Bangladesh and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have taken a significant step towards deepening strategic and technological cooperation in the maritime domain, following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on naval defence equipment and related collaboration. The agreement, signed at Dhaka Cantonment under the overall supervision of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), establishes a comprehensive framework intended to enhance naval capability, promote industrial partnership, and strengthen long-term defence ties between the two nations.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division. Signing for the Netherlands was H.E. Mr Joris Van Bommel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh. The ceremony brought together senior representatives from both governments and armed forces, underscoring the diplomatic and strategic importance attached to this new phase of cooperation.
Among those present were Captain (RNLN) G. (Geordie) Klein, EMSD, MSc, Non-Resident Defence Attaché of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence; the Senior Adviser for Economic, Trade, and Private Sector Development from the Netherlands Embassy; the Directors General of the Armed Forces Division; the Director General of the West Europe & European Union Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; and the Naval Adviser of the Ministry of Defence, Bangladesh. Their presence reflected broad institutional support for the MoU and the shared vision for strengthening maritime defence collaboration.
A Strategic Milestone in Bilateral Defence Relations
The signing of this MoU represents far more than a routine diplomatic formality. For both Bangladesh and the Netherlands, this agreement marks the emergence of a deeper strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared maritime interests, and a commitment to contributing to stability and security in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Bangladesh, with its vast maritime zone in the Bay of Bengal, continues to prioritise the modernisation and expansion of its naval forces under the Forces Goal 2030 blueprint. The Netherlands, well known for its advanced naval shipbuilding, maritime technologies, and defence-industrial expertise, stands as a natural partner for Bangladesh as it seeks to upgrade its fleet, enhance technological self-reliance, and foster industrial capacity.
The newly signed MoU lays the foundation for collaboration in several critical areas, including naval defence equipment procurement, industrial cooperation, the exchange of technical information, professional training, technology transfer, and the sharing of best practices in defence systems management. In addition, the agreement allows for the provision of logistical support when necessary, thereby expanding the scope of cooperation beyond traditional procurement channels.
Expanding Opportunities in Naval Technology and Defence Industry
One of the most consequential elements of this MoU is the emphasis on deepening industrial cooperation. The Netherlands boasts one of Europe’s most technologically sophisticated naval industries, with globally recognised expertise in shipbuilding, maritime sensors, propulsion systems, and underwater technologies. Dutch defence firms, particularly those engaged in naval engineering, have a long-standing reputation for producing vessels and systems designed for quality, reliability, and advanced operational performance.
For Bangladesh, access to this expertise opens significant opportunities. The country is steadily developing its own defence industrial base, and the MoU provides a platform for knowledge transfer, co-development, and potentially joint production in the future. Such collaboration could contribute to Bangladesh’s ambition of achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing while ensuring that the Bangladesh Navy benefits from cutting-edge technologies.
Furthermore, the agreement supports enhanced information-sharing under mutually agreed industrial security policies. This enables both sides to cooperate on sensitive defence technologies within a secure and structured framework, thereby facilitating trust and long-term planning.
Capacity-Building Through Training and Exchange Programmes
Another crucial dimension of the MoU is the expansion of professional military exchanges. Both countries recognise that equipment and technology alone cannot meet defence challenges without well-trained and capable personnel. To this end, the MoU outlines provisions for the exchange of military experts, joint training programmes, educational opportunities, and the sharing of operational experiences.
The Bangladesh Navy stands to benefit significantly from Dutch experience in areas such as naval architecture, maritime domain awareness, coastal defence, and underwater warfare systems. The Netherlands, a long-standing NATO member, has extensive operational knowledge accumulated from multinational missions, maritime security operations, and cutting-edge research institutions. The planned exchanges will contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s human capital in maritime security, ensuring that future naval projects are led and sustained by a highly trained workforce.
Enhancing Bangladesh’s Maritime Security Posture
Bangladesh’s growing economic activity in the maritime sector, from offshore resource extraction to expanding sea trade routes, demands a robust naval presence capable of responding to emerging threats and safeguarding national interests. The MoU offers Bangladesh an opportunity to enhance naval readiness through advanced systems, improved logistical support, and strengthened operational doctrines.
As Bangladesh moves forward with its ambitious naval modernisation plans—including the acquisition of multi-role vessels, improved surveillance assets, and future underwater capabilities—technical collaboration with a technologically advanced partner such as the Netherlands will be invaluable. The MoU may pave the way for future procurement opportunities, joint projects with Dutch defence companies, and expanded cooperation in maritime safety, port security, and naval research.
A New Chapter in Bangladesh–Netherlands Defence Partnership
The signing of this MoU is widely regarded as a major milestone in Bangladesh–Netherlands relations. For decades, cooperation between the two nations has largely centred on development assistance, water management, agriculture, and climate resilience. The new agreement adds a robust security and defence dimension to the bilateral relationship, elevating it to a more strategic level.
By strengthening naval defence cooperation, the two countries have signalled their shared commitment to promoting regional stability, maritime security, and technological advancement. As the MoU comes into effect, both sides are expected to embark on a series of follow-up activities, including expert delegations, project planning discussions, and capacity-building initiatives.
Outlook
The historic signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a new era in defence cooperation between Bangladesh and the Netherlands. It promises enhanced naval capabilities, improved industrial collaboration, and increased professional exchanges, ultimately contributing to the long-term security interests of Bangladesh. For the Netherlands, the agreement strengthens its partnership with a key Indo-Pacific nation while opening new avenues for defence-industrial cooperation.
With shared values, strategic alignment, and a mutual commitment to maritime security, this landmark agreement stands as an important milestone in the continued advancement of bilateral defence relations—one that is expected to shape the trajectory of Bangladesh’s naval modernisation for years to come.
Ayesha Farid is a regional security specialist focusing on South Asia, with over a decade of experience analysing inter-state tensions, cross-border insurgency, and regional power dynamics. She has worked with leading policy think tanks and academic institutions, offering nuanced insights into the complex security challenges shaping the subcontinent. Ayesha’s expertise spans military doctrines, border disputes, and regional cooperation frameworks, making her a vital contributor to BDMilitary’s coverage of South Asian strategic affairs. She leads the Geopolitics & Diplomacy section at BDMilitary. Ayesha holds a dual master’s degree — a Master in International Relations from the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, Spain, and a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Canada — combining deep academic insight with practical policy expertise.
