The government led by Tarique Rahman is set to establish a military drone manufacturing facility in Bogura, a northern district of Bangladesh, in a joint venture with Turkey. The move marks a significant step in Dhaka’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities, while also drawing attention in neighbouring India due to the project’s strategic location.
Situated in the Rajshahi Division, Bogura has traditionally been known for agricultural machinery production. The district also holds political significance as the birthplace of Ziaur Rahman, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and father of the current Prime Minister.
Announcing the project on Thursday, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said the drone factory would be constructed on land adjacent to Bogura airport. He also revealed plans to develop a new airbase in northern Bangladesh as part of broader military infrastructure expansion.
As part of the initiative, authorities are expediting efforts to upgrade Bogura airport to international standards. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army is working to revive the historic Lalmonirhat airbase — once one of Asia’s largest during World War II — with assistance from China. The base lies close to India’s border districts, including Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. Additionally, the airport in Thakurgaon is undergoing significant upgrades.
These developments are occurring near the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”—a narrow stretch of land connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. Located near Siliguri, the corridor is considered critical to India’s territorial integrity, as any disruption could sever access to the Northeast.
Security analysts view the decision to establish a drone facility near the Indian border as highly consequential. Since the political transition following the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been strengthening ties with Turkey and Pakistan, alongside growing engagement with China.
Recent diplomatic activity underscores this shift. Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi in New York earlier this week. This follows multiple visits by senior Pakistani officials, including military representatives, to Dhaka, as well as reciprocal visits by Bangladeshi military leaders to Pakistan.
“Turkey has also stepped up engagement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Dhaka on June 4 — the first such visit since the new government took office — and held talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” said an officer of Indian intelligence wing in Dhaka.
Reports suggest that China, Pakistan, and Turkey are collectively supporting Bangladesh’s military modernisation. Plans reportedly include raising new army battalions and establishing domestic arms manufacturing units. During a recent visit to Beijing, the Rahman government also approved the purchase of 28 fighter jets from China—aircraft models currently used by Pakistan.
Indian authorities have not issued an official statement on the developments. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that the situation is being closely monitored. New Delhi is understood to be assessing both the strategic implications of Bangladesh’s military expansion and the involvement of China, Pakistan, and Turkey in the region.
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