The Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) have launched the joint military exercise 'Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026' at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. The 13-day exercise, which will run until July 31, aims to strengthen military-to-military engagement and enhance bilateral cooperation. The event was inaugurated by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Bangladesh Army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman.
During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Christensen highlighted that the exercise symbolizes the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and shared commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region between Bangladesh and the United States. He emphasized the importance of such exercises in maintaining regional and global security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance.
Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman underscored that the exercise serves as a crucial platform for bilateral military cooperation, aiming to improve operational capabilities and reinforce mutual ties. The event is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term strategic partnership between the two nations.
A total of 184 personnel are participating in the exercise, comprising 91 from the US Army Pacific and the Oregon National Guard, and 93 from the Bangladesh Army's Para Commando Brigade and other formations. Senior military officials, diplomats, trainees, and media representatives from both countries attended the inauguration ceremony.
