Bangladesh and the United States have agreed to deepen army-to-army cooperation, with both sides emphasising training exchanges, joint drills, and the capacity to use advanced technology and military equipment.

The understanding came as the two countries concluded the 9th Bangladesh-US Land Forces Talks (LFT) 2026 in Dhaka, following a two-day meeting held on January 26-27 at the Army Sports Control Board conference room in Dhaka Cantonment, said a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today.

Lt Col Mohammad Badrul Haque of the Military Training Directorate led a 22-member Bangladesh Army delegation, while the four-member US delegation was led by Maj Michael Jacob Oster of the US Army Pacific Command’s (USARPAC) security cooperation division.

Brig Gen Md Humayun Kabir, director of the Military Training Directorate, was present at the opening and closing ceremonies, according to the ISPR release.

During the discussions, the two sides reviewed areas of military cooperation, professional development, and strategic engagement. They discussed holding multiple joint trainings and exercises, and explored innovative training methods aimed at strengthening military capability.

The delegations also reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening ongoing strategic cooperation between the two armies, the release said.

They agreed on taking effective steps to contribute to regional security and on coordinated preparedness to respond to natural and man-made disasters. The talks also placed emphasis on technological support and readiness to address global challenges, ISPR added.

ISPR noted that the 8th Bangladesh-US LFT was held in October 2024.