Sheikh Hasina Questions Bangladeshs Fighter Jet Deal with China

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has called for a closer examination of the country’s alleged deal with China for J-10CE fighter jets. She emphasized the need for military modernization to consider the nation’s economic constraints, real defense requirements, and regional stability.

In an audio interview with a news agency, Hasina questioned the necessity of the proposed defense equipment, the affordability of its costs, the transparency of the procurement process, and whether the broader regional implications had been adequately assessed.

When asked about the strengthening defense ties between Bangladesh and China, including the fighter jet deal, Hasina stated, “Bangladesh has every right to modernize its armed forces. I have always supported this. During our government, we invested in defense modernization and maintained cooperation with various countries, including China. However, we must ask practical questions. Does Bangladesh need this equipment? Can the country afford it? Was this decision made transparently? Were the wider regional impacts considered?”

She pointed out that Bangladesh is currently facing significant economic challenges, making it essential for any major defense purchase to undergo thorough scrutiny. The issue of regional balance is also crucial.

Hasina highlighted the importance of maintaining balanced relations with major global powers. She asserted that Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be guided by its national interests and should not become a battleground for geopolitical rivalries.

“India is our closest neighbor. China is an important partner in defense and development. We also maintain significant relationships with the United States, Japan, the Middle East, Gulf countries, and African nations. During our government, we collaborated with all of them. We never believed that friendship with one country necessitated hostility towards another. Bangladesh should advance its national interests but must avoid becoming a theater of competition among great powers. This has always been my stance,” she remarked.

In the interview, Hasina also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s deteriorating economic situation. She compared the current economic challenges to the rapid growth and progress achieved during her tenure.

“I wish I could say that conditions are improving, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Every aspect of life in Bangladesh is deteriorating day by day. Just look at the economic situation. During our tenure, Bangladesh became one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia. We reduced poverty, expanded electricity and health services, and built essential infrastructure for long-term development. Now, the IMF projects only a 3.2% growth rate for this fiscal year. The banking sector is facing serious difficulties, and businesses are struggling to survive,” she added.