Pakistan has reportedly proposed the creation of a joint military command with Bangladesh, citing “regional interests” as the reason. According to a North East News report, a four-member Pakistani delegation led by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, presented the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, on June 28.

Proposal Discussed During Defence Meeting

The report, quoting reliable sources, said both sides discussed the importance of a joint military command as part of a broader regional strategic plan. The proposal has drawn attention because Bangladesh’s armed forces were established during the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan, raising questions about whether Dhaka would now consider closer military cooperation with Islamabad.

Focus on Defence Cooperation

The meeting took place at the Armed Forces Division headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment. According to reports, the main objective was to strengthen defence and military cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The official statement issued after the meeting did not mention a joint military command. Instead, it said both sides discussed bilateral ties, defence cooperation, improving communication, maintaining regular contact between defence institutions, enhancing professional skills and identifying new areas for future collaboration.

However, the report claimed that discussions also included joint military training and the possibility of creating a joint military command.

Talks on Fighter Aircraft

The report also said earlier discussions on Bangladesh purchasing JF-17 multirole fighter jets from Pakistan had made significant progress but are currently on hold.

Bangladesh is now reportedly in talks with China to buy 24 fighter aircraft, which are believed to be the J-10C. The meeting is being viewed as another important step in the growing diplomatic and defence engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Security Concerns for India

The reported proposal has raised strategic concerns for India, particularly because Bangladesh is located close to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, which connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country.

Security experts have long warned about the possibility of a three-front security challenge involving China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

If Bangladesh moves forward with deeper military cooperation or a joint military command with Pakistan, experts believe it could increase India’s security concerns in the region. No official announcement has been made by either Bangladesh or Pakistan confirming the formation of a joint military command.