According to The Economic Times, the buildup of the US military in Bangladesh's important Chittagong region is raising alarms in India and Myanmar. Experts are warning of possible security effects on the region. The newspaper noted that a C-130J Super Hercules, which is a tactical transport aircraft that is usually based at the US Air Force's Yokota station in Japan, recently landed at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong.

Analysts quoted by the publication said the visit appears to be connected to the increasing involvement of foreign powers in the Bay of Bengal area. This area is close to India's Northeast and Myanmar. The report also added that both Washington and Beijing are reportedly trying to gain favour with Myanmar's rebel groups.

Since Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over power in Dhaka, the US military has made frequent stops in Chittagong. These visits have included reconnaissance trips and joint drills, as reported by The Economic Times.

Earlier this year, Bangladesh and the United States held exercises in the same zone with the code names Operation Pacific Angel 25 and Tiger Lightning 2025. Sources quoted by the news outlet revealed that another joint training mission is being planned after a group of US soldiers arrived in the area last week.

Last month, a US Special Forces Airborne officer was found dead in an expensive hotel in Dhaka, which further increased the worry within Bangladesh's armed forces about a larger American presence outside of scheduled cooperation.

The newspaper also brought up accusations about Washington's involvement in anti-government protests that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office in August 2024. Hasina had accused the US of trying to get her removed after she refused to give St Martin's Island, which is located in the Bay of Bengal, to cater to American interests.