Dhaka to ink secret deal with Washington amid Iran war? Bangladesh Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman heading to US on 5-day trip for…
Amid the raging US-Israeli war on Iran, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is embarking on a 5-day visit to the United States, raising speculations whether Dhaka and Washington are working on a secret military deal, and if Zaman’s trip is somehow linked to the West Asia conflict.
Is General Zaman’s visit linked to Iran war?
According to Bangladeshi media reports, General Waker-Uz-Zaman will head to the US on March 29 for his second official trip to the country since assuming charge as Bangladesh Army Chief in 2024.
The Bangladesh military chief’s US visit assumes more significance because of its peculiar timing as the US is currently embroiled in a major war with Iran, and the Donald Trump is reportedly looking for an off-ramp to exit the conflict with the help of Muslim nations who have good ties with Tehran.
Why General Zaman is visiting US?
As per a report by Northeast News, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is going to the US on the invitation of Georgia Senator Sheikh Rahman, and will be accompanied by Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, and three Brigadier-level officers: Mohammad Serafuddin Khan, Nazmul Hasan, and Mohammad Ehsanul Haq, as well as a Captain-rank officer of the Bangladesh Army.
Previously, General Zaman visited the US and Canada in October 2024, months after the ouster of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League regime. The visit was aimed to enhance military ties between Dhaka and Washington, officials had said at the time.
According to experts, General Waker-Uz-Zaman has actively worked to strengthen military and strategic ties with United States and its allies, and is seen as among powerful figures in Dhaka who are staunch believers in strong relations with Western powers led by the US.
BNP govt wants strong ties with US
Notably, General Zaman’s US visit May 2025 was cancelled due to internal rifts within the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, and the Bangladesh Army Chief was explicitly told not to go on a five-day visit to the visit, which was scheduled to begin on May 11 last year.
Reports at the time said Yunus, who served as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, had verbally conveyed to General Zaman against visiting the US.
However, his upcoming visit comes barely a month after Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power in the February elections, suggesting that the new government in Dhaka is likely considering closer ties with Washington.