakistan and China. He has given China to Lalmanirhat airbase, it seems as if he is deliberately trying to mess with India.