The Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) have begun a joint military exercise titled 'Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026' at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet. The opening ceremony took place on Sunday, attended by US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen and Bangladesh Army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman. The 13-day exercise will continue until July 31, 2026, under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army’s specialized Para Commando Brigade.

According to the participants, the exercise aims to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance mutual understanding, and deepen the long-standing military partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. Ambassador Christensen described the training as a foundation for growing strategic cooperation and a symbol of shared commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Lieutenant General Rahman emphasized its importance in advancing bilateral defense relations.

The exercise includes 91 participants from the US Army Pacific and Oregon National Guard, and 93 from the Bangladesh Army. It builds on existing cooperation in regional security, counterterrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance.