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ARMY HEADQUARTERS PROJECT STUDY

LAND USE CONFLICT AND EFFECTIVE

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE OF BANGLADESH ARMY

INTRODUCTION

1. „Train as you will fight‟ will remain as the cardinal premise of all our training. Field
Training Exercises are the ultimate arena where a soldier can be trained best to enhance his
skill and adaptation for fighting an actual war. Even in this era of modern and digital warfare,
ultimate fate of the battle will be decided by the soldiers on ground. Therefore, field training
exercise still retains the same importance while training of a soldier is concerned. With the very
nature of the training comes the need for sufficient land resources for smooth and effective
conduct of the training.

2. The Army training depends upon application of theoretical knowledge on ground during
field training exercise which demands substantial spatial resources. On the contrary, with the
growing changes in the socio-economic condition of the country and perception of civil
population, use of civil land for military training is becoming more challenging. The Army's "free"
use of the land resources is now challenged on many fronts. Over the years, multifarious
problem have developed that poses tremendous threats on conduct of field training exercise. At
present, finding a suitable land for military training is difficult. It is assumed that as the time
passes, land use conflicts will inevitably increase, whereas successful outcome of an integrated
training is difficult without conducting field training exercise in training areas that suits to
operational requirement. Therefore, in present socio-economic context the subject is of utmost
importance for carrying out a deliberate study with a view to balancing the conflicting
requirements between spaces constrain and conducting effective field training exercises.

AIM

3. To analyze present land use conflict and suggest measures as to how best Bangladesh
Army can execute field training exercises in future days.

SCOPE

4. The subject will be studied in the following sequence:

a. Dimensions of field training exercises and a review of the existing facilities.

b. Land use conflicts - present scenario and future dimensions.
c. Approach towards minimizing the land use conflicts.

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d. Suggested modalities for conducting field training exercises while minimizing the
land use conflicts.

DIMENSIONS OF FIELD TRAINING AND A REVIEW OF THE EXISTING FACILITIES

5. Dimensions of Field Training.

a. Heavy Weapon Firing Training. There are normally four types of heavy weapon
firing which is conducted in the following places:

(1) Infantry Heavy Weapon Firing at GHATAIL. At GHATAIL normally the

firing of Machine Gun, Recoilless Rifle, Rocket Launcher and Grenade Firing Rifle
fire is conducted. Here firing conducted in Army‟s own land.

(2) Infantry Heavy Weapon and Artillery Firing at BANDARBAN. All types
of Infantry heavy weapons (Machine Guns, Recoilless Rifles, Mortar, Rocket
Launchers and Grenade Firing Rifles) and Artillery firing is conducted at
BANDARBAN.

(3) Infantry Heavy Weapon, Artillery and Armoured Firing at HATHAZARI.

At HATHAZARI all types of Infantry heavy weapon fire, Artillery, Armoured fire is
conducted in Army‟s own land.

(4) Air Defence Artillery Firing at COX’S BAZAR and FAUJDARHAT. Air
Defense Artillery firing at COX‟S BAZAR and FAUJDARHAT are conducted in
Army owned land. Firing is conducted aiming towards the sky over the sea with
adequate caution to the fishermen and sailors.

b. Tactical Exercise Without Troops. Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT)

is conducted in two phases: In the first phase the discussion and in the second phase the
terrain walk. Sometimes after the terrain walk, officers do practice on ground, where
mainly the offensive operation like attack, assault river crossing and advance is practiced.
Depending on the subject/operation the land use requirement varies widely. Due to
shorter duration of the event, contrary to field training exercise; land use requirement and
damage to the crops and other assets is negligible in tactical exercise without troops.

c. Tactical Exercise with Troops.

(1) Unit Training. The efficiency of the small groups largely determines the
efficiency and resilience of an army in the modern days. Unit Training is a Mission

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Oriented Training that focuses mainly on developing group skills on tactics,

techniques and procedures for all operations of war at sub-unit/unit level. The
individual skills are consolidated here to enhance the effectiveness of sub-
units/units before they are trained as per their operational grouping. Each sub-
unit/unit is trained as an entity for duration of 2-3 weeks at least once in a year.
Units comprising non-identical sub-units make suitable grouping in this regard
basing on functional aspects, for example, field engineer battalion may group all
possible men into a few field engineer companies for the convenience of training.
If unavoidable, two sub-units are trained in the same training segment. Unit
Training is short, intense, in the form of field training exercise/situation training
exercise, and preferably conducted outside the garrisons. The training needs are
identified by the sub-unit and unit commanders; the training objectives are set by
the unit commander and approved by the formation commander and the training is
conducted by the sub-unit commander. According to new formation training
system sub units will go for outdoor training thrice in a year under unit training.
Unit training will be conducted of 2 to 3 weeks. During the unit training sub unit will
carry out their training as section/platoon/company. Initially one week unit training
may be conducted on theoretical classes and the rest to be carried out practically
i.e. in the form of field training exercise. Generally unit training is carried out in and
around cantonment area. Demand of land area for these field training exercises is
relatively smaller and resultant crops damage is also less. Damage to crops and
other property depends on the timing and intensity of exercise.

(2) Operational Group Training. Two types of operational group training

are conducted by the formations.

(a) Summer Training. Duration of Summer Training is one to two

weeks. In the summer training exercise, units establish Farm Base/Hide out
which occasionally results in limited damage to plantation or crops. Conduct
of minor operation generally does not damage crops or property. Due to
minimum use of military vehicles, village roads and tracks are not usually
blocked for traffic. The only noticeable inconvenience is the disturbance to
the patients and panicking of the kids due to blank ammunition firing at
night.

(b) Winter Training. Winter training is conducted for four to six

weeks. This requires maximum land area and resultant crops damage and
other land use conflicts are also more in this exercise. Deliberate efforts are
taken synchronize to the duration with the crop cycle in order to minimize
the crops damage, but land owners suffer from maximum damage and

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inconvenience due to the magnitude of the exercise. Allied issues like

blocking of traffic, hindrance of privacy etc are also more in this period.

(3) Collective Training. As per the new formation training system Army level
training has also been planned in every 3-4 years. Land use and resultant conflict
will largely depend on the level at which the exercise is planned and the area
where it is conducted.

6. Duration of the Exercises. Land use conflicts are generally proportionate to the
duration of the field training exercises. Longer duration exercises usually conflict with the crop
cycle and generates impatience among the locals due to other allied issues.

7. Training Facilities Available in Different Formations.

a. 9 Infantry Division. 9 Infantry Division has only one military training area
named BOMKA Military Training Area located near Savar. Total area of this military
training area is approximately 3 acres.

b. 11 Infantry Division. Presently, there is no existing military training area within

the area of responsibility of this Division. Efforts were taken to develop SHAPMARA area
(Government land owned by the Sugar Mill Corporation) as a military training area which
is yet to be finalized.

c. 19 Infantry Division.

(1) Trishal Military Training Area is the only existing military training area in this
formation. Total area of Trishal military training area is 996 acres. It is suitable for
Unit Training and combined arms training at battalion level. Consideration is on the
way for raising a dairy firm in the available land of the Trishal Military Training
Area.

(2) Ghatail Field Firing Range has a total area of 4150 acres. The firing range
itself has 32 acres of land and the rest is of forest department whose user rights
are available to Army.

d. 24 Infantry Division. Two field firing ranges namely Hathazari Field Firing
Range and Bandarban Military Training Area are available in 24 Infantry Division Area of
Responsibility. Additionally two Air Defence Firing Ranges at Fouzderhat and Cox‟s
Bazar are also available. Field training exercises are conducted in available lands which
are not cultivated during the schedule of different exercises. Available training areas do
not permit conduct of tactical exercises with troops in 24 Infantry Division area of

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responsibility. Charia which is a Khas land can be acquired and developed as field firing
range for long range firing of tanks, missiles, recoilless rifles etc.

e. 33 Infantry Division. There is no existing military training area in the Area of

Responsibility of this division. Field training exercises are conducted in available lands
which are not cultivated during the schedule of different exercises. Available training
areas do not permit conduct of tactical exercises with troops. Efforts may be made to
acquire Suborno Char for the division.

f. 55 Infantry Division. Field training exercises are conducted in available lands

which are not cultivated during the schedule of different exercises. There is some land
available near the Monohorpur Firing Range and also beside the Monohorpur Lake which
are generally used for unit training. Recently 155 acres of land have been acquired in
Kolabagan area which may also be used for military training or construction of various
establishments.

g. 66 Infantry Division. Presently there is no military training area in the division. A

piece of land owned by Bangladesh Textile Mill Corporation at Darwani is utilized for Unit
Training by Armoured and other units which may be acquired and developed as military
training area. There is a provisional military training area in Lalmonirhat Air strip where
324.63 acres is utilized for training. Limited facilities are developed in that training area
for conducting division level cadres like service commando and arms commando cadres
etc. Another military training area at Thakurgaon air strip of 178.38 acres is also
available. Necessary repairs are done on the air strip to make a mechanical transport
driving track. Besides, 147 acres of land is available adjacent to Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers Centre and School. Besides, they have also acquired 213 acres of
land beside the Rangpur Cantonment which can be used as military training area in
future.

h. Independent Brigades.

(1) 6 Independent Air Defence Artillery (ADA) Brigade. Presently the

brigade does not have any prescribed military training area. However, it has
proposed for acquiring some land at Nidania in Cox‟s Bazar district, Fouzdarhat
and Teakata which are normally used for Air Defence Artillery firing.

(2) 14 Independent Engineer Brigade. There is no such land for military

training. However, Riverine Engineer Battalions conduct field training exercises
and other military training at Postogola. Sometime they also conduct field training
exercise at Kanchpur area.

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(3) 86 Independent Signal Brigade. The brigade has no available military

training area for military training. However, they use the land available in Savar
and Rajendrapur Cantonment area.

(4) 46 Independent Infantry Brigade. The brigade does not have any
designated military training area for military training. However, they use the land
available in Rajendrepur, Kapashia, Savar and Norshingdi. They also use the
military training area of 9 Infantry Division at BOMKA.

j. Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC). Presently there is no military

training area in the formation. However, the newly acquired 108 acres land beside
Mymensingh Cantonment for the future location of ARTDOC is presently utilized for
different field training exercises by the under-command units and sub units of the 406
Battle Group. Part of this area may be earmarked and developed as military training area.

k. Logistics Area. No Designated training area is available for Logistic Area

units. However, Forward Maintenance Area may be set up at Faridpur, Shirajgonj etc.

Field Training Exercise Requirements for Training Institutions – A Brief Overview

8. Bangladesh Military Academy. Bangladesh Military Academy provides two year

academic programme conducted with intense military training including good number of field
training exercise, tactical exercise without troops, Field Firing and battle inoculation. In the
absence of dedicated military training area, academy uses substantial amount of non-military
land for imparting training to the cadets. But at present due to the scarcity of land resources,
academy has already planned its Close Quarter Battle range, Battle inoculation range, assault
course range, ambush field, tiger chase ground within its perimeter. In future, for conducting
field training exercise, the academy may have to look for an alternative.

9. School of Infantry and Tactics. Weapon training is conducted within the perimeter of
SI&T thus causing no land use conflict. But tactical and special warfare training requires vast
land. These lands are mostly private lands and results into varying degrees of land use conflict.
Due to the scarcity of land, conduct of field training exercises throughout the year has become
very difficult.

10. Defence Services Command and Staff College. The students of Defence Services
Command and Staff College, usually in the form of Tactical Exercise without Troops and visits,
carry out several outdoor exercises covering various Operations of War. Due to the scarcity of
land, Tactical Exercise Without Troops on various operations of war is carried out in private
lands in Rangpur, Narshingdi and Gazipur. But in future it would be very difficult to conduct such
exercises on ground.

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11. Arms/Services Training Institutions. Institutional Training is organized mostly in the

form of courses of instructions conducted by different training institutes of the Army. Such
courses cover a wider range of subjects: from general to specific, from initial to advance, etc.
Some courses are made mandatory in order to ensure functional aspects of the Army. The non-
mandatory ones generally meet special or particular requirements and help developing experts
in selected fields. Institutional Training also takes into consideration the diverse and particular
requirement of each arms and services. Depending on the objectives of courses, outdoor
activities vary to a great extent and requirement of private land use and resultant possible land
use conflicts are proportional.

12. Training Facilities of Other Armies. Courtesy to the availability of huge landmass of
uninhabited land, many Armies have no problem in finding exercise areas for conducting field
training exercise. Every country has its specific military aim and pattern of conducting field
training exercises.

a. India and Pakistan. Role, organization and training of different formations of

Indian and Pakistan Armies vary widely. Both armies have Armoured/Mechanized,
Mountain, Artillery, Infantry and Modified Infantry divisions. Basing on the role of the
formation and deployment area the institutional training and field training have wide
variations. Besides, the formations destined to deploy in the opposing borders have fixed
defence areas which are integrated within the training system. Pakistan Army follows a
biennial training cycle where units and formations in peacetime garrisons go for major
field training exercise biennially. Formations deployed in the Punjab province only have to
use private land. Field training exercises in other part of the country are generally
conducted in arid desert, mountainous or uninhabited terrain. Thus the private land use
conflicts are not felt. Indian army select exercise areas based on the size and
composition of participating formation and exercise design. Each command has its
designated training areas. As far as possible thinly inhabited and uncultivated lands are
selected for field exercises. Many formations conduct field training exercise in
uninhabited desert and mountainous areas. Besides, sizeable amounts of land inside the
cantonment are utilized for training and small scale exercises. In both countries land
owners are relatively affluent and own bigger pieces of lands. Thus where private lands
are used for military purposes, relative economic implications are less damaging for the
land owners.

b. Sri Lanka. Generally there exists hardly any land use conflict in conducting field
training exercises by the military at Sri Lanka. Government lands are used with proper
system of permission from the Government. In case they need to use civilian land
resources for conducting field training exercises, proper compensation is also given. The
civilians as a whole possess very cooperative and positive attitude about use of their
resources by the military. Again Sri Lankan Army has several military training areas for

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different arms and services. For Armoured, there are two field firing ranges namely
Maduru Oya (approximately 18-20 kilometres in length) and Rellankullam (approximately
10-12 kilometres in length). Besides all Armoured Regiment camp areas have unit
training areas sized about 3-4 kilometres in length inside the camp. The duration of the
field training exercises vary according to different units/Headquarters/installations but do
not normally exceed one month. The crop pattern also does not really hamper conducting
field training exercises. After prolonged war against the Tamil Tigers the formations are
yet to start division level field training exercises.

c. Singapore.

(1) Singapore Defence Forces manage the shortage of exercise areas by

conducting field exercises (as a combined operation) with the partner Association
of South East Asian Nation countries. They also have leased field training areas
abroad (Shoal water Bay Training Area near Rockhampton in central Queensland,
Australia). Deterrence and diplomacy have been the fundamental tenets of
Singapore's military defence policy. Through the years, the military has developed
extensive links with armed forces from other countries. From 1 - 29 March 2011,
more than 700 soldiers from 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade, 42nd Battalion,
Singapore Armoured Regiment, and 38th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers
participated in an annual bilateral exercise with the Indian Army.

(2) The Singapore Armed Forces acknowledges that technology is crucial for
overcoming the limitations of Singapore's small population. Having consistently
had one of the largest defence budgets in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore has
focused on maintaining its spending on sophisticated and superior weaponry. In
September 2008, the Singapore Armed Forces officially opened its Murai Urban
Training Facility. The Murai Urban Training Facility resembles a typical town and
allows the soldiers to train realistically in an urban setting.

d. Others.

(1) United States, United Kingdom, Australian, Turkish Armies have designated
exercises areas. Many of these are live firing and manoeuvre ranges. Besides,
they also carry out exercises in temporary exercise areas at home and abroad.

(2) Saudi Arabian, Jordanian, Malaysian and Nigerian Armies usually conduct
exercises in uninhabited or very thinly inhabited areas.

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LAND USE CONFLICTS: PRESENT SCENARIO AND FUTURE DIMENSIONS

Nature of Conflict

13. Physical. Desired lands are already cultivated and open infused lands are shrinking
every day. Digging, earth work or deployment is not being possible invariably. Field of Fire is
being restricted due to existing crops/ built up area. Avoiding crops damage often leads to
conflict with the original plan or desired action is compromised to alternative actions. For many a
times formations need to compromise with the operational actions thus validating of the
operational plan gets affected. Sufficient spaces for large scale manoeuvre and counter
offensive operations are shrinking every day for all the formations. Cultivation which is the
lifeline of the people as well as training for the military both are hampered. The cycle of
cultivation is disturbed. The initial price of many crops is higher than the subsequent prices.
Often the field training exercises hamper the cultivators from getting the initial prices due to
untimely start of cultivation. The aisles (land separator/demarcator) are broken causing clash
between the land owners at times. Increase in built up area is likely to cause locals to get more
involved in conflict with the military. Tendency of the military to have defence along the
river/canal banks causes land erosion. This also causes damage in the embankments. Fertility
of the land is also reduced to some extent. Conflict or dilemma with orthodox defence pattern
versus built up area defence is increasing every now and then.

14. Psychological. Military has always a tendency to use civilian land free of cost. Land
owners are always tempted to get more than appropriate compensation. At times field training
exercise activities create panic in the mind of sick, elderly persons and children. Local
inhabitants are disturbed by the presence and training activities of troops and privacy is
affected. Military has a tendency to think that it has user right on the lands even without
considering the problems of the civilians. Sympathy of the civilians to the military has many ups
and downs over a long period due to many reasons causing the relationship to also get
hampered affecting sympathy during field training exercises. At times misconduct/unethical
conduct or misbehavior by the military personnel tarnishes the image of the military which
ultimately forces the civilians to take a negative stance against the military.

15. Peripheral. Most of the conflicts arise during Winter Training when conventional warfare
especially defensive operations are practiced and few arms like Infantry, Armour and Artillery
are mostly confronted. Village roads being narrow do not allow two-way traffic. Therefore,
causing daytime congestion due to plying of military vehicles. Many a times during field training
exercise military personnel are creating some social nuisance through their dealings including
developing unethical affairs with the families of civilians.

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Reasons for Developing Conflict Environment

16. Military Factors. Army acknowledges the liability and compensates for the crop and
homestead damages of civilians. Within the limited budget, efforts are made to compensate the
claimants though not with their full satisfaction. Occasional reluctance or negligence is observed
in compensating the land owners with the general perception of Army‟s „free right‟ to use civilian
land and property. Timid and weak farmers and land owners are habitually deprived of
compensation. Besides, due to heavy expenditure in sports competitions and other
administrative activities, units normally tend to save from the allotted training grant for
compensating the land owners. Now a days, civilians are more conscious of their citizen rights
and gradually becoming intolerant impatient about military activities in or at close proximity. Any
slight mismanagement or misdeed by the military is being projected by the media as a big
mishap or misconduct. Media is gradually taking a major role in shaping public opinion
especially the anti-military opinion. Validation of operational plan needs military installation and
conduct of manoeuvre which are not generally welcomed by the civilians. Because of various
undesirable actions of the military personnel at different levels over the years, positive and
cooperative attitude of the civilian towards the military has eroded gradually reduced. Though it
is difficult to substantiate statistically, however, army as of today seem to stand as a disturbing
element in front of the society on many counts.

17. Geo-economic Realities of the Country. The growth of population coupled with
limited resources is a major factor affecting sustainable development in Bangladesh. Whether
by overexploitation or mismanagement, changes in land use, and, therefore, in land cover, are
taking place at an unprecedented rate. Almost all cultivable land of the country is used for
agriculture, the economic mainstay of the country. Multiple cropping is practiced. Rice and jute
are two principal crops. Aus (deep water rice) and Aman (broadcast and transplanted) are the
two major rice varieties. Land use in Bangladesh has evolved through natural forces as well as
human needs. Cultivated land, forestland and settlements and homesteads are the major land
use types in Bangladesh.

Land Use Types Hectares (in Thousand) %

Total land area 14,845 100
Not available for cultivation 3,700 24.9
Forest 2,255 15.2
Cultivable waste 445 3.0
Current fallow 2,999 20.2
Double cropped area 979 6.6
Single cropped area 451 3.0
Triple cropped area 4,013 27.0
Net cropped area 7,992 53.8
Total cropped area 13,964
Net cultivable area 9,443 56.9

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With the growing population and their increasing needs in various sectors, land use
patterns are undergoing a qualitative change in which the net cropped area and forest
land is gradually shrinking. A large part of the forestland is now under different types of
non-forest land use, for example, as shifting agriculture, illegal occupation for homestead,
shrimp culture etc. Another important feature in land use in Bangladesh at present is the
small area (only 3%) of fallow land, which indicates that land in this country is not allowed
sufficiently long rest period for regaining their natural biophysical properties which is vitally
needed for good maintenance of soil health. It is perhaps needless to say that for
sustained agricultural production maintenance of good biophysical condition of soil is
essential.

18. Crop Pattern. According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the land utilization
statistics of Bangladesh from 2000-2001 to 2006-2007 (in „000‟ acres) are as follows:

Year Total Not Single Double Triple Net Total

area available for cropped cropped cropped cropped cropped
cultivation area area area area area
2000-01 36669 8427 7141 10293 2536 19970 35335
2001-02 36669 8676 7097 10200 2527 19824 35076
2005-06 36669 8802 7041 9841 2407 19289 33944
2006-07 36669 8835 7027 9822 2417 19266 33922

19. Urbanization and Industrialization. Rapid growth in the urbanization and

industrialization sectors is shrinking the military usable lands very fast. In addition to that the
non-acceptance attitude of the inhabitants and employees increases the conflict further. The
situation emphasizes even to change the present fighting technique being used by the military.

20. National Economic Imperatives / Food Security. The economy of Bangladesh is

basically agro-based. Agriculture is the lifeline of the people of our country. The cultivable lands
of the country does not increase rather it is reducing at a very fast rate. Contrarily the population
growth continues at an alarming rate. Though in the recent past, our country has had the
experience of sufficient food production in some of the years. But that was because of the
increase in production many times with the effort of research institutes. The same situation may
not continue every year in future. Approximately half the population of our country lives in
poverty. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics uses two different approaches to measure
poverty: the direct calorie intake method, and the cost-of-basic-needs method. The direct calorie
intake method measures the calorie intake per capita per day. If this is below 2,122 kilocalories,
it is defined as “absolute poverty”, whilst “hard-core poverty” refers to a calorie intake of less
than 1,805 kilocalories per capita per day.

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21. General Mindset/Perception of the Land Owners. Significant reasons for increasing
amount of land use conflicts for conducting field training exercise are appended below:

a. Lands are fixed. On the contrary ever increasing population induces huge demand
for food supply, shelter and other associated needs. On that context land use conflicts for
conducting field training exercise are increasing day by day. Even some unused lands
are also found earmarked for indent.

b. To meet up the demand of huge population, rapid urbanization, industrialization

and other income generation initiatives like poultry, aqua farming etc are quite evident
now-a-days. All these initiatives/ infrastructural developments are squeezing the
cultivable lands and open spaces. Built up area and occupied/used landscape is mostly
prominent which cause land use conflict for conducting field training exercise.

c. With the modern advancements, seasonal crops are now-a-days cultivated round
the year. Maximum utilization of land by the owners is being done throughout the year.

d. Increased awareness on individual rights and drive for getting compensation due
to field training exercise are found with the land owners.

e. Sense of privacy and social life is gradually increasing amongst the citizens of the
country.

f. Local people sometimes show unwillingness because of physical and

psychological damage. Physical damage includes crops damage or any infrastructure
and Psychological factors may include avoiding troops to come next time in the particular
area, likely damage due to plying of tanks etcetera.

g. Existing time frame of winter training especially after mid-December normally

upset the farmer‟s irrigation and cultivation plan.

22. Physical and Psychological Reaction.

a. Since lands are being used for crop production round the year, land owners are
unwilling to allow their lands for military field training exercise purposes.

b. In some cases, locals get impatient once military training prolongs for extended
period. However, locals still allow military to occupy unused lands for training if it does not
cause disturbance/ damage so much.

c. Civilians suffer from lack of confidence for not getting sufficient compensations.

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Arms/Services Specific Difficulties

23. Armour.

a. Alluvial plains of Bangladesh has relatively lower load bearing capacity. While the
eastern (hilly region of Sylhet, Chittagong and Chittagong hill tracts), north-western
(Rajshahi, Bogra, Rangpur and Dinajpur) and central northern (Mymensingh and
Pleistocene plates of Madhupur-Gazipur) part of the country has higher load bearing
capacity, rest of the country has lower load bearing capacity impeding use of armour. In
the rainy season the load bearing capacity of the silt reduces and flooding/outpouring
causes further restrictions on the use of tanks.

b. While the above issue corroborates the defensive options of Infantry (considering
the separation of enemy armour from its infantry), exercising the integral armour of the
field formations in harmony with other arms becomes very difficult.

c. Armour being a manoeuvre arms requires vast areas to have both technical and
tactical training. The landscape of our country being dense and irregularly shaped by the
rivers, merely provides usable vast stretches for armour exercises. Though areas are
easily found for troop manoeuvre, finding suitable areas for the squadron and regiment
level manoeuvre is difficult.

d. Cultivation of arable lands is gradually saturating which leaves very limited or no

space for the tanks to ply on the open or harvested lands in most period of year. Except
during the winter collective training, taking tanks out is very difficult due to the crop
pattern.

e. Movement to and from the exercise areas is a cumbersome effort as tanks cannot
move at their own steam (for saving roads and bridges). Suitable grounds are often far
from the cantonments which necessitates handsome amount of time and effort for pre-
positioning before exercise, Return to cantonment also puts additional stress on men,
material and resources. Besides, during the field training, in many occasions tactical
considerations are relegated to lesser priority considering our socio-economic realities.

f. Misconceptions and lack of information/knowledge regarding the effect of tanks

plying on arable lands causes unwarranted hype in the reaction of the farmers and locals.

24. Infantry.

a. Unit Training. During Unit Training field training exercise normally a company (+)
strength needs to be is deployed on the ground. In such case, following inconveniences
are experienced:

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(1) For Defensive Operations. Existence of built up area and cultivated land
poses certain problems like getting mutual support, proper frontage, field of fire
and adequate depth. This creates more inconvenience for machine gun and anti-
tank guided missile deployment. During tactical redeployment command and
control become difficult due to newly revised built up area.

(2) For Offensive Operations. Problems in conducting offensive operations

are relatively less. However, built up area poses certain problems like more
pockets of resistance in advance to contact operations or lack of reorganization
places and more intervening features while approaching for attack are
mentionable.

b. Summer Training. No significant inconveniences are felt by the infantry men

during Summer Training while conducting small group operations/minor and special
operations.

c. Winter Training. During Winter Training in a particular area/ location, normally

a battalion group conducts major operations within the framework of a brigade. Following
problems are mentionable in context of present scenario:

(1) Defensive Operation.

(a) Due to thick habitation across both the banks of a rivers, planning
river based defence is quite optimistic now-a-days.

(b) Security Zone battle is getting difficult due to shortage of free space,
utilization of armour/ armoured personnel carrier is also getting restricted
day by day.

(c) Within defence framework field of fire is restricted to only 100-200

yards in most of the places due to population and built up area.

(d) Mutual support between two Light Machine Guns of a section

sometimes cannot be attained. Mutual support between two Machine Guns
and two Recoilless Rifles are simply far reaching.

(e) Proper frontage cannot be maintained.

(f) Mask position, alternative positions are difficult to plan.

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(g) Within a defence, existence of built up area, villages, urban

habitation creates serious intervention for attaining local support and
communication within defence.

(h) Since two companies are not properly mutually supporting,

henceforth interlocking of fire and causing killing zone / killing ground
cannot be properly attained.

(j) Due to existence of built up area, depth companies are sometimes

isolated; thereby conducting local counter attack is difficult. Overall
contingency plan is hampered.

(k) Effective fire from Anti-Tank Guided Missile and Heavy Machine Gun
is compromised.

(l) Cross country mobility is restricted gradually. Fighting echelon

cannot ply inside defence locations sometimes.

(m) Locals sometimes do not allow digging trench in the desired location.
Sometimes to avoid crops damage proper siting is compromised.

(n) Crop damage/ compensations are asked at a higher rate.

(2) Offensive Operations.

(a) Scheme of manoeuvre as per operations plan is difficult to be

executed.

(b) Infantry tank co-operation is compromised.

(c) Objects are getting more obscured due to existence of built up area,
creating confusion.

(d) Reorganization places are restricted.

(e) In advance to contact operation more pockets of resistances are

posed.

(f) Command and control and navigation become more difficult.

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(g) Crop damage and compensation become too high in present days
context.

25. Artillery. The problems being faced by Artillery with respect to use of civil land
resources during field training exercises are as under:

a. Hardly any deployable land is found available away from habitation. In some cases
lands are so close to residences of civilians that use of such positions create additional
concern for the commanders as sources of discipline cases by the troops.

b. Generally shortages of land for deployment of guns.

c. Non-availability or less availability of position for use by the artillery as wagon

lines.
d. Non availability of approach road to many of the gun positions and wagon lines.
Very steep slope from main road or existence of canals and other crop lands between
main road and available lands hinder use of such areas.

e. Available lands during recce, at times were found flooded/watered while going for
actual deployment.

f. Even with adequate compensation, owners found reluctant to allow use of land by
the military.

g. Sometimes lands were not allowed to be dug for use as gun pits or command
posts on the plea that subsequent use for crop cultivation gets hampered.

h. At times non-cooperation by the locals for use of land and other resources
(electricity, water etc) was noticed.

j. Existence of high voltage electric line or big tall trees immediately in front of the
gun position, at times restricts some area from use because of tactical considerations.

k. Inadequate space in a position, sometimes, forces ideal deployment (gun pits,

command post location, air defence machine gun location etc) to be compromised.

l. On the other hand, there are many locals who are found very co-operative and
helpful to assist the military in solving the problem of deployment areas at times, even
denied to take any compensation when offered.

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26. Engineers.

a. Movement of large plants and bridging equipments are being increasingly difficult.

b. It is difficult to find adequate space for establishing plant / bridge marshaling

harbour.

c. Creating obstacle as part of overall denial plan has become extremely difficult
without damage to cultivated crops.

d. Overall large scale engineer movement, manoeuvre, deployment and actions

without damage to civilian crops/property cannot be undertaken which leads to conflict
with the owners.

27. Signals.

a. Divisional Signal Battalion tactically needs to be co-located with Division

Headquarters. But most of the time ground does not permit to accommodate this large
amount of troops in the same location/area.

b. As a part of utilizing national communication resources it is observed that most of

the time the location of civilian resources are in the main city making it difficult to be
utilized.

c. Most of the time land owners discourage digging.

d. With the increase of habitation in the country, security of troops and equipment are
sometimes at stake.

e. Power supply ranging from 180 – 230 volts is one of the prime requirements for
operation of signal equipment, but the voltage in rural areas is less than 180.

f. As number of mobile BTS is increasing day by day, it is difficult to obtain clear and
uninterrupted line of sight for radio relay communication.

28. Logistic Services.

a. Finding adequate space for establishing Forward Brigade Administrative Area,

Brigade Administrative Area, Division Administrative Area has become extremely difficult.
This forces to compromise in establishing installations like advance dressing station,
main dressing station, distribution point, petrol point, water point etcetera.

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b. Frequent, resistance is faced from the owners of the land not to allow use of their
land for such installations and also for prolonged period of time especially because of the
nature of such installations.

c. More importantly, digging is protested and even with compensations the land
owners do not like to allow use of the lands.

Future Dimensions of the Conflict

29. Short Term. In next 5-10 years the conflict scenario is perceived as follows:

a. Available land area will continue to shrink at a slow rate. Purchase or acquiring of
land area for conversion to military training area is likely to face lesser resistance.

b. Land owners are likely to remain tolerant of military presence and use of private
land by military.

c. Private land owners may remain contented at the present rate of compensation.

d. Local elites or community leaders are likely to remain favourable to the military use
of private land.

e. Media, human rights groups and intelligentsia are not likely to be vocal against the
current land use pattern of Army for field training exercises.

f. No government policy or legal restriction is expected on the use of cultivable land

for military training.

g. Bangladesh Army may have to do away with the concept of river / canal line
defence.

h. Bangladesh Army should immediately start acquiring available Khas lands and
Char Areas like SUBORNO CHAR in Noakhali and others etc.

30. Mid Term. In next 15-20 years the conflict scenario is perceived as follows:

a. Available land area will continue to shrink at a slow rate. But considering the
population growth rate and relative food safety equation use of cultivable land for military
purpose is likely to be questioned.

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b. Purchase or acquiring of large cultivable area for conversion to military training

area may face comparatively greater resistance.

c. Land owners are likely to become less tolerant of military presence and use of
private land for field training. Land owners are likely to become aware of their citizen and
legal rights.

d. Private land owners are expected to demand higher rate of compensation. Some
land owners may not be ready to allow use of their land.

e. Local elites or community leaders may or may not remain favorable to the military
use of private land.

f. In an unaltered threat scenario, media, human rights groups and intelligentsia may
be involved in evaluating use of private land for Army‟s field training exercises.

g. Government policy or legal restriction may be expected on the use of cultivable

land for military training.

h. Bangladesh Army may have to do away with the concept of river / canal line
defence.

j. Bangladesh Army should continue acquiring available Khas lands and Char Areas.

31. Long Term. In next 30-50 years the conflict scenario is perceived as follows:

a. Available land area will continue to shrink at a slow or medium rate. But
considering the population growth rate and relative food safety equation use of cultivable
land for military purpose is likely to be questioned on the contrary. Effects of climate
change may result in huge arid landscape suitable for Army‟s field training exercises.

b. Purchase or acquiring of large cultivable area for conversion to military training

area is likely to face comparatively greater resistance.

c. Land owners are likely to become less tolerant of military presence and use of
private land for field training. Land owners are likely to become aware of their citizen and
legal rights.

d. Private land owners are expected to demand higher rate of compensation. Some
land owners may not be ready to allow use of their land.

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e. Local elites or community leaders may or may not remain favourable to the military
use of private land.

f. Media, human rights groups and intelligentsia may be critical on the evaluating
use of private land for Army‟s field training exercises.

g. Government policy or legal restriction may be expected on the use of cultivable

land for military training.

APPROACH TOWARDS MINIMISING THE LAND USE CONFLICT

32. The need for diverse field training for any military is growing day by day to face the new
military environment around the world. As for Bangladesh Army, the requirement of areas for
ground training is also increasing but the amount of land is decreasing due to the owners‟
unwillingness to use their lands for military training. The difficulties to use private lands will
continue to magnify as the population growth continues and food production requirement
increases in our country. The nature of civil-military relationship will also have its impact on the
issue. Therefore, it is a prime time to determine a unified approach to deal with the existing land
use conflict. Conceptually, the study team has identified two interdependent roadmaps as
„Conflict Minimizing Approach‟ and „Training Modification Approach‟ to address the issue.

33. Conflict Minimizing Approach. Conflict minimization is conceptualized as the methods

and process to facilitate the peaceful management of the conflict. Here, the stakeholders,
Bangladesh Army and the landowners may attain a „Win-Win Situation‟ with the interests of both
being reasonably served. Few modalities in this approach are:

a. Review on Winter Training Schedule. Generally the Winter Training of

Bangladesh Army falls between the months of December and January as last 3 years
schedule is shown on screen.

Winter Training Schedule Duration

WT 2011-12 11 Dec 2011 to 16 Jan 2012
WT 2010-11 05 Dec 2010 to 13 Jan 2011
WT 2009-10 13 Dec 2009 to 21 Jan 2010

The time falls in the harvesting season of Amon paddy which is cultivated in
approximately 56% lands in Bangladesh, the highest area coverage by a single crop. A
glance on the rice cultivation and harvesting timeline will give you better ideas on this
aspect.

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Kind of Rice Cultivation Time Harvesting Time

Amon August-September October-November
Aoush May-June July-August
Boro February-March April-May
Irri January-February March-April

So, we can see that throughout the year except December, some kinds of paddy are
always on the field either in the stage of cultivation, irrigation or harvesting. Thus, Winter
Training affects the farmers‟ cultivation or harvest plan. Apart from the schedule, six
weeks‟ duration of the exercise also poses inconveniences for the locals as they get
impatient with long time presence of army in their surroundings. So, the duration of the
Winter Training may be reasonably reduced and conducted in the month of December.

b. Exposure of Troops in the Civilian Area. Keeping the newly introduced

„Formation Training System‟ in mind, we find that the troops need to be on the field
exercise for minimum five times in a year that include three times in Unit Training
Exercises, once in Summer Training and once in Winter Training with varying duration of
maximum 6 weeks in Winter Training. So, keeping the disturbances in civilian life caused
by many times‟ army presence in mind, Unit Training exercises may be planned inside or
adjacent to the cantonment area.

c. Increased Crop Compensation Package. Presently, Bangladesh Army

provides a little amount for crop damage to the locals in comparison with the cultivation
cost and product value of crops in the field exercise area. The last 3 years‟ Technical
Grants for Crop Damages allotted to an infantry division/brigade/battalion is as under:

Allotment of Technical Grants in Taka for Crop Damage in last 3 years

in an Infantry Division

Financial Headquarters Headquarters Infantry Regiment

Year Infantry Division Infantry Brigade
2009-2010 204,549 100,000 40,000
2010-2011 205,600 100,000 20,000
2011-2012 209,000 100,000 65,000

You may see that a battalion has received an amount from 20,000 taka to 65,000 taka in
a financial year. The study team has estimated that in two defence line exercises, a
battalion with 30% deficiencies damages the crops of about 5.0 acres of land for digging
trenches only. And for a battalion conducting an attack on a company opposition causes
damages to the crops of approximately 165 acres of land.

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During the winter Training, Amon is harvested in most part of the country. An
approximate cultivation cost of Amon and other paddies and likely production of rice per
acre in Bangladesh is shown on screen:

Approximate Paddy Cultivation Cost in taka per Acre

Seeds Labour Fertiliser and Others Total

Cost Insecticides
Amon 600 5000 2500 1000 9100
Irri 1000 6000 4000 2500 13500
Aoush 600 3000 2000 1000 6600

Approximate Rice Production per Acre and its Market Price in taka

Average Amount of Cost per Mound Total

Product
Amon 45 600 27000
Irri 55 600 33000
Aoush 30 600 18000

So, in only two defensive exercises, farmers‟ likely expectation of earning is taka
27000x5.0=135,000 for Amon rice. The cost of the damage will be many times higher if
the events of offensive or counter offensive operations and exercises of armoured and
other units are added. But a battalion has received an amount of only 65,000 taka in an
average as grant for crop damages for all the field exercises in whole training year.

The local farmers, though not happy, but accept the compensation from the army due to
their good gesture and, at times, out of fear towards the military. So, considering the
rising cultivation cost and desired product value, the compensation package may be
increased to a reasonable amount to retain the cooperation and confidence of the locals
in the exercise area.

d. Training Facilities inside Cantonment. It is difficult to expand the cantonment

areas to establish training facilities as most of the cantonment surroundings have been
developed into habitat built up areas. Moreover, such expansion may create civil
dissatisfaction and pubic non-cooperation around the cantonment. As such, certain
training facilities like Tank/ APC Track, Built up Area Fighting complex, simulation
facilities may be established inside the cantonment which can help avoiding hassles of
conducting training outside. Related facilities of sister services can also be utilized
through effective inter-services coordination.

e. CIMIC Activities and Media Operation. The area where a formation conducts
field exercises is almost common in all the years. It is only during the field exercises, we
interact with the land owners and local elites. So, the land owners‟ dissatisfaction may be

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exploited by the media. As such, to keep the land owners under confidence and ensure
their support in using their land, we should continue to interact with them, invite the elites
in special occasions and take up socio-economic development initiatives, so that, the
relation between the land owners and military is improved.

f. Utilisation of Army Associated Land Management Organization. There are

number of non-military outfits in the garrison to deal with land management issues like
Military Estate Office, Cantonment Executive Officer and Cantonment Board whose
capacities are perhaps not fully utilized. These outfits may be properly utilized to work on
the land use conflict.

34. Training Modification Approach. Training modification approach has been conceived
as a unidirectional initiative from Bangladesh Army to necessarily customize the training
methodologies in order to reduce the load of army use of private lands. Few modalities in this
approach are:

a. Review of Existing Training Modalities.

(1) Importance on Urban Warfare. The landscape and habitation pattern are
changing in Bangladesh. Over a period of last few decades, built up areas have
rapidly increased. Multi directional road network has also developed inside the
remote areas. All these have added complexities for future military operations in
Bangladesh terrain. But in the existing exercise planning, tactical advantages of
these Built up Areas and communication network and its potentials are
inadequately contemplated and are not given due importance to meet the future
need. However, to get private built up areas free for field exercises would be more
difficult than the existing land use conflict. Therefore, preparation of „Fighting in
Built up Area‟ complex in every formation may be established in order to train our
soldiers for the future battle and reduce the load of army use of private land.

(2) Exercise on Jungle and Mountain Warfare. Bangladesh Army has been
fighting Counter Insurgency Operations since last three decades in Chittagong Hill
Tracts. But conventionally we are yet to practice the exercise of fighting in jungles
or mountainous terrain. Jungle and Mountain Warfare exercises in Bandarban,
Hathazari or other Military Training Areas will also reduce the loads on military use
of private lands. Moreover, keeping the terrain along Bangladesh-Myanmar border
and the recent border disputes with Myanmar in consideration, there is a pressing
need to immediately introduce practices of Jungle and Mountain Warfare.

b. Validation of Operation Plan. Every year, formation level exercises pose more
pressure on the army use of private land and contribute to the escalation of land use

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conflict. As such, validation of „Operations Plan‟ for the formation may be conducted in
alternate year while battalion may conduct field exercises in every year.

c. Setting a Digging Limit. Though not expected, but the seriousness in the
exercise by a unit or sub-unit is assessed by the quality standard of digging trenches. But
those diggings are done on some valuable land pieces of the owner. Refilling the trench
cannot return the primary structure of the land. We remain complacent as the owners do
not strongly react to it. But, in many occasions, owners‟ denials to allow digging in certain
spots have been experienced and soon this phenomenon may continue to rise.
Therefore, we can give digging practices inside the cantonment or set the limit of one
time/two times digging in the private lands for the whole exercise.

d. Simulation Training and Conduct of War Gaming. Conduct of wargaming and

simulation exercises can develop the decisions making capabilities and offset the gap of
conducting field exercises outside the cantonment area at frequent level. Simulation on
original Area of Responsibilities of a formation may serve better dividend in this respect.
However, the Simulation Training and War gaming cannot be viewed as the substitute of
Field Training Exercises.

SUGGESTED MODALITIES FOR CONDUCTING FIELD TRAINING EXERCISES WHILE

MINIMIZING THE LAND USE CONFLICTS

35. Imperatives.

a. Acquiring ‘Khas’ Land.

(1) This is a cost beneficial approach since all khas lands are under the control
of the ministry of land and any amount of land may be transferred with no financial
obligations.

(2) Allotting khas land to the military for permanent or temporary use is a
difficult proposition for the political government.

(3) Yet, efforts must be taken to earmark suitable khas lands and government
owned land (under the control of different ministry or organization) in different
formation area of responsibility whose purchase/user rights should be sought from
the government.

(4) Considering the time line of economic realities of the country any purchase
or acquisition is to be done within shortest possible time.

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(5) Char areas in the costal belt or in the major rivers may be considered to be
developed as military training area.

b. Military Training Area.

(1) Military training area though is a limiting option; we should, if possible have
separate military training area for conducting unit training and small scale
demonstration.

(2) These areas may be developed for each division. As a yardstick, the
dimension of brigade military training area should be 6 to 9 square kilometres.

(3) As a lesser option, common military training area for neighbouring formation
may be developed for conduct of unit training at company or battalion level. Lands
for these military training areas may be arranged from government or private
sources.

(4) Immediate efforts should be taken to finalize and acquire SHAPMARA as a

military training area and upgrade Thakurgaon airstrip, GHATAIL Field Firing
Ranges and Rajendrapur field firing range as a military training area.

c. Garrison Training Ground. Each formation should identify suitable area for
developing training ground inside the cantonment. Such area should preferably be of
minimum two kilometer in length and one kilometer in breadth. Bigger areas if available
will reap better dividend. These areas will have to be developed in the existing plantation
and leased farmlands inside the cantonments. Size and shape of such areas will vary for
each cantonment. Yet, efforts should be made to maintain uniformity. Such ground will be
utilized by all arms and services for suitable training and sub unit level exercises specially
unit training. As a policy, restriction has to be imposed on the horizontal expansion of
buildings inside the cantonments.

d. Arrangement for Additional Field Firing Ranges. Among the existing field
firing ranges, HATHAZARI Field Firing Range is smaller in range and does not allow
firing of tanks, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, Recoilless Rifles etc at optimum range. An
alternative range at CHARIA need to be developed immediately and necessary space for
logistic support for firing may be established in the unused air strip of Hathazari after
ownership of the same is duly arranged by Army.

e. Legal Framework. The present national land use policy does not restrict use of
private or cultivable land for military purpose. Yet, in the foreseeable future restrictions

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might be imposed on military uses of private/cultivable land. Army should be proactive in

arranging necessary legal framework (through Armed Forces Division) for use of
private/cultivable land for military use with minimum compensation.

f. Rescheduling of the Exercise. Two distinct breaks in the existing cultivation

pattern are after the harvest of Boro (from mid-May to mid-June) and Amon crop (from
mid December to mid January). However, synchronized cultivation break throughout the
country is less likely considering the location and layout of the ground. With the varied
crop pattern in different part of our country, respective formation should be allowed to
plan schedule of Winter Training. Two or more Unit Training exercise may be planned
after the Boro cultivation.

g. Reduction of Duration and Frequency of Exercise. Present pattern of six

weeks winter training conflicts with the crop pattern at the beginning and end of the
exercise. In consonance with the present harvest break, duration of the winter training
may be reduced to maximum four weeks. Reduction in the existing frequency (summer
training and winter training every year) is not suggested since many commander and
staffs will miss participation. Considering the presence of units in Chittagong Hill Tracts, if
a biennial winter training option is followed around 70% Commanding Officers will be
deprived of experience of winter training.

h. Mode of Winter Training. Winter training is the most important operational

group training. This must be conducted every year. The mode and level of participation
may vary. Digging and defence works may not be made compulsory for each line of
defence. Again, during brigade and division level exercises, in some cases large scale
manoeuvre of troops may be compensated by conducting tactical exercise without troops
or tactical rides for commanders at different levels.

j. Tactical Ride from Base Camp. Where units or sub units are unable to find
places for deployment and tactical manoeuvre during Unit Training may select and
occupy base camp and conduct different situation training exercise or tactical ride.
Digging and defence work will not be done by the unit or sub units. This will warrant
minimum hindrance to the locals and cause very minimal inconvenience to the
homestead due to digging and dispersed presence of the uniformed personnel.

36. Measures to Minimize the Conflicting Requirements.

a. Psychological Adaptation. The land use dynamics of our country is slowly

reaching to saturation state. Rapid population growth and resultant food security needs
have brought almost all plain lands under cultivation throughout the year. Use of private
lands for military field exercises without any economic liabilities is a thing for the past.

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There is a need for changing the perception about free use of private land at different
tiers of command and staff in the army. The army needs to be compassionate about the
sentiment of the farmers and private land owners and food security realities of our
country‟s economy. Additionally, we need to be aware of the legal rights of the land
owners and the growing print and electronic media awareness of the mass population of
the country.

b. Doctrinal Adaptation. The present doctrine of Army allows simultaneous conduct

of unconventional operations in support of conventional major operations. In the winter
training each division may employ part of its forces in unconventional role thereby
minimizing the damage to arable land and other properties. One battalion per brigade or
one brigade of the division may be employed in the unconventional role. Taking note of
the global acceptance of new era in the warfare in the form of asymmetry; there is a need
to evaluate the need for including „Asymmetric Warfare‟ as one of future mode of warfare
in fighting.

c. Increase of Annual Training Grant for Crop Damage. Present allotment of

annual training grant (normal) for crops damage for each formation needs to be doubled
to allow units to be at an advantageous position to tackle the compensation demands of
the farmers and private land owners. This amount must be utilized for compensating the
private land owners without any saving at any level.

d. Civil Military Cooperation and Winning Hearts and Minds Activities. Civil
military cooperation and winning hearts and minds activities are inseparable part of
present day warfare. Effectiveness of these two need not be overemphasized as these
build trust on military and waive many misconceptions. Taking the present and near
future capacity of our Army into consideration, the civil military cooperation activity will be
most effective at the grass-root level between the sub unit/unit and the actual landowner
or affected farmer keeping aside the local elites. With the support from formation
headquarters, following activities may be considered at unit/sub unit level:

(1) Free medical camp for the locals in the exercise area.

(2) Construction and repair of community utility services.

(3) Distribution of cloths for the needy.


(4) Minor engineer works for construction and repair of infrastructure.

(5) Free veterinary camp.

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e. Simulation.

(1) Simulation is a costly option and will be difficult to implement in a limited

timeframe. Simulator based exercises cannot be alternative to field training
exercise. Simulator can aid the initial orientation with weapon and equipment.
Physical hardship, terrain realities, weather effects, organizational behavior etc
cannot be simulated. Besides, introduction and maintenance of simulator is not
economically viable. At most simulator may be utilized for command post exercise
at formation level or in different training institutions like School of Infantry and
Tactics, Armoured Corps Centre and School, Defence Services Command and
Staff College, National Defence College etc.

(2) Maintenance of equipment and continued functionality will be a

considerable challenge.

CONCLUSION

37. Bangladesh Army relies heavily on the field training exercise for fulfillment of training
objectives and enhancing operational readiness. Field training exercises are culmination of all
theoretical training and crucial for maintaining the overall operational efficiency. Our country‟s
landscape being densely inhabited does not allow staging field training exercises without
entering and affecting privately owned land and property. Unlike other countries we do not have
vast arid or uninhabited lands which could be utilized for field training without damaging civilian
land and property. Owing to the economic standing of the general mass, damages and
inconveniences caused by the deployment and manoeuvre of field formations and units cannot
be overlooked by most landowners and beneficiaries. Economic hardship and growing
awareness among the land owners is causing more reaction and resultant conflicts in the
present scenario.

38. Generally, Army is considerate in selecting the time and area of field training exercises to
minimize the crop and property damage. Yet, due to the geo-economic realities and occasional
inconsiderate attitude at lower level, sporadic discord arises among the user unit and land
owners. High population density in our country and the demand for food security warrants
cultivation of arable lands round the year. Presently, Army has limited number of military training
area and field firing ranges. Thus field training cannot be conducted without using private land.
Rationally it is anticipated that the land use conflict will continue to persist in the foreseeable
future. With the passage of time and the Army continuing its present pattern of field training
exercises, the conflict magnitude and nature are expected to become more complex.

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39. In the current realities, land use conflict cannot be eliminated but efforts may be taken to
minimize the conflict. Two schools of thoughts namely conflict minimizing and training
modification approaches are believed to be crucial in mitigating the present and future land use
conflicts. Steps like reduction of winter training duration, increased compensation package,
acquiring khas land or leasing suitable land, use of military training area, developing training
area inside the cantonments, acceptance/recognition of land owners rights, media and civil
military cooperation activities are expected to mitigate the external factors. While training
modification measures like reorientation of exercise pattern with reduced reliance on the
manoeuvre aspect, increased reliance on the unconventional and urban war fighting techniques,
conducting unit training inside the cantonment etc will help address the issue internally.

RECOMMENDATIONS

40. Based on our study, our recommendations are:

a. Bangladesh Army may conduct Winter Training at battalion level every year and at
brigade and above level in alternate year.

b. Winter Training duration may be reduced to four weeks and conducted in the
month of December.

c. Units may dig trenches once in Winter Training to minimize the loss of land
owners. Digging practice may be given to troops inside the cantonment.

d. Annual Training Grant for crop damage may be increased.

e. Due compensation for crop damage, Civil Military Cooperation in winning hearts
and minds and avoiding social nuisance are the effective measures while commanders
and troops remaining considerate to the emotions of land owners thereby minimizing the
conflict and develop positive mindset.

f. Training facilities within and outside cantonment including Military Training Areas
may be developed for their optimum utilization.

g. Units going to Bandarban Military Training Area for conducting field firing may plan
to undergo training/ exercise on Jungle Warfare for a maximum duration of 3-4 weeks.

h. Shapmara of 11 Infantry Division, Ghatail Field Firing Range of 19 Infantry

Division, Charia in 24 Infantry Division, Subarna Char of 33 Infantry Division, Kolabagan
and Mubarakgonj Sugar Mill area of 55 Infantry Division, Lalmonirhat Airstrip,
Thakurgaon, Daria of 66 Infantry Division may be development as Military Training Area.

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