The opening ceremony of Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026 was held at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet, on Sunday with the joint participation of the Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen and Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman attended the ceremony, ISPR said in a press release.
Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman represented the Bangladesh Army as its senior official.
The joint exercise is being conducted under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army’s specialised formation, the Para Commando Brigade. The 13-day exercise will continue until 31 July 2026.
In his speech, the US Ambassador said military-to-military engagement through the exercise serves as a cornerstone of the growing strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.
He said the exercise is not only a training programme 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.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army said Exercise Tiger Lightning is one of the most important platforms for bilateral military relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
He said the training will further enhance the operational capabilities of both armies, strengthen mutual ties and make a special contribution to the long-term bilateral strategic partnership.
Bangladesh and the United States cooperate in regional and global security, counter-terrorism, disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
Bangladesh remains committed to addressing global threats, including natural disasters, and continues to work with partners, including the United States.
As part of that cooperation, Exercise Tiger Lightning-2026 is being held to enhance mutual cooperation, develop strategic joint operational capabilities and strengthen operational readiness.
A total of 91 personnel from the United States Army Pacific and the Oregon National Guard, along with 93 personnel from the Bangladesh Army’s Para Commando Brigade and various other formations, are participating in the exercise.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Commanding General Strategy and Plans, US Army Pacific, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 17th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Sylhet Area, senior military officers and diplomats from both countries, participating trainees and media representatives.
