What Are U.S. Defense Officials Doing at Bangladesh Naval Base Near India? Activities at Chattogram Raise Questions

Dhaka/Chattogram: A senior U.S. defense security advisor was recently spotted at a Bangladesh Navy base in Chattogram, located near India’s border, fueling speculation about potential technology transfers and strategic collaborations.

According to reports, Steven Barry James, a senior official from the U.S. Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA), met with Rear Admiral M. Moinul Hasan, commander of the Chattogram naval area, on January 27, 2026. Following the meeting, the Bangladeshi delegation escorted James to Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), where Lieutenant Commander Zahid Mohsin Kabir presented future operational plans, naval capabilities, and upcoming projects.

The DTSA, established in the 1980s, is tasked with preventing the proliferation or misuse of technologies that could harm U.S. national security. The agency evaluates dual-use goods—items that may include munitions or other military equipment—and assesses export licenses, technical specifications, and policy compliance. It also collaborates with partner nations and local industries to implement safeguards and best practices in defense technology transfer.

While Bangladesh usually publicizes visits from American officials, no official announcement was made regarding James’s visit, highlighting the sensitive nature of the engagement. According to security sources, the visit may be linked to potential technology transfer or advisory support for dual-use systems, although no concrete details have been disclosed.

The visit underscores the DTSA’s broader mission: strengthening allied technology security, sharing best practices, and countering the acquisition of strategic technologies by competitors. The agency evaluates proposed transfers of advanced U.S. weapons, systems, and technologies, ensuring they align with both U.S. and partner nation security objectives.

Given Chattogram’s proximity to India, the visit has raised strategic questions: Is the U.S. preparing to provide technology or advanced systems to the Bangladesh Navy? While no confirmation has emerged, the engagement reflects the growing U.S.-Bangladesh defense collaboration and the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal region.