1st Para Commando Battalion ‘Cheetahs’: Bangladesh’s Elite Special Operations Force

The 1st Para Commando Battalion stands as one of the most elite and capable units within the Bangladesh Army, representing the cutting edge of the country’s special operations capability. Formed in the early 1990s and evolving through decades of training, operations and transformation, this battalion has become a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s defence strategy, counter-terrorism efforts and international contributions.

Known by its nickname “The Cheetahs”, the battalion embodies a blend of discipline, precision and readiness across a wide spectrum of military missions from direct action and hostage rescue to special reconnaissance and humanitarian support.

Origins and Early Development

The origins of Bangladesh’s special forces trace back to specialised commando training initiatives in the 1970s and 1980s, when the country first began cultivating airborne and commando tactics within its military structure. By the late 1980s, a formal para training course had been established, paving the way for a dedicated special operations unit.

The 1st Para Commando Battalion was officially raised on 30 June 1992 at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet, marking its formal establishment as the country’s first modern special forces unit. The battalion’s flag was raised in May 1993, symbolising its growing role as a unit prepared for high-stakes missions under challenging circumstances.

Initially structured to operate alongside conventional army units, the battalion quickly developed specialised skills in airborne, small unit and unconventional warfare to respond to both domestic and international contingencies.

Evolution into a Special Forces Regiment

Over time, the battalion’s capabilities expanded significantly, reflecting the Bangladesh Army’s intent to build a world-class special operations force. On 1 June 2015, the 1st Para Commando Battalion was elevated to the status of a full-fledged regiment, recognising its increasing operational tempo and professional maturity.

Two years later, on 4 September 2016, the Bangladesh Army established the Para Commando Brigade, a larger special forces formation that the battalion became an integral part of. By 2019, the brigade achieved full operational strength, with the battalion continuing under its command structure.

In recognition of its outstanding service, the battalion was honoured with the National Standard (National Flag) on 2 November 2017, a prestigious accolade awarded by the President of Bangladesh.

Core Roles and Capabilities

As a central component of the Bangladesh Army’s special operations forces, the 1st Para Commando Battalion is trained for a wide range of missions:

• Special Operations: Fast, high-risk missions often behind enemy lines or in hostile territory.

• Direct Action: Precision strikes and raids against strategic targets.

• Hostage Rescue: Tactics for saving civilians or personnel from captors.

• Counter-Terrorism: Immediate response to domestic and international terror threats.

• Special Reconnaissance: Covert observation and intelligence gathering.

• Personnel Recovery: Extracting personnel from dangerous or isolated conditions.

• Counter-Insurgency and Asymmetric Warfare: Operations against loosely organised militant groups.

• Humanitarian Missions: Support during natural disasters and crises.

The breadth of these roles indicates that the battalion is not limited to battlefield engagements but is a flexible force capable of operating across conventional and non-conventional environments.

Training and Equipment

Commandos within the battalion undergo some of the most rigorous selection and training regimens in the Bangladesh Army. These include airborne training, small unit tactics, close quarter battle (CQB) techniques, specialised reconnaissance and a variety of insertion/extraction methods suitable for land, air and maritime environments.

While specific details about training remain classified for security reasons, public sources indicate that the unit is equipped with a broad array of firearms and specialised weapon systems appropriate for modern special operations. These include rifles, sniper systems and close-combat weapons suited to dynamic mission requirements.

Notable Operations

Operation Thunderbolt – Dhaka Hostage Rescue (2016)

Perhaps the most internationally recognised mission involving the 1st Para Commando Battalion was Operation Thunderbolt, conducted on 2 July 2016 during the harrowing Dhaka terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan. After militants took hostages, the battalion was deployed from Sylhet to support local authorities and counter-terrorism forces. Under coordinated command, the commandos executed a swift and decisive raid, freeing trapped hostages and neutralising the attackers.

The successful operation, completed within a short timeframe, underscored the battalion’s ability to respond effectively to high-pressure, high-visibility counter-terrorism scenarios and bolstered Bangladesh’s global image for special operations capability.

Operation Twilight – Sylhet Counter-Militant Siege (2017)

In March 2017, the battalion also played a central role in Operation Twilight, a complex counter-militant mission in Sylhet. After initial attempts by law enforcement encountered significant challenges due to the militants’ fortified positions and explosive threats, the 1st Para Commando Battalion was inserted to take lead. Their expertise in close-quarters engagements and tactical patience enabled them to safely extract civilians and neutralise terrorist threats with no collateral harm to hostages — a significant professional achievement.

Domestic and Humanitarian Roles

In addition to high-risk combat, the 1st Para Commando Battalion has been regularly involved in domestic crisis response and humanitarian operations. During major floods, landslides and other natural disasters, commandos coordinate with civil authorities to assist in relief distribution, evacuations and logistical support.

Their ability to operate under extreme weather conditions makes them a vital asset not only in war zones and urban counter-terrorism operations but also in protecting civilians during emergencies.

International Contributions and Peacekeeping

While much of the battalion’s missions are focused on national security, members have also participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, representing Bangladesh in complex global environments. These deployments enhance interoperability with international forces and bring valuable experience back to the domestic force structure.

Recognition and Legacy

Over more than three decades, the 1st Para Commando Battalion has evolved from a nascent special operations unit into a backbone of Bangladesh’s special forces capability. Its institutional motto — “Do or Die” — reflects both its commitment to mission success and the ethos expected of its soldiers.

The battalion’s receipt of the National Standard and its integration into the Para Commando Brigade highlight its position as a premier combat force. Its contributions to national security remain central to Bangladesh’s defence doctrine, and its successful operations have established it as a respected unit within global special forces communities.

A Strategic Asset of Bangladesh’s Defence Architecture

The 1st Para Commando Battalion stands as a testament to Bangladesh’s strategic vision for a capable, responsive and adaptable military force. From counter-terrorism missions and hostage rescues to disaster relief and international peacekeeping, the battalion’s versatility is unmatched within the Bangladesh Army.

As the global security environment evolves, so too will the role of elite units like the 1st Para Commando Battalion, continuing their mission to protect the nation and contribute to peace and stability at home and abroad.