Bangladesh’s Controversial Move Near Chicken Neck: Lalmonirhat Airbase May Be Used for Military Purposes

Dhaka: Bangladesh, under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus, is reportedly planning to use the Lalmonirhat Airbase, located near India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor (Chicken Neck), for military purposes. This move appears to violate a previous commitment made by the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

Breaking a Previous Promise
In a press conference on 26 May 2025, then Brigadier General Nazim-ud-Doula had assured that the airbase would not be used for military purposes. General Nazim-ud-Doula was promoted to Major General on 1 September 2025 and now serves as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 33rd Infantry Division and Area Commander of Comilla.

Responding to a question in the Indian Parliament on 8 August 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh confirmed that the Indian government had taken note of reports regarding Lalmonirhat Airbase. Singh referred to the May press conference commitment by the Bangladesh Armed Forces that the base would not be used for military operations. However, recent reports indicate that Bangladesh is preparing to use the airbase for military purposes, located just 20 kilometers from the India-Bangladesh border.

Construction of a Hangar
On 19 October, North East News reported that a large hangar is under construction at the Lalmonirhat Airbase. Subsequent reports suggest that Bangladesh’s armed forces plan to establish a new radar unit as part of the air defense system at the base. Sources in Dhaka indicated that Lalmonirhat could potentially function as a missile launch site near the India-Bangladesh border.

Drone Operations Planned
There are also reports that the airbase may be used to station military-grade drones purchased from Turkey and China. While India has not officially protested this unilateral upgrade, a three-member Indian military intelligence team visited Lalmonirhat and the nearby Thakurgaon Airfield on 16 October 2025, meeting with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman.

Despite the Indian team’s visit, construction of the hangar continues. North East News released images showing the installation of the roof and base walls, and equipment for seven new radar systems, including a large antenna, has already been delivered to the base.