In an ongoing effort to modernise and re-operationalise the Lalmonirhat airbase, located close to India’s strategically fragile Siliguri Corridor or ‘Chicken’s Neck’, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and the Army Aviation Group have intensified infrastructure development. Recent upgrades include floodlighting along the perimeter fencing, boosted security arrangements and the introduction of new surveillance measures across the vast facility.

The most significant structural addition is a large aircraft hangar situated at Haribhanga village under Mahendranagar union. Ground reports indicate that construction is nearly complete, with the concrete flooring receiving its final touches. Defence analysts believe the hangar will eventually house fighter jets, UAVs and military drones, expected to be procured from foreign suppliers once the facility becomes fully operational.

Indian agencies sound alarm

The rapid expansion has sparked considerable concern among Indian security and intelligence agencies. On November 22, senior representatives from the BSF, paramilitary units and intelligence organisations convened in Siliguri to assess the strategic implications of the prolonged activity just across the border.

A key element worrying Indian officials is the installation of floodlights along parts of the boundary fence. The illumination enables Bangladeshi forces to deter suspicious movement near the airbase and maintain constant night-time vigilance over public-access areas adjacent to the perimeter.

24×7 patrolling inside the base

Following reports submitted by Indian intelligence, Bangladesh has deployed BAF personnel for round-the-clock patrol duties inside the airbase. Instead of vehicles, personnel have been issued bicycles to navigate the facility’s 1,166-acre expanse. The airbase includes a 4 km-long airstrip, which is also expected to be resurfaced with a more durable layer in the near future.

Situated roughly 140 km east of Thakurgaon airfield, Lalmonirhat has seen far more significant development than the smaller BAF facility, where only a new perimeter wall has been erected recently.

On October 16, Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman inspected both bases—a visit that coincided with the presence of a three-member Indian Military Intelligence delegation in Bangladesh.

India responds with its military build-up

The scale and direction of upgrades at Lalmonirhat have been interpreted by Indian defence planners as a move towards a more “offensive” military capability on the Bangladeshi side. In response, India has set up three new Army bases at Chopra in North Dinajpur, Bamuni near Dhubri in Assam and Kishanganj in Bihar, close to the Siliguri Corridor.

These bases are intended to bolster security in and around one of India’s most sensitive strategic chokepoints.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share