India ‘Closely Watching’ Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat Airbase Amid Speculation on Chinese Role

The Indian government has said it is “closely monitoring” developments concerning Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase, following speculation that Dhaka might allow Chinese involvement in its operations. Responding to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said New Delhi had “noted reports” about the airfield and was aware of public statements from Bangladesh denying any military use of the facility.

On May 26, the Director of Military Operations of the Bangladesh Army clarified in a press briefing that “there are no plans at present for the Lalmonirhat airfield to be used for military purposes”.

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The query put to the government sought to know whether Bangladesh had “authorised China to restart operations” at Lalmonirhat and if India had formally objected. While Singh did not confirm any direct protest over the airbase, he stressed that India continues to track all matters “having a bearing on national security” and takes “all necessary measures” to safeguard it.

The Lalmonirhat airfield, located near the Indian border in north-west Bangladesh, has drawn strategic attention in recent months amid concerns over China’s expanding footprint in South Asia through infrastructure and defence cooperation projects.

Separate Issue: Vandalism of Tagore’s Ancestral Home
In response to another parliamentary question from TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Singh condemned the June 12 attack on Rabindra Kacharibari, the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Shahzadpur, Bangladesh.

Calling the act “despicable” and a “disgrace to the memory and inclusive values espoused by Gurudev Tagore,” Singh said India had urged Bangladesh’s interim government to take strict action and prevent such incidents in the future.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry later confirmed that two individuals had been arrested and that legal action was underway. It also announced enhanced security for the heritage site.

Cultural ties between India and Bangladesh remain strong under the 1972 Cultural Cooperation Agreement, which supports joint work in archaeology, heritage conservation, and other cultural fields.

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