The recent arrival of US troops and increased military activity in Bangladesh’s Chittagong region have triggered growing concern in neighboring India and Myanmar, as Washington appears to be deepening its strategic footprint in the Bay of Bengal.
A US C‑130J Super Hercules aircraft, typically stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, recently landed at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong. This visit aligns with a pattern of increased US military engagement in Bangladesh, including reconnaissance missions, humanitarian operations, and joint military exercises.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, the Bangladesh government has welcomed several US-led operations, such as “Pacific Angel-25” and “Tiger Lightning-2025.” Another joint drill is reportedly in the pipeline, following recent troop arrivals.
Strategic Sensitivities
Chittagong’s strategic location, close to India’s northeastern states and bordering Myanmar, has amplified regional anxiety. Both India and Myanmar view the expanding US presence near their frontiers as a potential disruption to the regional balance of power.
Additionally, intelligence reports suggest that both the US and China are increasingly involved in covert operations and outreach with rebel groups in Myanmar, raising the stakes for regional stability.
Internal Fallout in Bangladesh
Domestically, the growing US involvement has sparked political controversy. Some Bangladeshi political observers have linked Washington’s actions to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, following street protests that were allegedly backed by foreign interests.
Hasina herself reportedly accused the US of pushing for access to St. Martin’s Island, a geostrategic location in the Bay of Bengal, and warned of broader interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
With the Bay of Bengal emerging as a new theater for geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, Bangladesh appears to be navigating a delicate balance. However, its recent tilt toward the US has stirred unease among its neighbors, potentially ushering in a new phase of competition and realignment in South Asia.
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