Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat returned home from USA on Thursday.
During his visit to USA, he discussed on various issues related to UN peacekeeping missions of BAF with the UN Under-Secretary-General (USG) of the Department of Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare including the Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations Lieutenant General Carlos Humberto Loitey of UN Headquaters.
They exchanged views on various important issues including the use of aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines for troops rotation and increasing facilities of BAF peacekeepers, manpower and air assets of BAF in UN peacekeeping missions, COVID-19 vaccination of peacekeepers, deployment of modern C-130J transport aircraft, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and increasing participation of women peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions.
The UN high officials appreciated the contribution of Bangladesh to UN missions and expressed their satisfaction on the performance of BAF Peacekeepers and deployed assets.
During this visit, the Chief of Air Staff of BAF called on Chief of US Air Force General Charles Q Brown, Jr, Director of Defence Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) Ms Heidi Grant and Principal Director of Office of Secretary of Defence for Policy for South Asia Christopher Johnstone in Pentagon and exchanged views on different issues of bilateral interests.
During the call on, he highlighted the economic progress of Bangladesh as well as various issues including Vision-2041, Delta plan, progress of General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreements (ACSAs), Acquisition of Multirole Combat Aircraft (MRCA), establishment of aviation industry in Bangladesh and space intiatives including sending astronauts to outer space.
The Air Chief Marshal highlighted Bangladesh as a connectivity hub and demographic dividend of the country urged for joint investment in commercial, education and military affairs focusing on aerospace industry.
During his stay in USA, he visited the aviation company Lockheed Martin and the manufacturing plant of F-16 fighter aircraft where he flew simulator of F-16 aircraft. Besides, during visit to the aviation company Boeing he discussed on professional matters including the opportunities for investing in aviation industry in Bangladesh. He also flew the simulator of F-18 aircraft during the visit to company facilities of Boeing.
The visit of Chief of Air Staff of BAF will help determine future course of action related to BAF UN peacekeeping mission and increase opportunities for the country. Finally, through this visit, the existing bilateral relations between the Air Forces of the two friendly countries will be further strengthened and the field of cooperation will be expanded to take important steps like establishment of aviation industry and space initiative.
It is also mentionable that Chief of Air Staff of BAF left Dhaka for USA on May 14 for an official visit.
