Sheikh Hasina questions Bangladesh's reported J-10CE fighter jet deal with China

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has raised several questions over the reported agreement to buy J-10CE fighter jets from China. She said that while modernising the military, the country's economic condition, its real defence needs, transparency in the procurement process and regional balance must be kept in mind. She made the remarks in an exclusive audio interview.

Asked about growing defence cooperation between Bangladesh and China, Hasina said Bangladesh has every right to modernise its armed forces. According to her, investment was made in modernising the defence sector during her government's tenure too, and defence cooperation with several countries, including China, was continued. But she said some important questions must be answered before any major defence procurement decision is taken.

She said it should be examined whether Bangladesh really needs the J-10CE fighter jets, whether the country can afford them, whether the procurement process was transparent, and what the regional consequences of the decision would be.

Hasina said Bangladesh is going through a serious economic crisis and caution should therefore be exercised in big defence purchases. She said that spending heavily on defence without regard to the country's economic condition would not be right. She also said regional balance must be kept in mind when making defence purchases.

Speaking on Bangladesh's foreign policy, Hasina stressed the importance of keeping balanced relations with major global powers, including India. "India is our closest neighbour. China is an important partner in defence and development. We also have important relations with the United States, Japan, the Middle East, the Gulf countries and African countries. Friendship with one country does not require enmity with another. Bangladesh should put its national interests first and avoid becoming an arena for rivalry among big powers," she said.

In the interview, Hasina also expressed concern over Bangladesh's present economic condition. She said the country had made rapid economic progress during her tenure, with emphasis on reducing poverty, expanding electricity and healthcare coverage, and developing infrastructure.

"I would have been glad to say that the present situation is improving. But sadly, that is not so. Conditions are worsening day by day in almost every area of life for the people of Bangladesh," Hasina said. She said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected economic growth of only 3.2 per cent for the current financial year. The banking sector is struggling with serious difficulties and businesses are fighting to survive, she added.

Questioning the defence cooperation with China, Hasina stressed in the interview that Bangladesh must keep a balance between its economic capacity, its defence needs and its international relations.