First such event involving three countries, taking place in Bangladesh
A trilateral special operations exchange between the militaries of Bangladesh, the United States and the United Kingdom is taking place in the country, aimed at promoting regional stability and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The exchange – named Operation Monogram – started on February 16 and will conclude on March 12, with a view to enhancing the relationship among Bangladeshi, US and UK military partners.
It is the first ever exchange involving US and UK militaries with Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Navy elements.
The joint effort is meant to improve interoperability in responding to security threats and crisis situations in the region through the exchange of techniques, ideas and practices.
The concluding ceremony of the event was held on Tuesday, attended by US Ambassador Earl R Miller and Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral Mohammed Shaheen Iqbal, among others.
“Continuing these cooperative efforts is critical in preventing and countering threats to include drug and human trafficking, piracy and other challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” the US ambassador said. “The ideals of sovereignty, open economies that transcend borders, and adherence to the rule of law (are what) we aspire to uphold through our mutual security cooperation.”
During the four-week exchange, 40 participants from Bangladesh Navy’s elite Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) unit and 10 participants from the Bangladesh Army’s Special Forces 1st Para-Commando Brigade are exchanging techniques, procedures and best practices with the US and UK military members, on small unit tactics and maritime tasks, to increase interoperability among the three militaries.
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