Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman’s recent visit to the Lalmonirhat airbase to inspect a massive under-construction hangar—believed to be designed for fighter aircraft parking—has caught the attention of Indian authorities. A senior officer from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the development has drawn the focus of both Indian security and intelligence agencies, which are monitoring the site’s progress near the Bangladesh-India border.
The new hangar is situated near the western periphery of the Lalmonirhat airbase, at Haribhanga village under Mahendranagar Union, just 20 kilometres from the Indian border in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district. The site’s proximity to India’s Siliguri Corridor—popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”—has amplified strategic concerns.
Spread across 1,166 acres and featuring a 4-km-long runway, the airbase dates back to 1931. It was used by Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War but had remained largely inactive for decades until recent revival efforts.
Airbase revival and official clarifications
Earlier, Brigadier (now Major General) Mohammad Nazim-ud-Daula from the Bangladesh Army’s Directorate of Military Operations stated in May 2025 that the airbase was being revived to “support national needs, including the Aviation and Aerospace University.”
He further clarified that there was “no information about Chinese involvement” and assured that no foreign entity would be allowed to operate the facility in a manner that compromises Bangladesh’s security or national interest.
Sources within the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) suggest that the new hangar supports speculation that Lalmonirhat may soon host fighter aircraft to replace aging J-7 jets. Intelligence officials reveal that the structure—capable of housing 10–12 fighter aircraft—has been under construction for six months, with roofing work currently underway. Plans for a concrete boundary wall to further secure the facility are also in progress.
General Zaman also inspected the Thakurgaon airbase, located nearby, where a perimeter wall has recently been built. The Thakurgaon facility spans 550 acres and includes a 1-km-long unused runway, indicating ongoing efforts to expand Bangladesh’s air infrastructure.
Potential fighter jet deals with China and Pakistan
Reports indicate that the Bangladesh Air Force is close to finalising a USD 2.2 billion deal to acquire 20 Chinese-made J-10CE fighter aircraft. Additionally, discussions are underway to procure 16 JF-17 Block III jets, jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex, which may be stationed at the Cox’s Bazar airbase.
It remains unclear whether China or Pakistan will act as the direct supplier for these acquisitions.
While there is no concrete evidence yet linking China to the ongoing Lalmonirhat expansion, Indian defence and intelligence circles are keeping a close watch. Officials fear that Chinese or Pakistani-origin aircraft could eventually be stationed near the strategic Siliguri Corridor, potentially altering the security dynamics in the region.
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