Published: 12:25 AM, 28 September 2026
Australia and Bangladesh signal closer military ties
Major General Chris Smith, Deputy Chief of the Australian Army, met Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. A. K. M. Shamsul Islam, the Defense Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday. -Agency
Australia and Bangladesh have pledged to expand their bilateral military cooperation, following high-level defense talks in Dhaka focused on joint training, skill development, and modernizing land forces to meet evolving regional security challenges.
Major General Chris Smith, Deputy Chief of the Australian Army, met with Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. A. K. M. Shamsul Islam, the defense advisor to the prime minister of Bangladesh, at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the meeting centered on enhancing professional capabilities through bilateral training exchange programs, strategic communication, and technological collaboration.
The visit comes as Western allies seek closer engagement across the Indian Ocean region. General Smith commended the Bangladesh Armed Forces for their long-standing involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations, praising their contribution to international stability. He noted Australia's interest in broadening joint exercises and technical sharing between the two armies.
General Islam expressed gratitude for the trajectory of defense links in recent years, describing the discussions as a pivotal step toward deepening defense ties.
"This visit reflects a mutual commitment to advancing our defense framework and expanding professional exchanges," an official statement read, highlighting plans for increased participation in advanced combat and technical training programs.
The meeting underscores growing strategic engagement between Canberra and South Asian nations as defense diplomacy across the Indo-Pacific continues to expand.
>>Foreign Affairs Desk, AA
