US Pacific Fleet commander boosts maritime security ties in Dhaka

Admiral Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited Dhaka August 4-6, 2026.  He met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Defense Advisor AKM Shamsul Islam, and Bangladesh Navy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Khondkar Misbah ul Azim to discuss maritime security.  Admiral Koehler also visited Shikha Anirban to honor the Bangladesh Armed Forces members who died in the 1971 Liberation War, and Lalbagh Fort, one of Bangladesh’s iconic cultural heritage sites.  Admiral Koehler’s visit deepened the long-standing security cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh, a press release said.