RAWALPINDI: The air chief of Bangladesh held high-level meetings with Pakistan’s top military leadership on Thursday, focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing professional collaboration, and discussing regional security challenges. The discussions reflected growing defence engagement between the two South Asian nations and underscored their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional security dynamics, and practical ways to expand defence and military cooperation.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on increasing professional collaboration, training exchanges, and closer institutional ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Air Chief Marshal Khan praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their role in promoting regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building long-term and sustainable defence relations with Bangladesh, highlighting the strong historical and strategic bonds between the two countries.
In a separate engagement, the Bangladeshi air chief met Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. The ISPR stated that the meeting focused on mutual professional interests, the changing regional security environment, and opportunities to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain.
Air Chief Marshal Khan commended the Pakistan Navy for its high professional standards and expressed interest in expanding collaboration between the two nations’ armed forces. Both leaders agreed on the importance of increasing high-level exchanges and joint training exercises to enhance coordination and interoperability. Admiral Ashraf also highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s ongoing initiatives aimed at maintaining maritime peace and stability in the region.
The Bangladeshi air chief is leading a high-level defence delegation during his visit to Pakistan. Earlier in the week, he met with his Pakistani counterpart, where detailed discussions were held on potential defence procurement, including the possible acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft. These talks indicate growing defence-industrial cooperation between the two air forces.
The visit comes in the wake of Admiral Ashraf’s trip to Dhaka in November 2025, which was described as a milestone in bilateral defence relations. During that visit, the naval chief engaged with Bangladesh’s senior military leadership and visited key defence institutions, further deepening strategic ties between the two countries.
Overall, Air Chief Marshal Khan’s visit highlights the steady expansion of Pakistan-Bangladesh defence relations, with both sides signaling a strong desire to enhance cooperation across land, air, and maritime domains.
