Dhaka under pressure to sign US military co-op deal

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Dhaka under pressure to sign US military co-op deal

http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-05-13&nid=10126

Shakhawat Hossain

Dhaka is under pressure from Washington to sign a military cooperation deal aimed at enhancing the rapid deployment capability of the US forces far away from their bases, officials said on Wednesday.

The proposed deal called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement was first put forward by the United States to Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division in 2006.
But there has been no significant development in the following years as Dhaka showed less interest in the deal.

The US embassy in Dhaka has intensified its diplomatic efforts since 2011 to make the Armed Forces Division agree to sign the proposed deal.

According to a US news release issued on April 24, the United States is aware of a plan of Bangladesh on military modernisation.

The US assistant secretary for Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Andrew J Shapiro, at Carnegie Endowment Roundtable discussion in Washington on April 24 said, ‘The modernisation efforts provide an opportunity for us to expand our security cooperation, especially through our Excess Defence Articles programme, which makes US equipment that is surplus to our requirements available to our partners.’

Shapiro, who led an 11-member US delegation to a dialogue in Dhaka on April 19, also discussed the potential for US security cooperation with India and Bangladesh.
The recent visit by the US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, in the capital expedited the US efforts.

A team of US military officials is scheduled to visit the capital in the next week to discuss with the local military officials the proposed deal, the officials said.
The officials said the US military officials would be in Dhaka in May 14-18 for detailed discussion on the proposed deal.

The Armed Forces Division, meanwhile on May 7, held an inter-ministerial meeting before the official talks on the proposed Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.

The Armed Forced Division is expected to hold another meeting in a couple of the days for further discussion on the proposed deal, draft of which has already been sent to the division.

Sri Lanka was the 90th country to sign the ACSA with the United States in 2007.

According to WikiLeaks, the US Embassy in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo wrote in a message that the US Pacific Command had sought to enter into the deal with Sri Lanka since 2002.
Sri Lanka, positioned astride major sea lanes and at the doorstep to India, can play a significant role in military readiness as political and military efforts shift focus on Asia in the new millennium, it said.

‘The signing will expand DoD’s capacity and capability to conduct global operations by adding another logistical option in South Asia, which ultimately reduces cost and provides flexibility to US forces moving through the region,’ it added.

Dhaka and Washington on May 5 signed a joint declaration on a ‘partnership dialogue’ to hold annual consultations to give strategic direction to bilateral relations.

The joint declaration is a first major deal between Bangladesh and the United States that had for long discussed the signing of a deal on trade and investment-related issues, but failed.

Local trade experts held a number discussions with US trade experts on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between 2001 and 2010 at home and abroad, but failed to reach a consensus.

Both the sides are now discussing the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement, an old document with a new name, to further bilateral relations.

 

[eastwatch]

Asking for a military cooperation with a tiny BD by the USA seems to be a joke. But, now it is real. It is very difficult to guess the US intention. Why do they want a military cooperation deal with BD is a question that ponders my mind. Could it be that they want to protect their future gas interest in the BoB? Or, they want a strong foothold in BD to upstage China? Could it be both?

For many years since after 1971 BD has not been a recipient of US military hardwares. Only recently they are giving us some fast attack crafts, cutters etc. A strong US presence in BD will make China nerveous. China mainland lies only a few hundred kms from BD. Why suddenly this dreadful USA comes to BD and challenges China from this land?

I am genearally pro-USA. But, it is very difficult to endorse the present US move. However, watching the US moves for the last few years, I was wondering if it will ask for some kind of more military cooperation from us. I have been watching for many years that the US military makes joint exercises with BA, BAF and BN - all in the name of disaster relief exercise.

But, the presence of a US base in Bangladesh may not bring any good to BD. Superpower (cold) wars should be fought in the south Pacific and not in the tiny land of Bangladesh.

 

[Avisheik]

Dhaka is under pressure from Washington to sign a military cooperation deal aimed at enhancing the rapid deployment capability of the US forces far away from their bases, officials said on Wednesday.

They do not need our permission for that. Unless they want to use our land as a base.

The US assistant secretary for Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Andrew J Shapiro, at Carnegie Endowment Roundtable discussion in Washington on April 24 said, ‘The modernisation efforts provide an opportunity for us to expand our security cooperation, especially through our Excess Defence Articles programme, which makes US equipment that is surplus to our requirements available to our partners

Oh so they heard about our modernisation plans and wanna get some bucks off it .

The signing will expand DoD’s capacity and capability to conduct global operations by adding another logistical option in South Asia, which ultimately reduces cost and provides flexibility to US forces moving through the region,’ it added.

Sounds more like trying to surround china

 

[Md Akmal]

Asking for a military cooperation with a tiny BD by the USA seems to be a joke. But, now it is real. It is very difficult to guess the US intention. Why do they want a military cooperation deal with BD is a question that ponders my mind. Could it be that they want to protect their future gas interest in the BoB? Or, they want a strong foothold in BD to upstage China? Could it be both?

For many years since after 1971 BD has not been a recipient of US military hardwares. Only recently they are giving us some fast attack crafts, cutters etc. A strong US presence in BD will make China nerveous. China mainland lies only a few hundred kms from BD. Why suddenly this dreadful USA comes to BD and challenges China from this land?

I am genearally pro-USA. But, it is very difficult to endorse the present US move. However, watching the US moves for the last few years, I was wondering if it will ask for some kind of more military cooperation from us. I have been watching for many years that the US military makes joint exercises with BA, BAF and BN - all in the name of disaster relief exercise.

But, the presence of a US base in Bangladesh may not bring any good to BD. Superpower (cold) wars should be fought in the south Pacific and not in the tiny land of Bangladesh.

@ I disagree with you on the above marked point. It is true that after 1971 we did not received any military hardware but after 1975 we received lot many, may not be direct military hardware. Some of these are furnished below:

1. Most of our helicopters belongs to USA.
2. Most of the anti tank weapon like 75 mm blandisite (shoulder controlled) which were being used by BDR were from USA.
3. After 1975 most of the military wireless equipments belongs to USA.
4. Most of the army field telephone sets belonged to USA, later on these were replaced by China.
5. Most of the air force mobile radar belong to USA.
6. Our all C130 transport aircraft came from USA as gift after Gulf War.

@ Their intention is not only to contain China but also India and Russia. India was never a reliable friend of USA. India had always aligned with Russia.

@ The very location of Bangladesh is strategically very important to the big powers.

 

[Avisheik]

Asking for a military cooperation with a tiny BD by the USA seems to be a joke. But, now it is real. It is very difficult to guess the US intention. Why do they want a military cooperation deal with BD is a question that ponders my mind. Could it be that they want to protect their future gas interest in the BoB? Or, they want a strong foothold in BD to upstage China? Could it be both?

For many years since after 1971 BD has not been a recipient of US military hardwares. Only recently they are giving us some fast attack crafts, cutters etc. A strong US presence in BD will make China nerveous. China mainland lies only a few hundred kms from BD. Why suddenly this dreadful USA comes to BD and challenges China from this land?

I am genearally pro-USA. But, it is very difficult to endorse the present US move. However, watching the US moves for the last few years, I was wondering if it will ask for some kind of more military cooperation from us. I have been watching for many years that the US military makes joint exercises with BA, BAF and BN - all in the name of disaster relief exercise.

But, the presence of a US base in Bangladesh may not bring any good to BD. Superpower (cold) wars should be fought in the south Pacific and not in the tiny land of Bangladesh.

It is not a joke, especially when Bangladesh has the largest numbers of UN peacekeepers. Furthermore bangladesh's civilian and military are quite friendly to the US, compared to other muslim majority countries. Getting us on their will improve their image, not to mention manpower(they ******** asked us to fight in afghanistan).

I think containing china is their main issue right now. However, if they are here to buy gas from us, i will gladly welcome them cos Burma or india will not stir up false claims.

They have not been doing disaster relief exercises that frequently anymore, the exercises moved on to combat exercises. Last year, they trained with our SWADS, before that we had an joint BAF USAF exercise, where they flew f 18s.

I agree with you on your last statement. Dragging bangladesh as a pawn into the cold war will only ensure our early demise. Its better if we let things be the same for now.

 

[TopCat]

@ I disagree with you on the above marked point. It is true that after 1971 we did not received any military hardware but after 1975 we received lot many, may not may direct military hardware. Some of these are furnished below:

1. Most of our helicopters belongs to USA.
2. Most of the anti tank weapon like 75 mm blandisite (shoulder controlled) which were being used by BDR were from USA.
3. After 1975 most of the military wireless equipments belongs to USA.
4. Most of the army field telephone sets belonged to USA, later on these were replaced by China.
5. Most of the air force mobile radar belong to USA.
6. Our all C130 transport aircraft came from USA as gift after Gulf War.

Our para commando are the brain child of USA including equipment and funding.
SWAT and SWAD also totally funded by USA.
We got Saddam's tank as well.

 

[Md Akmal]

Our para commando are the brain child of USA including equipment and funding.
SWAT and SWAD also totally funded by USA.
We got Saddam's tank as well.

@ The whole Peace Keeping Institution located at Rajendrapur is being funded by USA.

 

[PlanetSoldier]

Our para commando are the brain child of USA including equipment and funding.
SWAT and SWAD also totally funded by USA.
We got Saddam's tank as well.

That all sound good until the relationship is closer like Pakistan. Such relationship will make Bangladesh worse than Pakistan. All on a sudden they might have a US Navy Seal operation without informing BD authority that will target the killing of BD PM . Besides, US-india are now friends, both will use the same facilities.

 

[Imran Khan]

as much as you go close to USA you will destroy more you will cry more and at the end you will be dead. enemy of USA can survive on earth 5 decades but ally of USA will destroyed so early by USA . stay away from them just look +at pakistan is an latest example in front of you .stay with russia chian and don't be part of anti china group for sake of your security unity and survival .

 

[Avisheik]

@ The whole Peace Keeping Institution located at Rajendrapur is being funded by USA.

Well they have to fund it, in that way they dont have to stretch their personnels. Their money is the contribution to world peace, our contribution is manpower

 

[TopCat]

That all sound good until the relationship is closer like Pakistan. Such relationship will make Bangladesh worse than Pakistan. All on a sudden they might have a US Navy Seal operation without informing BD authority that will target the killing of BD PM . Besides, US-india are now friends, both will use the same facilities.

You guys ignore the main factor of US interest in BD. Its not about China nor India. BD can not give any strategic advantage to USA against China. India is doing whatever needed for USA when it comes to China. The main interest lies in rapid troop deployment capabilities. Only few countries in the world which has that capability and BD is one of them.

enhancing the rapid deployment capability of the US forces far away from their bases

The above sentence is confusing and quite diplomatic. Its not about, how quick they will deploy troops in BD rather how BD could help them in deploying troops in conflict zone. Troops do not necessarily have to be US but BD can act in place of US troops which it implies.

I think if USA comes up with good military assistance then BD should opt for it and also engage itself more in international affairs.

 

[PlanetSoldier]

I think if USA comes up with good military assistance then BD should opt for it and also engage itself more in international affairs.

Also there could be some more strings like no embargo on BD nuclear test and long range missile technology achievement .

 

[Avisheik]

The above sentence is confusing and quite diplomatic. Its not about, how quick they will deploy troops in BD rather how BD could help them in deploying troops in conflict zone. Troops do not necessarily have to be US but BD can act in place of US troops which it implies.

I think if USA comes up with good military assistance then BD should opt for it and also engage itself more in international affairs.

If it is "good military assistance" shouldnt the UN get involved rather than US? And look at the history of US, they have some sort of agenda wherever they deploy their troops. Working with them in the UN is fine with me, but working as their foot soldiers is a whole different story.

Also there could be some more strings like no embargo on BD nuclear test and long range missile technology achievement .

They wont allow it. Even if we are fcuk buddies. Although they may make our trade relations much more easier.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

05-12-2012
U.S. Betting On Bangladesh

U.S. Betting On Bangladesh | Editorials | Editorial

The United States wants Bangladesh to be a prosperous, successful, democratic country that demonstrates unequivocally that democracy is the best path to sustainable development.


Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, center, looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, and Bangladesh Foreign Minster Dipu Moni exchange signed agreements in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, May 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman)
Photo: Pavel Rahman
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, center, looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, and Bangladesh Foreign Minster Dipu Moni exchange signed agreements in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, May 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman)

"A lot of countries have given up or never tried. You have never given up, and you never have stopped trying." --Hillary Clinton

Fortyyears ago, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy became the first American statesman to visit Bangladesh. That historic visit was the start of an enduring friendship between our two nations, a friendship that is rooted in our shared democratic values, our strong economic ties, and our deep people-to-people connections.

During her visit to Dhaka on May 5th and 6th, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed that friendship, noting that United States and Bangladesh continue to work together on both the regional and global stage.

We are cooperating to solve some of Bangladesh’s most pressing challenges. Bangladesh, said Secretary Clinton, is making impressive progress on many important issues. It is on track to meet its Millennium Development goals by 2015. Decreasing poverty levels and a rapidly diminishing rate of maternal and child deaths show that Bangladesh has made a strong commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.

In Dhaka, Secretary Clinton stated that the United States “want Bangladesh to be a prosperous, successful, democratic country that demonstrates unequivocally that democracy is the best path to sustainable development. That despite the challenges of a democratic process, there is a consensus that cuts across all political actors, that there must be cooperation on the fundamental issues facing the country in order to achieve the level of development that the people of Bangladesh deserve.

"We are betting on Bangladesh. That’s why it’s very important to us to continue to urge the hard decisions that are necessary for the rule of law, for transparency. None of this is easy. If it were easy, anybody could do it. And a lot of countries have given up or never tried. You have never given up, and you never have stopped trying. . . . we don’t want to see any faltering or flagging. We want to see democracy flourish in Bangladesh

"The progress on the Millennium Development Goals sends a clear message that this can be done,” said Secretary Clinton. “So all of the issues we raise, we raise as a friend and a partner, as a country deeply committed to that banyan tree that Senator Ted Kennedy planted all those years ago.

“We want to see [Bangladesh] flourish.”

 

[TopCat]

If it is "good military assistance" shouldnt the UN get involved rather than US? And look at the history of US, they have some sort of agenda wherever they deploy their troops. Working with them in the UN is fine with me, but working as their foot soldiers is a whole different story.

Why would a country deploy troops without an agenda and without their national interest? BD can well deploy its troops only when BD's agenda matches with US agenda. It does not have to be UN all the time even though all the UN deployment was done with US consent.

They wont allow it. Even if we are fcuk buddies. Although they may make our trade relations much more easier.

Depends how strong you are in economic front. They will keep quiet when necessary.