Türkiye Emerges as Strategic Defence Partner for Bangladesh

Reading Time: 3 minutes Bangladesh is increasingly turning to Türkiye as a key defence partner, signalling a shift in its strategic alliances within South Asia. This burgeoning partnership encompasses military procurement, technology transfer, and joint industrial ventures, potentially positioning Türkiye as a significant alternative to traditional suppliers such as India. Deepening Defence Ties Recent high-level engagements underscore the strengthening military cooperation between the two nations. On 8 July 2025, Professor Haluk Görgün, head of Türkiye’s Defence Industry Agency (SSB), visited Dhaka to meet with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and senior military leaders, including Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan. This visit marks Ankara’s growing engagement with Dhaka amid Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify its defence partnerships (Times of India, 2025). Earlier in May 2025, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), led a high-level delegation