The People and Government of Bangladesh will remain ever grateful to Kuwait for being the first gulf country to recognize Bangladesh in 1973 after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. Both the country established diplomatic relation in 1974. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, with the passage of time relation between the two friendly countries has reached to a new height with the visionary leadership of both the country.
Bangladesh sincerely acknowledges the immense contribution of the state of Kuwait in nation building efforts through different bilateral relation and in particular by hosting large number of Bangladeshi expats and financial support through Kuwait Fund. Bangladesh as a trusted friend, stood firm in the need of time. Bangladesh joined in Coalition Force against the invasion by Iraq in 1990. Since 1991 till to date, Bangladesh Armed forces in collaboration of Kuwait Armed Forces have been actively engaged in “Operation Kuwait Punorgothon” (OKP).
To save lives and properties of brotherly Kuwaiti people, members of Bangladesh Army made sincere and extensive search-clearance-demolition operations against the menace of vastly and densely scattered mines and explosives from Kuwaiti soil. Presently, being divided in 11 contingents, skilled personnel of Bangladesh Armed Forces had been providing technical and vocational expertise in the fields of engineering, medical, communication, security, administration etc to rebuild Kuwait for the past 32 years.
So far 96 Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel sacrificed their lives while serving in Kuwait. Bangladesh Army supported friendly country Kuwait to fight against deadly pandemic COVID-19 by sending a medical team comprising 30 Doctors and 70 ICU Assistants who played admirable role in controlling the COVID -19 situation in Kuwait for 10 months. Bangladesh gracefully appreciates friendly country Kuwait specially His Highness Amir, His Highness Crown Prince and His Excellency Defense Ministers for hosting Bangladeshi contingent for more than three decades.
The time-tested relation between the Armed Forces is very special and unique in nature. To strengthen existing military relation, on the invitation of Acting Chief of General Staff of Kuwait Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff (CAS)of Bangladesh Army, General S M Shafiuddin Ahmed, SBP (BAR), OSP, ndu, psc, PhD visited Kuwait from 31 July to 03 August 2023. Recent visit of CAS, Bangladesh Army has opened new areas of defense cooperation to boost up existing defense engagements. General Shafi met with Defense Minister, Acting Chief of General Staff and high officials of Ministry of Defense (MOD), Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Kuwait National Guard (KNG). During the meetings, all of them have shown keen interest to employ more skilled manpower in near future. Consequently, two Kuwaiti delegation comprising members from MOD and Kuwait Armed Forces already visited Bangladesh in August and September. Another high-level delegation from MOI scheduled to visit in last week of November 2023.
The Delegation will visit few factories under Bangladesh Armed Forces to explore future cooperation. Along with Minister, Senior officers of MOD, MOI and KNG have been invited to visit Bangladesh. The visit of KNG is likely to be held in near future. On the other hand, a team from Defense Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Bangladesh has visited Kuwait in September 2023 as a part of their Overseas Study Tour. KNG and Bangladesh Army is likely to engage in cooperation in the fields of training, exercise and exchange of experts. Both the Armed Forces are also actively considering to open new arenas of cooperation in logistic field.
The recent visit of CAS, Bangladesh Army to Kuwait was very successful and mutually beneficial for both sides. Kuwait recognizes professional attitudes of Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel for their dedication, hard work, courage, brilliance and skill. The defense cooperation between Bangladesh and Kuwait has got a further momentum with this visit and more avenues has opened up. Contribution and excellent efforts of BMC will continue to make rewarding relation between the two countries. Government of Bangladesh is committed to further strengthening bilateral relations in defence sector in future with brotherly and friendly country, the state of Kuwait.
Brigadier General Md Hasan Uz Zaman, ndu, afwc, psc, MPhil
Defence Attaché (DA)
Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait