In a significant diplomatic development, Turkey’s Defence Minister Yaşar Güler met with Bangladesh Army Chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and Foreign Minister Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, marking what analysts describe as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral military and defence ties between the two countries.
Meeting Highlights: Defence, Trade And Strategic Interests
The high-level meeting focused on expanding cooperation in defence production, training, joint exercises, and counterterrorism strategies. Sources indicate that Turkey has offered to:
- Provide advanced military hardware, including drones and surveillance systems
- Facilitate training programmes for Bangladeshi armed forces personnel in Turkish defence institutions
- Explore opportunities for joint production and technology transfers in defence manufacturing
Official Statements
While both governments issued brief diplomatic statements highlighting “mutual respect and deepening ties”, Turkish Defence Minister Güler said:
“Turkey considers Bangladesh a strategic partner in South Asia, and we aim to build comprehensive cooperation in defence and security to promote regional stability.”
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Yunus reciprocated:
“We welcome Turkey’s technological expertise and defence manufacturing capabilities, and we seek collaborations that benefit our development and strategic interests.”
Context: Turkey’s Expanding Defence Diplomacy
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has aggressively pursued defence diplomacy in South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, promoting its indigenous defence products like:
- Bayraktar TB2 drones, used extensively in conflicts such as Libya and Azerbaijan-Armenia
- Armoured vehicles and smart munitions
- Naval platforms and command-control systems
Experts believe Bangladesh is a natural market for Turkish defence exports, given its military modernisation drive and Turkey’s willingness to offer favourable financing and technology sharing terms.
Bangladesh’s Defence Modernisation Strategy
Bangladesh launched its ambitious Forces Goal 2030 programme over a decade ago, aiming to upgrade its army, navy, and air force with modern equipment and integrated command systems. Key focus areas include:
- Modern drones for surveillance and border management
- Armoured vehicles and artillery
- Naval frigates and missile boats to protect Bay of Bengal interests
Turkey has already supplied OTOKAR armoured vehicles and Roketsan rocket systems to Bangladesh, marking the foundation of deeper cooperation.
Political And Strategic Dimensions
| Dimension | Implications |
|---|---|
| Regional Power Balance | Bangladesh’s engagement with Turkey is seen as diversifying away from traditional suppliers like China and Russia, thereby enhancing strategic autonomy. |
| Islamic World Diplomacy | Turkey positions itself as a leader of the Muslim world; strong ties with Bangladesh enhance its South Asian footprint. |
| Economic Trade-offs | Defence deals are likely to be tied with broader trade, infrastructure, and development cooperation. |
Concerns From Other Players
- India
New Delhi traditionally maintains strong defence ties with Bangladesh. Growing Turkish influence may be viewed with caution given Turkey’s recent statements on Kashmir and its growing defence ties with Pakistan. - China
China remains Bangladesh’s largest defence supplier, providing submarines, frigates, and fighter jets. However, Turkish products compete directly with Chinese systems in the mid-range affordable category.
Analysts’ Take
Defence analyst Air Commodore (retd) Kaiser Taufique noted:
“Bangladesh will benefit by diversifying suppliers. Turkey’s drones and surveillance tech can significantly strengthen border and maritime security, but Dhaka must balance procurement to maintain strategic independence.”
Political analyst Dr. Zillur Rahman added:
“Turkey seeks ideological and strategic allies in South Asia. Bangladesh’s pragmatic diplomacy will likely extract maximum technology and economic benefits while avoiding bloc alignments.”
Broader Cooperation Beyond Defence
The meetings also covered:
- Expanding trade to reach $2 billion annually
- Infrastructure investments in ports, airports, and energy
- Educational exchanges and scholarships for Bangladeshi students in Turkish universities
Recent Turkey-Bangladesh Engagements
| Date | Engagement |
|---|---|
| May 2024 | Turkey offered Bayraktar TB2 drones for Bangladesh army |
| September 2024 | Joint naval exercises conducted in the Bay of Bengal |
| July 2025 | Defence Minister Güler meets FM Yunus and Army Chief in Dhaka to finalise cooperation frameworks |
Challenges Ahead
- Financial constraints due to Bangladesh’s ongoing economic recovery efforts may limit procurement scale despite strategic intentions.
- Balancing geopolitical sensitivities, especially with India and China, remains crucial for Dhaka.
- Human rights concerns raised by EU over Turkey’s drone exports to conflict regions may attract scrutiny if Bangladesh scales up drone imports.
Conclusion: A Strategic Defence Turn?
Turkey’s defence diplomacy in Bangladesh reflects Ankara’s broader ambition to emerge as a leading defence exporter and Muslim-majority strategic partner. For Bangladesh, Turkish ties provide an opportunity to diversify military capabilities, enhance regional security, and strengthen its geopolitical posture in South Asia and the Bay of Bengal.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on official diplomatic releases, defence ministry statements, and expert analyses. Readers are advised to follow verified government notifications and strategic think tank reports for the most accurate and updated developments.
