Bangladesh, Qatar sign pact for deployment of military personnel
Deal enables multi-year deputation of Bangladeshi armed forces to Qatar as Dhaka expands defense diplomacy in Gulf region
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh and Qatar have signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement allowing the deployment of Bangladeshi armed forces personnel to serve within the Qatar Armed Forces, marking a significant expansion of military and strategic ties between the two countries.
The deal was signed in Doha on Sunday by Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division, and Lt Gen Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces. Officials from the Bangladeshi embassy in Doha were also present during the ceremony.
Under the agreement, Qatar will initially receive about 800 Bangladeshi personnel, with the option to increase the number based on operational needs and performance assessments. Each deputation will last three years and may be extended up to six years.
Officials say the move opens a new chapter in Bangladesh’s defense diplomacy, offering its trained military personnel opportunities abroad while generating additional foreign-currency earnings for the government.
Bangladesh is already one of the world’s top contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, and Gulf states have long expressed interest in its disciplined military workforce.
For Qatar, the agreement aligns with its efforts to diversify defense partnerships and strengthen cooperation with countries experienced in peacekeeping and international security roles. Analysts note that Gulf militaries increasingly rely on specialized foreign personnel for training, logistics, and technical assignments.
Senior Bangladeshi officials accompanying the delegation are expected to hold further meetings with Qatari defense authorities and representatives from the country’s growing defense industry to explore cooperation in training, technology exchange, and broader security initiatives.
The signing follows a visit to Qatar in April by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, who attended the Earthna conference and held discussions with key Qatari leaders.
Officials familiar with the process say those meetings played a crucial role in accelerating the finalization of the deployment agreement.
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