Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 06, 2025, 01:00 AM
Muhammad Yunus: Recently a large-scale military exercise was conducted in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh, using tanks, helicopters and artillery. The exercise was led by the 55 Infantry Division and was attended by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan and Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan. The main objective of this exercise was to boost the country's military preparedness and keep the army alert to protect sovereignty.Message of Mohammad Yunus: The army should be prepared for every situationDuring this military exercise, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh Mohammad Yunus addressed the army and said that it is important for the army to be prepared at all times for the security of the country. He said, "Just as a better prepared team wins in sports, in the same way, continuous practice and achieving excellence is necessary to win in war as well." Yunus also said that emphasis is being laid on equipping the Bangladesh Army with modern technology and weapons.Yunus praised the confidence and skill of the army after seeing this exercise conducted by the 55 Infantry Division. He said, "From what I have seen today, it is clear that our army is more confident than before. Every member of the army has shown their full hard work and dedication in this exercise." Yunus assured the army that every effort is being made to make them more modern.The hidden message behind the military exerciseThis exercise organized by the Bangladesh government and army cannot be seen as just a normal military exercise. Experts believe that behind this there is also an attempt by Bangladesh to demonstrate its military strength. Retired Indian Army officer Colonel Diptanshu Chaudhary says that this exercise of Bangladesh could possibly be an indirect message to India. He said, "If Bangladesh is even imagining a war with India, then it will be their big mistake. Bangladesh should understand that it would be foolish to go to war with India."Increasing anti-India sentimentAnti-India sentiment has been growing in Bangladesh for some time now. Many radical leaders and former military officials there have made provocative statements against India. They have threatened to capture not only Kolkata but also Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam and the Seven Sisters states of the Northeast. These statements have increased the concern of Indian security agencies.Many experts believe that Bangladesh's military exercise could be a warning to India. But Indian military officials believe that Bangladesh's military strength is still very limited compared to India. Colonel Choudhary said that Bangladesh has hardly conducted any major military exercise after 1971. Therefore, doubts remain about their military preparedness in the current situation.Implications of the war exerciseDuring this exercise held at the Rajbari Military Training Area, the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh said that the army will have to make every effort to protect the sovereignty of the country. He said that just as a player has to practice continuously to achieve excellence, the army should also always be ready for war.Yunus praised the hard work of the army officers and soldiers and said that this exercise shows that the Bangladesh Army is constantly trying to hone its skills. He also said that such exercises increase the morale of the army and improve their combat capability.Ready for future challengesThis type of exercise of the Bangladesh government and army indicates that they are preparing themselves for future challenges. However, questions are being raised on Bangladesh's intentions regarding the possibility of war with India.India's security experts believe that Bangladesh's military exercise has been done mostly to reassure internal politics and the public. Nevertheless, India should maintain vigilance on its borders and be prepared for any unexpected situation.ConclusionThis war exercise taking place in Chittagong is an important part of Bangladesh's military preparations. But the political and strategic objective behind this cannot be ignored either. India should keep an eye on such activities and strengthen its security apparatus.It is clear from this exercise that Bangladesh is working towards making its army more modern and self-reliant. However, it would be a big mistake for Bangladesh to imagine a war with India. It is not possible for them to match the might and strategic capability of the Indian Army. Instead, both countries should work towards improving their bilateral relations and establishing peace in the region.