B'desh seeks enhanced defence cooperation with India

Dhaka, Mar 20: Bangladesh today sought enhanced defence cooperation with India, including boosting training facilities for its air wing as Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal NAK Browne called on the country's top political leadership and military brass here.

The IAF Chief arrived here yesterday on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh to expand bilateral defence cooperation.

During his meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman today, Browne "exchanged views and discussed matters of professional interest".

Bangladesh sought enhanced defence cooperation with India, including more exchange of training facilities with IAF.

Indian Air Chief called on President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"President Zillur Rahman laid emphasis on exchange of training facilities for the officers of Bangladesh and Indian Air Forces," the President's spokesman told PTI.

The spokesman said the president pointed out that "significant number" of officiers of Bangladesh Air Force underwent training in India since 1974 while many officials from India took part in training in Bangladesh.

Browne, the spokesman said, told the president that the exchange of training and experience-sharing between the air force officers of the two countries would continue in the future.

The IAF chief later called on Hasina who said her government always valued the friendship and cooperation with the neighbouring countries and underlined Dhaka's firm stance against terrorism.

"The Prime Minister said her government is placing emphasis on meeting the basic needs of the common people along with developing our armed forces," a PMO spokesman told reporters after the meeting at Hasina's residence.

PTI