Following the Pakistan-Bangladesh military closeness, India has established three new military bases along the Bangladesh border.

New Delhi. The Army has established three new military bases to strengthen the security arrangements along the Siliguri Corridor. According to security sources, these bases have been established in Bamuni, Kishanganj, and Chopra. All are located close to the Bangladesh border and along the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. This move comes amid heightened security concerns following the recent visit of Pakistani General Sahir Shamshad Mirza to Bangladesh.

Mirza visited, discussed enhancing military cooperation
Mirza, head of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, arrived in Bangladesh on October 24 with an eight-member delegation. During this visit, he met with Bangladesh Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman and discussed deepening military cooperation. Mirza also met with Mohammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Yunus had gifted Mirza a book titled “The Art of Triumph,” the cover of which featured a map showing parts of the Northeast as part of Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s move sparked nationwide outrage.

Security of the Siliguri Corridor is a Top Priority
The narrow strip of land connecting the country’s mainland to the Northeast is called the Siliguri Corridor. Due to its narrowness, it is sometimes referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck.” At some points, it is only 21 kilometers wide. It borders Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Sources said that security along the Siliguri Corridor is a top priority. These three new military bases will ensure the security of vulnerable areas and provide the armed forces with new strategic options when needed. They will also enhance surveillance along the Northeast border and the army’s response capabilities in case of a crisis.

Bangladesh to reopen Lalmonirhat Airbase
Bangladesh is set to reopen its Lalmonirhat Airbase, located along the Siliguri Corridor. Built during the British era, this airbase had long been abandoned. On October 16th, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman visited this old airbase, built in 1931. A massive hangar is being constructed here to house fighter aircraft. China is suspected to be behind the resumption of the airbase. Muhammad Yunus visited China in March and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.