Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
Bangladesh and Italy are exploring opportunities to expand defense cooperation, with potential collaboration in military modernization, training, technological assistance, and United Nations peacekeeping operations emerging as key areas of interest.
The issue was discussed during a courtesy meeting between Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (retired) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the adviser’s office at the Armed Forces Division (AFD) in Dhaka Cantonment, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
Both sides expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between their armed forces, building on the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.
Discussions covered defense capacity-building, military training, exchanges of professional experience, technical assistance, and the possible procurement of modern military equipment and defense materials.
The two sides also reviewed their contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and explored opportunities for future cooperation and joint training in the field. Such engagement could provide scope for Bangladesh to enhance operational capabilities and exchange expertise with an established European defense partner.
The defense adviser emphasized the importance of continued Italian support for developing Bangladesh’s defense industry and strengthening its military capabilities. The Italian ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining the partnership and supporting the modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, the release said.
The discussions reflect Bangladesh’s interest in broadening its defense partnerships through training, technology transfer, and institutional cooperation. For Italy, deeper engagement could expand defense ties with Bangladesh while strengthening bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation.
However, the meeting did not announce any specific procurement agreement, joint training program, or formal defense arrangement. The extent of future cooperation will depend on follow-up discussions, agreed priorities, and the implementation of potential initiatives.
Continued high-level engagement could help translate the expressed interest into practical cooperation, particularly in professional training, peacekeeping preparedness, and defense capability development.
