Bangladesh Government has appointed Brigadier General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman as the new Defence Advisor in its High Commission in New Delhi. He replaces Brigadier General Abdul Hamid, who was instrument in several military pacts between the two countries in the last three years.
A day before his departure, Big Gen Hamid told The Pioneer that his stay in India will always be memorable and he is going back satisfied that military engagement between India and Bangladesh is at all time high at present.
The two countries signed a Defense Cooperation Framework agreement during the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit in April this year apart from agreements for joint training of military personnel and enhancing cooperation in the field of strategic, operational studies.
There were several high level Defence/military bilateral visits in the last couple of years. This included visits by six Bangladesh service chiefs to India and one by its Defense Minister. There were four visits by the Indian service chiefs to Dhaka.
Brig Gen Hamid was also involved in evolving joint strategy on counter terrorism and maritime security with his Indian counterparts and the cooperation intensified following the brutal terror attack in Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka last year. Bes-ides, the officer was instrumental in forging agreements with Indian hospitals for the treatment of Bangladeshi Armed Forces personnel and their families.
