A senior security adviser from the US Defence Technology Security Administration (DTSA) met senior Bangladesh Navy officials in Chittagong on January 27, signalling growing engagement between the two countries on issues related to dual-use commodities and munitions items, according to intelligence agencies in Dhaka.
DTSA Senior Security Adviser Steven Barry James held discussions with Rear Admiral M Moynul Hassan, Commander of the Chittagong Naval Area. Following the meeting, James was taken on a tour of Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd (CDDL), where Lieutenant Commander Zahid Mohsin Kabir delivered a presentation outlining the dockyard’s overall security arrangements, operational framework, capabilities, and ongoing and planned projects.
An officer from an intelligence wing of Bangladesh said the visit was part of broader interactions focused on security cooperation. However, Bangladesh Navy officials remained tight-lipped on the specifics of James’ engagements during his visit.
Defence sources noted that DTSA plays a key role as a reviewing agency for export licensing of dual-use commodities and munitions items, providing technical and policy assessments on export licence applications. The agency is also involved in evaluating defence technologies and developing protective measures in partnership with government bodies and industry stakeholders.
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“The DTSA’s mandate includes preventing the proliferation or diversion of sensitive technology and information that could pose risks to US national security. It works to identify and mitigate security risks associated with the international transfer of controlled information and advanced technology, with the aim of maintaining the technological edge of the US military and supporting broader national security objectives,” said the officer.
Established in the mid-1980s, the DTSA seeks to both promote technology security among allies and partners and counter strategic competitors’ efforts to acquire advanced technologies. The agency also helps ensure that proposed transfers of US defence systems, equipment, and technologies align with government policies on information sharing and capability transfer.
While Bangladeshi defence sources declined to disclose the precise objectives of James’ visit, other officials described him as a seasoned security and intelligence professional with extensive experience in security management and a strong interest in international bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including foreign military sales and direct commercial sales programmes.
DTSA officials have previously assisted the US government in conducting on-site reviews of foreign government security programmes and in negotiating General Security Agreements to assess partners’ capabilities and intent to safeguard US classified information.
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