Overview

• Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is advancing plans to revive the dormant WWII-era Lalmonirhat airbase with Chinese support.
• The airbase, located near India’s strategically critical Siliguri Corridor, could enable advanced surveillance and rapid military deployment in the region.
• Chinese officials have recently inspected the site, and reports suggest potential Pakistani subcontractor involvement in the project’s construction.
• India’s security agencies are closely monitoring developments, citing risks of intelligence gathering and disruption of supply lines to its northeastern states.
• The project underscores deepening Bangladesh-China defence ties, including arms supplies, joint exercises, and military infrastructure collaboration.