The opening ceremony of ‘Exercise Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026’ was held on Sunday at the Para Commando Brigade in Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet, with the participation of the Bangladesh Army and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).

The ceremony was attended by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army Lieutenant General Md Mainur Rahman, according to an ISPR press release.

The joint exercise is being conducted under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army’s specialized formation, the Para Commando Brigade. The 13-day exercise will continue until July 31, 2026.

US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen mentioned that through this training, military-to-military interaction is serving as a cornerstone of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Besides, it is not just a training 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.

Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army in his speech said that 'Exercise Tiger Lightning' is one of the most important means of bilateral military relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

This training will further enhance the operational capabilities of the armies of both countries, strengthen mutual ties and make a special contribution to the long-term bilateral strategic partnership.

Bangladesh and the United States have mutual cooperation in regional and global security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh is determined to confront any global threat including natural disasters and has been working together with other partners including the United States. In continuation of this, 'Exercise Tiger Lightning' is being held in 2026 with the aim of increasing mutual cooperation, developing strategic joint operational capabilities and strengthening readiness.

A total of 91 personnel from the United States Army Pacific and Oregon National Guard and a total of 93 members of Bangladesh Army's Para Commando Brigade and various formations are participating in this exercise.