ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Navy has announced missile firing exercises in thenorthern Bay of Bengal from 30 November to 1 December, prompting theissuance of a navigational warning for merchant shipping and fishingvessels to avoid the designated maritime zone during the period.
The designated exercise area lies close to Bangladesh’s exclusive economiczone and overlaps with routes frequently used by Indian naval units,raising concerns about possible escalation in an already sensitive maritimeregion.
Indian Navy sources confirmed that New Delhi is simultaneously conductingscheduled manoeuvres involving frontline warships and submarines along itseastern seaboard, describing the drills as routine and long-planned.
Military analysts view the timing of both exercises as significant, comingmonths after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the rise of aninterim administration widely perceived as less aligned with Indianstrategic interests.
Reports from Dhaka indicate growing defence contacts between Bangladesh andPakistan, including recent high-level visits by Bangladeshi naval officersto Islamabad and discussions on possible acquisition of Pakistani-mademaritime patrol aircraft and fast attack craft.
The deepening Bangladesh-Pakistan military engagement marks a notable shiftfrom the previous decade, when Dhaka maintained close security ties withNew Delhi under the Awami League government.
Regional observers warn that competing naval exercises in the Bay of Bengalcould increase the risk of miscalculation, especially against the backdropof deteriorating bilateral relations and unresolved maritime boundarydisputes.
Source:www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bangladesh-navy-conduct-missile-firing-drill-northern-bay-bengal-3768921″>https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/bangladesh-navy-conduct-missile-firing-drill-northern-bay-bengal-3768921
