Bangladesh and Japan on Tuesday signed a landmark agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology, which is expected to strengthen bilateral strategic ties, enhance military cooperation, and support Bangladesh’s defence modernisation efforts.
The agreement was signed by Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division under the Chief Adviser’s Office, and Saida Shinichi, Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bangladesh. Officials confirmed that the pact came into effect on February 3.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the deal represents a major step forward in deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries and is expected to contribute to regional stability and global security.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing the handling, use, and transfer of defence equipment and technology between Bangladesh and Japan. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it sets out procedures for approving individual transfers and outlines strict guidelines to ensure the proper and intended use of transferred items.
The pact also includes provisions to prevent unauthorized re-export or misuse of defence technology, ensuring robust oversight and accountability. Japanese officials said the arrangement would facilitate closer cooperation in defence technology while supporting the sustainability and advancement of Japan’s defence manufacturing and innovation capabilities.
ISPR sources said negotiations for the agreement began in 2023 and involved sustained engagement from both sides, reflecting growing mutual trust and a shared strategic outlook. The defence cooperation framework, they added, aligns with the principles of the United Nations Charter and is designed to promote international peace and security.
Under the agreement, Bangladesh will gain access to advanced defence technologies, opening new avenues for joint research, development, and capacity-building. The framework also provides for increased exchanges of military experts, which are expected to enhance operational knowledge, technical skills, and long-term defence planning.
The ISPR described the signing as a historic milestone that will significantly strengthen strategic relations and military collaboration between Dhaka and Tokyo, positioning the partnership as a key pillar of stability in South Asia.
