Photo : ISPR

DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) today inaugurated the joint military exercise "Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026" at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Bangladesh Army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Md. Mainur Rahman attended the opening ceremony.
 
The 13-day exercise, organized under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army's Para Commando Brigade, will continue until July 31.

Addressing the ceremony, the US ambassador said the exercise strengthens military-to-military engagement and serves as a key pillar of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. 

He described it as a symbol of their longstanding friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to a free, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman said the exercise is an important platform for bilateral military cooperation that will enhance operational capabilities, strengthen mutual ties and contribute to the long-term strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.

Bangladesh and the United States maintain cooperation in regional and global security, counter-terrorism, disaster management and humanitarian assistance. 

Bangladesh remains committed to addressing natural disasters and other global threats in collaboration with the United States and other partners.

A total of 184 personnel are participating in the exercise, including 91 from the US Army Pacific and the Oregon National Guard, and 93 from the Bangladesh Army's Para Commando Brigade and other formations.

Senior military officials, diplomats, trainees and media representatives from both countries attended the inauguration.