Is Turkey planning to set up weapons production units in Bangladesh's Chittagong, Narayanganj?

As the rift between India and Turkey grows, speculations are rife that Turkey could join hands with Bangladesh in setting up a weapons factory in Chittagong and Narayanganj. 

 

In a move many describe the move as calculated and strategic, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) executive chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun went on a five-day visit to Turkey to discuss the matter with Turkish officials. Harun was also granted the rare opportunity to visit the state-owned defence factory Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE) in the city of Kirikkale, Turkey.  

 

The entourage was given a special briefing on the factor, testing centre and secret weapons management, according to local Bangladeshi media, which added that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the defence ties between the countries. 

 

The report added that Dhaka might offer various benefits including tax exemptions and duty waivers under the Bangladesh Economic Zone Act, 2010. The government also thinks Chittagong and Narayanganj are ideal locations for setting up the units because these regions are connected to two seaports or waterways, which are strategically important for weapons production and transportation. 

 

A technical team from MKE will soon come to Bangladesh to conduct surveys in these regions, the report added.

 

Interestingly, the Bangladeshi delegation's visit came amid the standoff between India and Turkey over the latter's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. However, Bangladesh had engaged with MKE earlier too with Dhaka procuring MKE Boran 105mm howitzers last year. They have also purchased Bayraktar drones, which now form the central component of Bangaldesh's airborne intelligence and strike capabilities.  Besides, Dhaka has also been exploring purchasing the Turkish-made Otokar Tulpar light tanks. 

 

The Bangladesh Army has also purchased Roketsan TRG 300/230 Tiger guided multiple rocket launch system, armoured vehicles, small arms and a night vision system.

Defence