After 53 years since the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Pakistani Army is set to re-enter Bangladesh, this time to train its soldiers. A senior officer of Major General rank from Pakistan will oversee the training program, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025. The first phase of training will take place at Momenshahi Cantonment under the Army Training and Doctrine Command headquarters and is expected to last one year. Subsequently, training will extend to all 10 commands of the Bangladesh Army.

The invitation follows a proposal sent by Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman, General Shahir Shamshad Mirza, in November. The proposal was accepted by Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, who formally invited the Pakistani Army for the program. In addition to military training, Bangladesh has significantly increased its arms purchases from Pakistan. Between September and December, the country ordered 40,000 rounds of ammunition, tripling last year’s purchase of 12,000 rounds. Other acquisitions include 2,000 rounds of tank ammunition and 40 tonnes of RDX.

Furthermore, the Bangladesh Navy is set to participate in a joint exercise with the Pakistan Navy at Karachi Port in 2025. The exercise, named "Aman 2025," marks Bangladesh’s return to such collaborations after a 15-year hiatus. Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh had previously avoided similar exercises and even refused docking permission to Pakistan’s Taimur warship.

Defense experts have raised concerns about the growing closeness between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Some fear it could pose a strategic risk to India’s Siliguri Corridor, a critical link connecting the northeastern states to the rest of the country. Additionally, there are apprehensions about increased threats from Islamic radicals on India’s eastern front due to the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.