Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia Cement Defence Ties at Landmark Joint Committee Meeting in Dhaka

In a significant diplomatic and military milestone, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia concluded their first Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation on Thursday, 8 May 2025, at Dhaka Cantonment. Spanning three days, the meeting marks a formal institutionalisation of defence ties between the two Muslim-majority nations, setting a framework for closer military engagement in training, strategic coordination, and defence industry collaboration.

A New Chapter in Military Diplomacy

Held under the auspices of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division (AFD), the meeting was described as “historic” by senior officials from both sides. The Bangladesh delegation, led by Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the AFD, hosted the Saudi delegation, which was led by Major General Hamed Rafi Al-Amri and comprised 14 military and civilian members.

In a statement issued on the official AFD platform (BangladeshAFD on X), the event was lauded for its “spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect, and cooperation.” The delegations held structured discussions on key areas of strategic cooperation including joint military training, educational exchanges, defence manufacturing, and bilateral exercises.

Strategic Alignment and Shared Objectives

The gathering reflects a broader geopolitical realignment in the Muslim world, where nations like Bangladesh are strengthening defence diplomacy with Gulf states. For Bangladesh, deepening ties with Riyadh brings both strategic and symbolic value—offering defence modernisation support while aligning with a powerful Islamic partner known for its regional influence and financial capacity.

For Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh represents a reliable and disciplined military partner. Dhaka has already contributed to regional stability through peacekeeping missions and military deployments abroad, and Riyadh may seek further partnerships along those lines. The meeting signals a shift from ad hoc military exchanges to a more institutionalised strategic partnership.

Messages of Brotherhood and Diplomacy

In his closing remarks, Major General Al-Amri expressed sincere gratitude to the Bangladesh Armed Forces and its people, emphasising shared religious bonds and the potential to “take mutual relations to new heights.” He praised Bangladesh’s hospitality and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to long-term cooperation in defence and beyond.

Echoing similar sentiments, Lieutenant General Kamrul Hasan called the meeting an “important milestone” in bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, crediting their leadership for enabling the strategic dialogue.

Hasan reiterated Bangladesh’s deep respect for Saudi Arabia, particularly due to its status as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and acknowledged the Kingdom’s vital role in international peace efforts. He also extended an open invitation for future high-level military visits from the Saudi side.

Looking Ahead: Next Meeting and Cultural Engagement

The two sides agreed to hold the second Joint Committee Meeting in the third quarter of 2026, further solidifying this long-term commitment. An official dinner hosted by the AFD and a photo session concluded the ceremonial aspects of the visit.

The event not only highlights the growing maturity of Bangladesh’s defence diplomacy but also showcases its balanced foreign policy—maintaining strategic neutrality while nurturing bilateral ties with both regional and Middle Eastern powers.

Contextual Significance

As Bangladesh continues to diversify its defence partnerships, this engagement with Saudi Arabia adds to a series of recent high-level military dialogues with countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Qatar, and Türkiye. It positions Dhaka as an emerging strategic player in the Muslim world, capable of navigating complex regional alliances.

Simultaneously, for Saudi Arabia—looking to enhance military-industrial capacities and solidify defence alliances under its Vision 2030—Bangladesh is a valuable partner with a proven track record in professionalism, discipline, and regional peacekeeping.

Conclusion

The inaugural joint defence committee meeting between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is more than a symbolic gesture—it lays the groundwork for a robust military partnership rooted in mutual respect and strategic convergence. As both nations prepare for the next phase of this relationship, the global community will be watching how this bilateral cooperation contributes to broader regional stability and the evolving architecture of Muslim-world diplomacy.

References

Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, 2025. First Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation. [online] Available at: https://x.com/BangladeshAFD [Accessed 8 May 2025].

Al Jazeera, 2023. Saudi Arabia’s Military Diplomacy and Vision 2030. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com [Accessed 8 May 2025].

Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), 2024. Member States and Defence Engagements. [online] Available at: https://imctc.org [Accessed 8 May 2025].