In recent developments that could significantly impact India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in the wake of post-August 2024 tensions, a military build-up has been observed on both sides of the international border. This escalation includes efforts by Bangladesh to enhance the Lalmonirhat airbase, located near India’s strategically important ‘Chicken’s Neck corridor’ in the Siliguri region. In response, the Indian armed forces have significantly increased their presence on both the western and eastern flanks of this World War II-era air station.
The Bangladesh Air Force has made determined efforts over the past six months to modernize its capabilities at Lalmonirhat, approximately 16 kilometers from the Chicken’s Neck, by constructing a substantial new hangar for fighter jets. This initiative has prompted the Indian Army to establish two new bases: the first at Chopra in North Dinajpur and the second at Bamunigaon near Dhubri in Assam.
There are unverified reports suggesting that high-ranking officials from India’s national security apparatus visited northern West Bengal recently to assess the military developments. The new base at Chopra has been set up in a remarkably short timeframe, located less than a kilometer from Tetulia in the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh’s Rangpur division. Notably, Tetulia has a geographical shape resembling an inverted comma that abuts West Bengal.
The second base, whose foundation stone was laid by Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General R C Tiwari, is also intended to be operationalized swiftly. On November 6, the Eastern Command shared that Lt Gen Tiwari visited troops stationed at Chopra, praising their unwavering dedication and professionalism in establishing the base quickly. He encouraged them to uphold high standards of operational readiness and to remain proactive in addressing evolving security challenges.
During his visit to Chopra, Lt Gen Tiwari received comprehensive briefings from officers of the new unit. That same day, he, along with senior commanders, visited the Kishanganj Military Camp in Bihar, closely situated near the Chicken’s Neck, to review operational preparedness.
His subsequent visit was to the Lachit Borphukan Military Station at Bamunigaon in Dhubri, Assam, where he assessed operational readiness and ongoing infrastructure projects. After meeting with Chopra’s MLA, Hamidul Rahman, he highlighted the necessity of military-civil cooperation to bolster security and development in the region.
Parallel civil-military liaison exercises have been conducted in villages within Bangladesh’s North Bengal areas, especially in Lalmonirhat and Thakurgaon, which have an older, albeit smaller, airbase compared to the one currently under refurbishment.
Reports from Northeast News indicated that as of November 6, Bangladesh’s defense forces, including the Bangladesh Air Force and Army, are collaborating to install a new radar system, likely procured from China. As work on the hangar nears completion-with the roof installed and bay walls being fortified-there are also plans for additional facilities beneath the new hangar, along with newly constructed residential quarters on the opposite side of the Lalmonirhat airbase.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/neighbours/military-build-up-in-west-bengal-assam-amid-bangladeshs-airbase-upgrade-near-chickens-neck/35596/
Category: Neighbours,Bangladesh Air Force,Indian Army
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Publish Date: 2025-11-07 11:55:00
