Inaugural Ceremony of Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026

Inaugural Ceremony of Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026

MD Babul Bangladesh

Dhaka, 19 July 2026 (Sunday): Today, the inaugural ceremony of ‘Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026’ was held at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet with the joint participation of the Bangladesh Army and the United States Pacific Army Command (USARPAC). The ceremony was attended by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and the Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman, OSP, SUP, AWC, PSC, was present as the senior representative of the Bangladesh Army. This joint exercise is being held under the supervision of the ‘Para Commando Brigade’, a specialized formation of the Bangladesh Army. The exercise will be conducted for a total of 13 days which will continue till 31 July 2026.

The US Ambassador said in his speech that this training is a cornerstone of military-to-military communication and a growing strategic partnership between the two countries. It is not just a training exercise but also a symbol of the long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and shared commitment of both countries to an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. On the other hand, the Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army said in his speech that ‘Exercise Tiger Lightning’ is one of the most important means of bilateral military relations between Bangladesh and the United States. This training will further enhance the operational capabilities of the armies of both countries, strengthen mutual ties, and make a significant contribution to the long-term bilateral strategic partnership.

Bangladesh and the United States have mutual cooperation in regional and global security, counterterrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh is committed to confronting any global threat, including natural disasters, and has been working together with other partners, including the United States. In continuation of this, ‘Exercise Tiger Lightning’ is being held in 2026 with the aim of increasing mutual cooperation, developing strategic joint operational capabilities and strengthening readiness. A total of 91 personnel from the United States Army Pacific and Oregon National Guard and a total of 93 members of the Bangladesh Army’s Para Commando Brigade and various formations are participating in this exercise.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commanding General – Strategy and Plans, US Army Pacific; GOC, 17th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Sylhet Area; Commandant, SI&T; senior military officers and diplomats from both countries; participating trainees and media persons.