The Wire Pakistan Exclusive: Bangladesh Orders Massive Ammunition Supply from Pakistan After Hasina's Exit

Ali K.Chishti, Editor In Chief

Just three weeks after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned, paving the way for a new interim government, Dhaka has placed a significant order for artillery ammunition from Pakistan, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics and growing mistrust towards India.

Sources within Pakistan's security establishment have revealed that the Indian government has been informed of this development, which involves a substantial order for thousands of rounds of ammunition. The delivery is set to begin in September and will be completed in three tranches by December. This new order marks a considerable increase in the quantity of ammunition Bangladesh typically acquires from Pakistan, raising questions about its intended use.

This order comes on the heels of Hasina's resignation, a move that has already created ripples in South Asia. The timing suggests a possible recalibration of Bangladesh's defense strategy under the interim government, which might be seeking to bolster its military capabilities amid regional uncertainties.

The growing mistrust between Bangladesh and India, particularly within the Bangladeshi Army, which has traditionally been pro-China, plays a crucial role in this development. The army's sentiments have soured following Hasina Wajid's extended stay in India and the subsequent campaign led by Indian media and political circles, which many in Bangladesh have termed "racist." This campaign has exacerbated existing tensions and eroded the trust that once existed between the two nations.

Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), responsible for fulfilling the order, has ramped up production across its divisions in Havelian, Sanjwal, and Gadwal. The order includes over 40,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 40 tonnes of RDX in wax consistency for explosives, and 2,900 high-intensity projectiles. This is a marked increase from a previous order placed by Bangladesh in early 2023, which only included 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

Bangladesh, surrounded on three sides by India and bordered by the Bay of Bengal on the fourth, has historically maintained a cautious stance regarding its military capabilities. However, this substantial order from Pakistan has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, with Indian officials questioning where and how Dhaka intends to deploy such a large stockpile of ammunition.

The export list, detailed in a letter from POF to the Managing Directors of its various factories, outlines the urgency and scale of the production efforts required to meet Bangladesh's demands. The first shipment is scheduled to be dispatched in the first week of September, with subsequent deliveries planned for October and December.

This development signals a potential shift in Bangladesh's defense posture, reflecting a broader strategic realignment that may further strain relations with India. The distrust fostered by recent events, coupled with Bangladesh's traditional ties with China, underscores the complex and evolving nature of regional alliances.

As the situation unfolds, The Wire Pakistan will continue to monitor the implications of this arms deal and its impact on the delicate balance of power in South Asia.