Following Pakistan, Bangladesh signals willingness to join Trump’s Gaza stabilisation force

Bangladesh eyes role in Gaza force

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has conveyed its interest in joining US President Donald Trump’s Internal Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip, mirroring a move already taken by Pakistan, sources told CNN-News18.

Trump’s 20-point peace proposal envisages a force drawn from Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, to manage a transitional phase focused on reconstruction and economic recovery in Gaza, which has been devastated by two years of Israeli bombardment. Several countries remain cautious about participating in a mission that would involve demilitarising Hamas, fearing backlash from pro-Palestinian public opinion at home.

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman recently met senior US officials at the State Department in Washington, where he indicated that Dhaka is prepared to deploy its forces to Gaza, according to top intelligence sources.

The discussions were attended by Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India, and the US Special Envoy for South Asia and Central Asian Affairs. During the meeting, Bangladesh’s NSA received a green signal from Washington for the deployment of troops as part of the Gaza stabilisation force.

Rahman also briefed US officials on domestic and regional developments, as well as Bangladesh’s prospective role in the Gaza peace mission. Talks covered the country’s forthcoming elections, bilateral trade, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and the growing relationship with Pakistan.

Why is Bangladesh sending troops to Gaza?

Bangladesh’s offer of troops or security cooperation in conflicts involving the Muslim world is aimed at securing strategic indulgence from Washington, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18. US officials have already assured full support for Bangladesh’s forces should they be deployed in Gaza.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is also seen as using the initiative to consolidate domestic political support, particularly from Jamaat-e-Islami, which has historically backed the Palestinian cause. By endorsing Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the Yunus administration is seeking US acceptance for a prolonged transition period.

The interim leadership is simultaneously looking to oversee local elections before proceeding to national polls scheduled for February 12. Sources said Bangladesh’s offer to send troops to Gaza and its high-level engagement with Washington are intended more to bolster the interim government’s international legitimacy than to signal an immediate operational deployment.