Patna: The four-week-long jo-int training programme of the Bangladesh Army and Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) personnel began at the BRC centre in Danapur on Monday.

The Bangladesh Army personnel will undergo training in anti-terrorismand counter-insurgency operations till December 10. Five senior army officers and 25 middle-rank officers from the Bangladesh Army will participate.

BRC commandant Brigadier Manoj Natarajan inaugurated the session where he welcomed the Bangladesh Army personnel, saying such sessions help develop close ties between two security forces.

Lieutenant Colonel S.M. Towhidul Islam, SSP, leads the Bangladesh Army contingent. The Indian training team is led by Colonel D.D. Swain, who has taken part in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and other northeastern states.

In his inaugural remarks, the commandant highlighted the common, shared beliefs of democracy, freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both nations. Brigadier Natarajan highlighted the problems of insurgency and terrorism and emphasised that insurgency should be addressed differently from terrorism.

Through a series of mock drills, the Bangladesh Army personnel will be trained to tackle hostage situations and also how to operate modern weapons and equipment.

The visiting security forces will also be imparted training on ways to track and handle explosives and IEDs.

The training team and the contingent will be sharing their respective knowledge and experience on varied nuances and facets of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. Subject experts from both teams will also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied topics for mutual benefit.

Besides training on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, various cultural programmes and visits to nearby heritage and tourist places will also be carried out to enhance understanding of each other's culture and history. According to the official, the training session aims at strengthening ties between India and Bangladesh so that the two armies can operate together in future.