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BSS-44
BANGLADESH-US-UK-MILITARY
Bangladesh, US, UK conduct navy exercise promoting open indo-pacific
DHAKA, March 10, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh navy and army have conducted the first ever joint defence exercise with the US and the UK militaries to promote regional stability as well as ensuring a free and open indo-pacific.
US Ambassador in Dhaka Earl Miller and Deputy Chief of Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral Mohammed Shaheen Iqbal attended the closing ceremony of the exercise named ‘Operation Monogram’ in Chattogram today, said a US embassy press release said here.
Miller said continuation of these cooperative efforts is critical in preventing and countering threats that include drug and human trafficking, piracy and other challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The ideals of sovereignty, open economies that transcend borders, and adherence to the rule of law we aspire to uphold through our mutual security cooperation.”
The four-week exchange operation is being taken place from February 16 to March 12 to enhance the relationship among the US, the UK, and Bangladeshi military partners.
Forty participants from the Bangladesh Navy’s elite Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) unit and 10 participants from the Bangladesh Army’s Special Forces 1st Para-Commando Brigade are taking part.
During the exchanged the Bangladesh army and navy personal exchange techniques, procedures, and best practices with US and UK military members on small unit tactics and maritime tasks to increase interoperability among the three militaries.
Maritime exchange segments incorporated the use of the SWADS’ newly acquired Metal Shark boats, recently transferred from the United States to the Bangladesh Navy, ideal for operating in Bangladesh’s predominantly riverine and coastal landscape.
US Navy Special Operations elements exchanged tactics with the SWADS on vessel boarding, maritime navigation, and manoeuvring while land-based training aspects focused on marksmanship, movement in urban areas, and medical first responder training.
The exchange further facilitated dialogue and partnership between the Bangladesh Army and Navy that will enhance future joint operations between the two military services, said the release.
The military relationships among Bangladesh, the UK, and the United States is vital for the security and stability of the Bay of Bengal and a testament to the three great countries’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, it also said.
BSS/PR/TA/MMA/2148hrs