Dhaka-Washington: Closer to two defence deals
Dhaka and Washington move closer to signing two defence deals that foreign policy analysts say is a notable progress in security cooperation in the areas of maritime, peacekeeping, counterterrorism and transnational crimes.
Discussions on the two deals were held at the 8th US-Bangladesh Security Dialogue in Washington on Wednesday night.
"The two sides had constructive discussions on defence agreements like GSOMIA and ACSA," Bangladesh embassy in Washington said in a statement yesterday.
"We will try to complete the formalities before the security dialogue next year," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters after the seven-hour dialogue.
The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) will enhance opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between the two countries.
At the dialogue, the Bangladesh side raised deep concern regarding the sanctions on Rab and seven individuals, and urged the US side to reconsider the decision.
It highlighted Rab's role in Bangladesh's fight against terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, and stated that the sanction on the elite force was unjustified as its personnel do not enjoy any impunity.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the issue.
In December last year, the US slapped sanctions on Rab and seven of its current and former officials on human rights grounds, and also didn't invite Bangladesh to the Democracy Summit though there is strong security cooperation between the two countries.
Masud headed the Bangladesh delegation while US side was led by Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Denise Jenkins.
In 2019, Washington sought to sign the two deals, as Dhaka wanted to buy from the US sophisticated defence equipment to modernise the armed forces as part of Bangladesh Armed Forces Goal-2030.
Dhaka, however, did not initially respond to the US offer.
Talking to this newspaper yesterday, a foreign ministry official said the two deals may be signed next year. A US delegation is expected to visit Dhaka and look at the related laws of Bangladesh before that.
Dhaka's concern was high prices of US defence equipment, which was raised at the dialogue. The US side said there are scopes for negotiations on the prices, the official told this correspondent.
The development comes at a time when the world is going through a geostrategic shift amid growing influence of China, which is moving ahead with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
On the other hand, the US is leading the Indo-Pacific Strategy aimed at ensuring a free, open, secure and international rules-based order.
With the Russia-Ukraine war raging on, US President Joe Biden is drawing clear distinction between the world's democracies and autocracies.
Since 2015, the US provided Bangladesh with $66.9 million in foreign military financing and $7.29 million in international military education and training assistance.
The US has $130.59 million in active government-to-government sales cases with Bangladesh.
However, China remains Bangladesh's principal supplier of defence equipment. Bangladesh also joined China's BRI.
Foreign policy analysts say the US thinks Bangladesh is tilting towards China.
Former foreign secretary Shahidul Haque said the latest US-Bangladesh dialogue is encouraging, and Dhaka is moving towards the right direction.
"While we maintain balance in diplomacy, we need to recalibrate our relationship," he told this newspaper yesterday.
Shahidul, also Bangabandhu Chair at Delhi University, said Bangladesh can sign the deals with the US if those help serve the country's national interest.
At the dialogue, the US side said Bangladesh has emerged as a responsible country in resolving global crises and problems. It also lauded Bangladesh's successes and leadership in UN Peacekeeping Operations and in sheltering the Rohingyas.
Masud said the US side detailed its priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. It wants the region to be prosperous.
"We will see what aspects of the strategy are important for us," he added.
Bangladesh appreciated the US determination of the genocide against Rohingyas, and urged the US to take follow-up measures.
Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh Armed Forces Division Lt Genl Waker-Uz-Zaman, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Kamrul Hasan, and Law Secretary Golam Sarwar were also present at the dialogue.
US Assistant Secretary Jessica Lewis and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelley Keiderling, among others, were in the US delegation.
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