National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman has characterized a flurry of high-profile defense contracts signed with China, the United States, and Japan as part of a continuous administrative process rather than a shift in government priorities.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday following a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, Dr. Khalilur dismissed concerns regarding the timing of these multi-billion dollar deals as the interim administration nears the end of its tenure.
The interim government assumed office on August 8, 2024, with a primary mandate to reform state structures, ensure justice for the July uprising, and oversee a transition to democracy.
However, the administration has recently faced scrutiny for its heavy focus on military procurement. When asked about the legitimacy of these commitments and whether a successor government would honor them, Dr. Rahman described such concerns as "speculative."
Since taking office, the interim administration has moved forward with an extensive list of military acquisitions and partnerships. These include a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with China to establish a drone factory, the purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan and J-10CE jets from China, and the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons from a European consortium.
The procurement list also features submarines from South Korea, T-129 attack helicopters from Turkey, and Black Hawk multirole helicopters from the United States, alongside a 650 crore BDT project to modernize the naval frigate BNS Khalid bin Walid.
Dr. Rahman also addressed criticism regarding his recent appointment to the Board of Directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a move critics call unprecedented for a National Security Adviser.
He countered the backlash by simply stating that not every country in the world operates its own national airline, implying that administrative structures vary by nation.
