SOURCE: AFI
In a recent viral video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Shahiduzzaman, a Bangladeshi academic and outspoken commentator, has made highly controversial remarks advocating for Bangladesh to procure three squadrons of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan. In his statement, Dr. Shahiduzzaman boldly compared the JF-17 Thunder, a Chinese-Pakistani co-production, to the American F-35, claiming that the former offers similar advanced capabilities despite its significantly lower price tag.
Dr. Shahiduzzaman, who had earlier gained attention for his proposal to form a nuclear pact with Pakistan to counterbalance India, has stirred the pot again with his recent comments, raising eyebrows among defense analysts and policymakers in both India and Bangladesh.
While the JF-17 does incorporate advanced Chinese technology, including radars and avionics, comparing it to the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighters in the world, appears to be an exaggeration. The F-35 boasts stealth technology, advanced sensors, and a cutting-edge cockpit that are far beyond the capabilities of the JF-17, which is classified as a fourth-generation aircraft. Despite the JF-17’s impressive performance for its price point, it remains a comparatively basic platform in the global fighter jet market, and Dr. Shahiduzzaman’s claim has been met with skepticism by many defense experts.
In addition to advocating for the procurement of JF-17s, Dr. Shahiduzzaman’s statement took an even more contentious turn when he called for Bangladesh to provide support to insurgents in India’s northeastern states such as Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram. The professor suggested that Bangladesh should actively aid separatist movements in these regions, which have long been characterized by their demands for autonomy or independence from India.
While Bangladesh has historically maintained a non-confrontational stance in regional politics, these recent statements by Dr. Shahiduzzaman reflect a growing tension in his rhetoric, particularly in relation to India’s military and regional strategy. Bangladesh has been an important neighbor to India, and despite occasional tensions, particularly over issues such as border security and water sharing, the two countries have largely enjoyed a cooperative relationship.