New Indian army chief arrives in Dhaka

Gen Bipin Rawat, the new chief of the Indian Army, has arrived in Dhaka for a three-day tour.

His special flight landed in Bangabandhu Air Force Base at Kurmitola on Friday morning, according to the ISPR.  

He and a four-member delegation were received there by Maj Gen Ataul Karim, the army's logistics area commander. His spouse Madhulika Rawat was also travelling with him.

The visit is taking place before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit to India, when the countries are expected to intensify defence cooperation.

The Indian High Commission said, considering the importance of the bilateral relationship, the Indian army chief has chosen to visit Bangladesh as his first tour abroad after being appointed on Jan 1.

He will also be visiting Nepal where he will be conferred with the honorary title of 'General of Nepal Army' by the country's president as per the long standing tradition.

The delegation will interact with the president, prime minister and the senior military leadership.

The army chief will also address the student officers at the National Defence College in Dhaka.

The Indian army chief shares a historic association with the Bangladesh War of Liberation.

His battalion, 5/11 GR, had fought with distinction in Northern Bangladesh and participated in battles at Pirganj, Goraghat, Gobindganj, Saulakandi, Mahasthan Bridge and Bogra.