02-24-2008, 01:22 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Bangladesh army chief on mission to boost ties with India</b>
Feb 24, 2008
Bangladesh's army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, left Dhaka on Sunday for a week-long visit to India aimed at reviving defence and political ties and boosting security co-operation.
Moeen is a key figure in Bangladesh politics, where an army-backed interim authority has ruled under a state of emergency since taking charge in January 2007 following months of political violence.
He was expected to meet the chiefs of the Indian army, navy and air force, as well as the president, prime minister and senior government leaders, Bangladeshi officials said.
"To re-establish defence ties between the two neighbouring countries will be a major focus during the visit," said Brigadier-General Mohammad Anisuzzaman Bhuiyan, director of training at Bangladesh's army headquarters.
India helped the former East Pakistan in its 1971 independence war against Pakistan.
But despite generally friendly relations, Indian and Bangladeshi border guards often exchange fire along their porous 4,000-km (2,500-mile) border that runs through rice fields, hills, jungles, marshes and rivers.
They accuse each other of targeting civilians on the frontier, which is known for rampant smuggling and illegal migration.
Moeen and his Indian counterpart would discuss steps to combat corruption and terrorism, and the possibility of joint operations against insurgent groups, other officials said.
Analysts say Bangladesh is also keen for India's political support as it pursues an anti-corruption drive and implements reforms ahead of a return to elected government.
The interim authority has pledged to hold a free and fair election before the end of this year.
Bangladesh's generals ruled the country for 15 years until December 1990, when a people's revolt ousted the last military ruler, Hossain Mohammad Ershad.
But Moeen has repeatedly said the army has no intention to take power again, only to assist the establishment of democratic government.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Feb 24, 2008
Bangladesh's army chief, General Moeen U Ahmed, left Dhaka on Sunday for a week-long visit to India aimed at reviving defence and political ties and boosting security co-operation.
Moeen is a key figure in Bangladesh politics, where an army-backed interim authority has ruled under a state of emergency since taking charge in January 2007 following months of political violence.
He was expected to meet the chiefs of the Indian army, navy and air force, as well as the president, prime minister and senior government leaders, Bangladeshi officials said.
"To re-establish defence ties between the two neighbouring countries will be a major focus during the visit," said Brigadier-General Mohammad Anisuzzaman Bhuiyan, director of training at Bangladesh's army headquarters.
India helped the former East Pakistan in its 1971 independence war against Pakistan.
But despite generally friendly relations, Indian and Bangladeshi border guards often exchange fire along their porous 4,000-km (2,500-mile) border that runs through rice fields, hills, jungles, marshes and rivers.
They accuse each other of targeting civilians on the frontier, which is known for rampant smuggling and illegal migration.
Moeen and his Indian counterpart would discuss steps to combat corruption and terrorism, and the possibility of joint operations against insurgent groups, other officials said.
Analysts say Bangladesh is also keen for India's political support as it pursues an anti-corruption drive and implements reforms ahead of a return to elected government.
The interim authority has pledged to hold a free and fair election before the end of this year.
Bangladesh's generals ruled the country for 15 years until December 1990, when a people's revolt ousted the last military ruler, Hossain Mohammad Ershad.
But Moeen has repeatedly said the army has no intention to take power again, only to assist the establishment of democratic government.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->