[🇧🇩] National Security of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Looming threat from militants active abroad

The news that as many as 36 Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia have been arrested for their involvement in militancy is unsettling to say the least. They were active in introducing Islamic State (IS)-inspired ideology in the host country and formed recruitment cells within the community of their comp

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Looming threat from militants active abroad

Neil Ray
Published :
Jun 29, 2025 21:47
Updated :
Jun 29, 2025 21:47

The news that as many as 36 Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia have been arrested for their involvement in militancy is unsettling to say the least. They were active in introducing Islamic State (IS)-inspired ideology in the host country and formed recruitment cells within the community of their compatriots there, according to The New Straits Times. Whether the militants had any ambition of spreading terrorism in Malaysia is not clear but the authorities there made it amply clear that the "cells were set up to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist activities, and to ultimately overthrow the legitimate government in their home country".

Malaysia follows a strict policy against terrorism. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Home Minister of that country revealed that planned security operation based on intelligence gathered by the Special Branch carried out in three phases in Selangor and Johor could nab the 36 Bangladeshis in connection with the organised undercover militant activities. Of them, five have been "charged under the Offences Relating to Terrorism (Chapter VIA) of the Penal Code" in two sessions courts. Another 15 of the group have been issued deportation order and the rest 16 are under investigation for their involvement in the clandestine militant movement.

Clearly, Malaysia's campaign against militancy has been swift and decisive, but is Bangladesh now equally determined to fight militancy? After the August 5 uprising, terrorists and anti-social elements came out of jails when the gates of many of those including the high-security one at Kashimpur were broken open. The six Islamist terrorists who attacked the Holey Artisans in Gulshan, Dhaka, killing 22 people, many of them foreigners, were killed but their seven associates including their masterminds were sentenced to death. Their whereabouts are not known. Also two militants of the banned Ansar al-Islam were snatched from the crowded court area in old Dhaka. They are still at large.

In fact, the interim government had little time to pay attention to the re-emergence of militancy in the country. The fluid state of politics in the country has not helped the cause. Some point accusing fingers at the attack on the Bangladesh Television building at Rampura, Metro Rail station at Kazipara and other highly sensitive infrastructures and centres on militants who joined the protesters during the movement.

Malaysia has done its part of the job by busting the dens of militants who organised there and were making preparation for unleashing attacks on the government in Bangladesh at their convenience. But busting the terrorist network in Malaysia may not be enough. The militant groups may have formed a coalition among themselves in order to advance their common goal of unseating any elected government in the country. There is no guarantee that the IS followers are not active in other countries with the same dubious objective. Even they may try to cause serious disruption during the election to be held tentatively in February next year.

The police force is yet to make full recovery from the setback it suffered during and after the uprising. There is a need for extra vigilance and thankfully the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Army are still on security duty. The police seem more to be interested in apprehending the members of the former ruling party of the fallen government than minding other pressing business. Since they had intimate knowledge of the militant groups, their service should be made good use of in hunting the militants, if any, trying to staging a comeback.

Meanwhile, communications should be established with the Malaysian authorities in order to verify the militant backgrounds of those accused. They should be interned on their deportation from Malaysia and quizzed to get as much information as possible. If they have international connections, they may be made to admit so.​

 

[Saif]

Why a national security strategy is urgently needed right now

A clear and transparent national security strategy is a prerequisite for a well-organised security strategy. It is on the basis of such a strategy that a country’s overall security infrastructure is built. The scope of a security strategy in any country is not limited to guarding borders or...

en.prothomalo.com

Why a national security strategy is urgently needed right now

Bangladesh now has an opportunity to rebuild its security sector on a democratic foundation. Without deep, structural and inclusive reforms, the country will not be able to achieve that democratic future. ANM Muniruzzaman writes about why a national security strategy is essential.

1. A clear and transparent national security strategy is a prerequisite for a well-organised security strategy. It is on the basis of such a strategy that a country’s overall security infrastructure is built.

The scope of a security strategy in any country is not limited to guarding borders or suppressing crime; rather, it encompasses state institutions, systems of governance, and all who work within these systems.

In today’s world, the standard of security is not determined by the strength of the military or the visible presence of the police; it is determined by how efficient, transparent, and accountable the institutions are to the public. Police stations, forensic labs, surveillance systems, training academies, and emergency response mechanisms form the infrastructural backbone of this sector.

Governance determines how legitimately these institutions operate, how updated the laws are, whether accountability mechanisms exist, and how effectively the institutions function in practice.

At the centre of this vast structure are the people. Ensuring their security is the primary objective. In modern democracies, security is therefore defined by the legitimacy, professionalism, and public trust in these institutions.

2. After the July mass uprising, Bangladesh has begun reassessing its security sector. With the political shift, the structural limitations of the entire security system have become even more apparent.
Bangladesh still does not have a clear and transparent national security strategy. As a result, no long-term guidance or integrated framework for the security sector has been developed.

Therefore, formulating the first national security strategy is essential. Until a transparent strategy is created and the infrastructure is rebuilt on its basis, Bangladesh will not be able to resolve its fundamental security challenges.

In the post-July period, the structural weaknesses of the police force have become more evident. To reorganise the institution, the interim government has formed a Police Reform Commission.

The commission has made 108 recommendations for reform. These include introducing body-worn cameras and GPS tracking, modernising the outdated Police Act, ensuring strict judicial oversight for nighttime arrests, and developing an internationally compliant five-tier use-of-force policy.

The commission has also proposed establishing an independent Police Commission to oversee transfers, promotions, and misconduct. This is an important step toward reducing political influence.

But progress in implementing the reforms has been limited. Due to longstanding political interference, the unjust and unnecessary use of force against citizens, and a lack of accountability, public trust in the police has been severely eroded.

Citizens feel that the police are no longer public servants but rather a tool used for political purposes. This distrust has created a deep rift in police–community relations.

It has become a major obstacle to effective law enforcement and public safety. Restoring public trust is now one of the greatest challenges in police reform.

3. However, reforming the police alone will not be very effective. A much larger part of the security sector includes the armed forces and intelligence agencies, whose roles and influence have grown over time.

Bangladesh’s armed forces have always played a crucial role during national crises. Their discipline and efficiency often set standards distinct from other institutions. As Bangladesh progresses toward democratic revival, greater responsibility is now placed on this force.

In a healthy democracy, the armed forces operate under an elected civilian government. Powers over policymaking, budget approval, deployment, and oversight of military expenditure rest with civilian authorities.
In Bangladesh, there is ample opportunity to strengthen civilian oversight and control; although the armed forces generally do not interfere in politics, they influence many aspects of national security, often operating without robust civilian supervision.

For example, the defence budget is rarely subject to public review; procurement of weapons and equipment lacks transparency, and no annual defence white paper is published. The functioning of parliamentary defence committees is also extremely limited.

4. Politicisation is another major problem. For a long time, various governments have used the military or paramilitary forces for political purposes. At times, they have been involved in law-and-order situations where a military role was not appropriate.

As a result, there is a tendency toward politicisation in the operations of these forces. Favouritism, appointments to specific positions, and irregular promotions outside of overt political influence have undermined the credibility of these institutions. Against this backdrop, some crucial steps are necessary for meaningful reforms in the security sector.

The functioning of parliamentary defence committees needs to be more dynamic. Their scope should be expanded so that they can effectively review and ensure accountability regarding the defence budget, policies, expenditures, and structural matters.

At the same time, they should examine defence spending, ensure transparency in military expenditure, and make the publication of an annual defence white paper mandatory. There must also be a clear distinction between the roles of the military and the police-paramilitary forces. Except in highly exceptional circumstances, the military should not be involved in maintaining law and order within the country.

Parliament must exercise direct oversight over these decisions. If Bangladesh is truly committed to rebuilding democracy, the armed forces must operate free from political influence, professionally, and under civilian authority within democratic processes.

5. Reforming the country’s intelligence agencies is also extremely urgent. Traditionally, they operate with almost no public oversight and have long faced allegations of being used for political purposes.

Therefore, establishing a parliamentary intelligence oversight committee is essential. This would ensure that they operate according to specific mandates, respect citizens’ rights, and are held accountable for any abuse of power.

Reforms are also necessary for Bangladesh’s paramilitary forces, such as the Ansar, BGB, and Coast Guard. Since their administrative structures are closely tied to political authorities, the risk of political influence increases. Oversight by the home ministry aone is insufficient; an independent, accountable oversight framework is required for these forces.

6. Another important aspect of security sector reform is the relationship between the military and the media. Bangladesh has yet to establish a close, professional, and transparent relationship between the armed forces and the media.

Democratic security governance largely depends on the active role of the media in investigative reporting, evidence-based analysis, and ensuring state accountability.

However, specialised security journalism is almost non-existent in Bangladesh. As a result, many reports are incomplete or based on incorrect information, which misleads citizens.

Developing skilled security reporters, ensuring the flow of information, and providing legal protection for journalists will all help enhance transparency in the security sector.

At the same time, security agencies must refrain from exerting pressure on the media. Addressing this lack of trust will not only improve the quality of information but also strengthen public confidence.

7. Gender equality is another important issue in the security sector. Although Bangladesh has made notable progress in peacekeeping missions, the participation of women in domestic police, military, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces remains low.

According to a 2022 UN study, the average participation of women in 30 countries is about 12 per cent in the army, 15 per cent in the air force, 14 per cent in the navy, and 24 per cent in the police of 34 countries. In comparison, women make up only 8 per cent of the police in Bangladesh, totaling 16,801 personnel.

Achieving set targets, ensuring a safe work environment for women, increasing leadership opportunities, and providing gender-sensitive training are all crucial components of sustainable reform.

8. Finally, a strong ethical framework is essential for all security institutions. To uphold professional standards, investigate misconduct, and foster respect for human rights, each institution needs an effective internal ethics committee.

Police, armed forces, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces—committees like these will help ensure transparency, accountability, and fair conduct. Through the establishment of codes of conduct, regular reviews, and training, these institutions can become more humane and citizen-oriented.

In particular, the police must move away from a force-centered mindset and adopt community-based, humane, and rights-sensitive policing. The role of the police is not only to enforce the law but also to earn public trust and ensure citizen safety—this understanding should form the foundation of a modern, democratic security sector.

Bangladesh now has the opportunity to rebuild its security sector on a democratic foundation. Without deep, structural, and inclusive reforms, the country will not achieve a democratic future.

For genuine democracy, accountable policing, a transparent defence system, responsible intelligence agencies, a free media, and effective civilian oversight are essential. Therefore, reforming the security sector is unavoidable.

#ANM Muniruzzaman is retired Major General & President, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies.​

 

[Saif]

Procurement vision and national security

A nation's procurement vision and its national security priorities are closely linked. In today's competitive geopolitical environment, procurement is no longer a routine administrative function. It plays a direct role in safeguarding sovereignty, strengthening resilience and ensuring long-term nat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Procurement vision and national security

S M Jakirul Islam
Published :
Dec 14, 2025 10:19
Updated :
Dec 14, 2025 10:19

A nation's procurement vision and its national security priorities are closely linked. In today's competitive geopolitical environment, procurement is no longer a routine administrative function. It plays a direct role in safeguarding sovereignty, strengthening resilience and ensuring long-term national capability. When a country chooses to buy with foresight and discipline, rather than following only procedural routines, it strengthens the foundations of development and security.

Strategic procurement: Procurement is often misunderstood as the act of buying goods and services. Strategic procurement is far more comprehensive. It involves anticipating national needs, selecting dependable suppliers, protecting supply chains, and assessing long-term implications for the economy and the state. Governments rely on procurement for defence, infrastructure, digital systems, energy, health and public services. A weak procurement environment increases exposure to disruptions, while a strong one enhances capacity and preparedness.

A national procurement vision must determine what to buy, how to buy and from which source. It must consider technological shifts, financial impact, geography, supply stability and national priorities. Some key questions arise. Does the procurement meet a genuine public need? Is the source stable and trustworthy? What are the implications for national autonomy? Does the decision support resilience and continuity? Strategic procurement must remain aligned with policy objectives, technological realities and the economic situation of the country.

National security: An expanded modern vision: National security today includes far more than military readiness. Modern security priorities extend to economic and financial stability, cyber and digital defence, protection of critical infrastructure, supply chain stability, data integrity and technological capability. These areas demand procurement systems that can anticipate risks, adjust to rapid technological change and ensure timely delivery of essential goods and systems. In this expanded context, procurement becomes central to national security planning, not a back-office task.

Key steps of a modern procurement vision: A modern procurement system must include accurate forecasting, realistic assessment of needs and clear prioritisation. Effective planning requires attention to risk, timelines, resource allocation and security considerations. Where feasible, national suppliers should be encouraged to ensure continuity and reduce external dependency. Ownership structures, geopolitical alignment and the security posture of suppliers are often as important as the technical features of the product.

Balancing cost, quality and security is crucial. The least expensive option may expose a country to supply vulnerability or hidden long-term costs. Sustainable procurement must be based on value rather than price alone. Reform of rules, alignment of legislation and adoption of transparent processes are essential for implementing a forward-looking procurement vision. Without a supportive regulatory environment, procurement reforms remain incomplete.

The evolution from traditional to modern procurement: The shift from traditional procurement to a modern, strategic model reflects a broader global understanding of procurement's role. Traditional procurement focused on specifying a requirement, seeking quotations, negotiating prices and receiving the product. A modern procurement vision examines the entire ecosystem. It assesses the criticality of needs, reviews supply chain risks, evaluates technology maturity, verifies authenticity, considers lifecycle value and ensures continuous monitoring and compliance. This comprehensive approach strengthens institutional capacity and reduces exposure to shocks.

Navigating complex challenges: Modern procurement involves managing several tensions. Buying the most advanced technology is not always the correct choice if it does not meet operational needs or cannot be maintained locally. Excessive focus on price can compromise quality. Security-focused procurement often requires accepting higher initial costs in exchange for reliability and lower long-term risk. Supplier vetting takes time and must be conducted with care, but delays may affect continuity. Procurement authorities must maintain a balance between speed and scrutiny.

Dependence on global supply chains brings additional challenges. Nations must decide on where to diversify, where to localise and where strategic partnerships are necessary. Decoupling from certain markets may be economically difficult, yet overdependence creates its own vulnerabilities. Rigid rules may hinder innovative suppliers and new technologies. Procurement systems must remain flexible enough to adapt to emerging needs without compromising oversight. Recognising these challenges is vital for building robust systems.

Global leadership examples: Many countries have already integrated procurement into their national security strategies. The United States introduced the CHIPS and Science Act to secure domestic semiconductor production, a critical component for defence, communication systems and the broader economy. Restrictions on high-risk vendors in several Western markets demonstrate the importance of safeguarding telecom and digital infrastructure. Cyber security directives in the US require secure-by-design software for government use. Australia's Critical Infrastructure Centre incorporates security intelligence into procurement decisions for essential national assets.

These examples show that procurement decisions can shape a country's strategic position. They illustrate how policy, industry and technology must work together to protect national interests.

Building a strategic procurement ecosystem: National leadership expects procurement systems to ensure the right quality, supplier, quantity, timing and price. A strategic system must also secure uninterrupted supply, reduce total ownership costs, establish reliable long-term vendor relationships and coordinate effectively across agencies. For countries with growing development demands, such as Bangladesh and other fast-rising economies, these considerations matter not only for defence but also for infrastructure, digital transformation, energy reliability and healthcare preparedness.

For procurement to support national vision and security, governments must prioritise requirements based on their criticality. Budgets must be aligned with long-term strategic needs rather than short-term pressures. Procurement plans should incorporate technology trends, supply-chain vulnerabilities and policy commitments. Terms and conditions must ensure quality, safety and post-delivery support. Continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure compliance and performance. Lifecycle management, maintenance and after-sales service must be integrated into the planning stage, not treated as secondary matters.

A nation that follows this approach strengthens both its economic framework and its strategic security posture. Procurement becomes a driver of stability, innovation and resilience, whether in defence, health, infrastructure or digital governance.

Modern procurement is an essential part of national security. It depends on forecasting, technology awareness, supply chain management and sound economic judgement. Procurement is not simply the act of purchasing. It is an investment in national capability, autonomy and preparedness. A forward-looking, risk-aware procurement vision helps ensure resilience, continuity and a stronger national foundation. When a nation buys with clarity, discipline and strategic understanding, it strengthens every pillar of its development and security. Procurement is no longer an administrative function but a central element of national strategy.

Keeping all aspects in consideration a complete plan for procurement can serve as a visionary and successful procurement. Procuring with wisdom and vision a country can get best quality with best possible price. While doing so the whole nation will be benefitted and will be stronger from national security and all other aspects.

The procurement vision is no longer a back-office function. It is a frontline instrument of national security policy, a forward-looking vision which is Risk-Based in prioritising security measures for the most critical supplies and technologies, collaborative involvement of intelligence agencies, industry, and allies to identify threats and solutions, adaptive and continuously evolving to address new threats, from cyber-espionage to supply chain coercion. Ultimately, a nation's procurement vision reflects its strategic priorities. A vision that genuinely embeds national security is an investment in long-term resilience, sovereignty, and the ability to act autonomously in a contested world. Forecast, vision and economic factors has a great impact on procurement. Procurement is not just to buy something, rather it's a complete process of procuring something considering various factors which in the long run have great contribution to nation building and enhancing national security. Visionary procurement can have on impact greatly nationwide. Only following the math, procurement may not be successful, it needs to be dealt with wisdom as well. An effective procurement can develop the country as well as can ensure national security in the long run.

Visionary procurement of any nation can lead to global success and development. Modern procurement methods are more visionary and globally accepted for economic stability and balanced progression nationwide. All branches of the process have unique responsibilities to make an economical and successful procurement. This responsibility needs to be performed with wisdom. While purchasing a new product or service, the buyer's representative must have an in depth study on the product or service. Then, the procurement representative will have a deep assessment of the product or service. Also he/she must consider the cost critically along with the quality of the product or service for achieving the best way to get the economic success. The process will be successful after the final delivery of the product or service with best possible quality. The supply chain must be kept in special considerations for smooth functioning and after-sales services. Spare parts are also an important gray area where focus must be put on with due importance. The cost, supply chain, after-sales services, delivery in time are correlated. So, it's a complete process, which needs to monitor continuously with wisdom from the beginning to the end are, which ultimately leads to national success.

The writer is a Major in the Bangladesh Army.​

 

[Saif]

National Security Policy of Bangladesh - The New Nation

Dr. M A Rashid : The National Security Policy of Bangladesh (NSP) is a state-level strategic document that sets directions to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, internal stability, economic development, and to address international security...

dailynewnation.com

National Security Policy of Bangladesh

August 15, 2025
Dr. M A Rashid :

The National Security Policy of Bangladesh (NSP) is a state-level strategic document that sets directions to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, internal stability, economic development, and to address international security challenges.

Following the July 2024 Revolution, the Bangladesh government for the first time moved towards approving a formal National Security Strategy (NSS), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

Core Objectives of the National Security Policy

1. Protecting Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity:

Sovereignty

Ensuring Bangladesh’s independent and autonomous decision-making power on all national and international matters:

Preventing foreign interference

Preserving independence of the judiciary, law, and administration

Maintaining full control over internal affairs

Territorial Integrity

Preserving the country’s map and borders; ensuring security of land, maritime boundaries, and airspace:

Preventing border disputes

Stopping smuggling and infiltration

Securing maritime boundaries and sea lanes

2. Key factors to achieve these objectives:

Strong armed forces and border security forces (BGB, Coast Guard)

Active diplomacy and international support

Intelligence surveillance and technology use

Border development, infrastructure expansion, and enhanced citizen engagement

Maintaining internal stability

3. Combating Terrorism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT):

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban) are sensitive and strategically significant areas of Bangladesh where ethnic conflicts, armed group violence, and separatist activities have long persisted. Countering terrorism in this region remains a high priority for national security.

Major Challenges

1. Separatist Armed Groups:

Some tribal armed groups, allegedly supported by India, are still engaged in armed activities and extortion, demanding autonomous areas or special rights.

2. Arms and Ammunition Smuggling:

Weapons and narcotics allegedly flow into the region through India and Myanmar, funding terrorism. The hilly terrain makes surveillance difficult.

3. Extortion and Terror Financing:

Terrorist groups fund themselves by extorting local businesses, development projects, and ordinary citizens.

4. Demographic Inequality and Trust Deficit:

Longstanding mistrust, insecurity, and historical grievances persist between Bengali and indigenous communities.

5. Key Counter-Terrorism Measures

Operation Uttoron:

Joint military and administrative counter-terrorism and peace enforcement operations.

Dismantling terrorist hideouts, recovering weapons, curbing extortion

Increasing community participation in peacebuilding; involving local leadership.

Ensuring inclusion of both indigenous and Bengali populations in development projects.

Keeping youth away from extremist influence

Cross-Border Security Cooperation:

Diplomatic engagement with India’s Tripura and Mizoram states and Myanmar to curb arms smuggling

Enhanced presence of BGB and the army along borders

3. Ensuring Cybersecurity

In today’s digital era, cyberspace has become a critical yet vulnerable domain for national security. The National Security Policy identifies cybersecurity as one of its central objectives.

Major Threats

Hacking of government websites and databases

Cyberattacks on banks and financial institutions

Spreading fake information and rumors to create political instability

Cyberattacks targeting national infrastructure (power grid, telecom)

Risks of military and diplomatic information leaks

Cybersecurity Objectives

1. Critical Infrastructure Protection

Strengthening cyber defense in electricity, water, telecommunications, banking, and transportation sectors

2. Protection of Government and Military Information

Safeguarding data confidentiality and integrity

Using encryption and network security for sensitive communications

3. Preventing Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism

Cyber intelligence and monitoring against hackers, phishing, digital extortion, and disinformation

Enhancing the effectiveness of cybercrime tribunals and law enforcement

4. Cyber Policy and Legislation

o Implementing ICT Act, Digital Security Act, and National Cybersecurity Strategy

o Adopting Data Protection Act to ensure personal data security

5. Building Cyber Defense Forces and Capabilities

o Establishing and training cyber units under the military, intelligence agencies, and digital security bodies

o Strengthening the CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team)

6. Public Awareness and Education

o Raising citizen awareness about digital risks

o Launching cybersecurity training and career development programs

Ensuring cybersecurity is no longer a purely technological issue—it is now an inseparable part of state security.

Economic Security and Infrastructure Protection

Economic security and infrastructure protection are central goals of Bangladesh’s National Security Policy because sustainable security depends not only on military strength but also on economic stability, production capacity, and the security of key infrastructure.

Economic Security Means:

Stability of economic institutions and sectors

Safeguarding foreign investment, export-trade, and reserves

Ensuring energy and food security

Reducing unemployment, poverty, and inequality to maintain social stability
Infrastructure Protection Means:

Ensuring the security of airports, seaports, railways, power plants, dams, and bridges
Protecting energy, water supply, ICT, and telecommunications infrastructure
Building resilience against natural disasters, terrorism, cyberattacks, and industrial accidents

Strengthening Capacity for Climate Change and Disaster Management

Bangladesh is a climate-vulnerable and disaster-prone country. Frequent cyclones, floods, river erosion, droughts, and rising sea levels pose not only humanitarian crises but also major threats to national security. Thus, one of the key objectives of the National Security Policy is to enhance state capacity to address climate change and natural disasters.

Key Strategies:

1. Building climate-resilient infrastructure

2. Enhancing prevention and preparedness capacity

3. Implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies

4. Developing policies for climate-induced displacement

5. Strengthening international cooperation and diplomacy

Balancing Foreign Policy and Regional Relations

Given Bangladesh’s strategic position at the heart of South Asia, balancing the influence, competition, and cooperation of regional and global powers is a key security concern. Therefore, a core objective of the National Security Policy is to safeguard state interests and sovereignty by maintaining strategic balance in foreign policy.

Potential Threats

Regional rivalries (India-China, U.S.-China) ? Pressure to maintain diplomatic balance
Border tensions or security issues ? Could undermine internal stability
Dependence on foreign investments and trade routes ? Strategic vulnerability
Risk of exclusion from regional alliances or cooperation mechanisms

Key Strategies

Pursuing a balanced foreign policy with India, China, the United States, Europe, and Russia
Active participation in bilateral and multilateral forums

Strengthening participation in SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, D-8, BBIN, BIM, etc.

Promoting regional cohesion and mutual security

Negotiating with neighbors on water, border, and security issues

Peacefully resolving transboundary river and border disputes

Controlling foreign influence in seaports, power plants, and telecom infrastructure
Implementing strategic screening of foreign investments

Ensuring security of foreign trade and shipping routes through international cooperation

Prioritizing national interests in foreign loans and agreements

Building security relationships with China, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkey to counter potential threats from India

Ensuring relations with friendly state China never deteriorate

Preventing any country, including India, from interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs

Using the UN Security Council to facilitate Rohingya repatriation

Maritime Security and Protection of the Blue Economy

Bangladesh’s maritime territory (approximately 118,813 sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone, as awarded by the International Court) is a major potential resource base known as the Blue Economy. Securing this domain is a critical objective of the National Security Policy.

Key Measures:

1. Protecting maritime sovereignty

2. Ensuring security and management of the Blue Economy

3. Combating smuggling and piracy at sea

4. Enhancing regional and international maritime security cooperation

Key Features of the National Security Policy

Integrated Approach

This means using all resources, institutions, and strategies across the state to ensure security—not just the military or police. In this approach, military strength is important, but so are diplomacy, economic stability, social cohesion, and technological capability.

Comprehensive Security

This philosophy goes beyond safeguarding the state and borders; it focuses on people’s lives, livelihoods, and dignity. It is a modern concept promoted by the UN and is now central to Bangladesh’s National Security Policy.

Civil-Military Coordination

National security requires close and effective coordination between the military (army, navy, air force) and civilian administration (ministries, police, RAB, health, disaster management, intelligence agencies, diplomacy).

National Security Council (NSC)

The National Security Council (NSC) is the key coordinating and policy-making body for implementing and managing Bangladesh’s National Security Policy. It must be fully institutionalized and made effective immediately.

Core Functions

1. Rapid review of national security situations and threat assessment

2. Developing and approving contingency plans

3. Authorizing joint military and civilian operations

4. Sharing and analyzing intelligence information

5. Making decisions to expand diplomatic and international security cooperation

6. Ensuring security of critical infrastructure and cyberspace

7. Bringing politicians and media talk-show participants under the scope of the policy
Special Measures

NSC Secretariat: Permanent and emergency coordination cell under the Prime Minister’s Office

Weekly or Emergency Meetings: If needed, via video conferencing

Task Forces: Subcommittees for specific threats such as cyber, terrorism, climate, etc.
Final Considerations

Bangladesh is a densely populated, climate-sensitive country facing multiple threats, including natural disasters, the Rohingya crisis, water shortages, and economic inequality. Therefore, the security framework must integrate not only the military but also administration, health, agriculture, environment, and social development. A People’s Army under the supervision of the armed forces is essential. Mandatory military training for all citizens must be implemented.

(The author is a Professor, Senior Fellow, SIPG, North South University.​

 

[Saif]

‘Reform of DGFI essential’

The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) has been “misused” in the past and requires reform, security analyst Lieutenant General (retd) Aminul Karim said on Sunday. He stated that the DGFI should not have a political function. There has to be reforms here. Speaking on the role of...

en.prothomalo.com

‘Reform of DGFI essential’

Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 05 Jan 2026, 21: 18

Speakers at a seminar on national security at Karwan Bazar, Dhaka on 4 January 2026 Prothom Alo

The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) has been “misused” in the past and requires reform, security analyst Lieutenant General (retd) Aminul Karim said on Sunday.

He stated that the DGFI should not have a political function. There has to be reforms here.

Speaking on the role of the DGFI at a seminar titled “National Security Risks in the Context of New Regional Alignments”, the former army officer further said that there are other agencies, such as the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Special Branch (SB) of the police, to deal with domestic political affairs, parliamentary matters and issues related to the judiciary.

The DGFI, he stressed, must be removed from political activities.


The seminar was jointly organised by the civic platform Voice for Reform and the research organisation Brain at the BDBL Building in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka on Sunday.

Security analysts, university teachers and representatives of civil society took part.

Addressing national security issues, Lt. Gen. (retd) Aminul Karim said that the ad hoc approach of the current transitional government towards the security agencies is causing harm to the country.

Emphasising that security is not synonymous only with the armed forces, he said the military comes into play when other initiatives fail. However, he noted that the armed forces currently face many problems, including extensive politicisation.

Stressing the need for change in political culture, Aminul Karim said that unless politics is put right, the armed forces, intelligence agencies and law and order situation will not improve either.

If parliament can be strengthened through free, neutral and competitive elections, many security challenges can be addressed, he argued.

He further said that since independence, almost every government has kept the Ministry of Defence under the prime minister. Calling this “entirely wrong”, he urged future governments to appoint a separate minister for defence.

Attitudes of former Indian military officers

Speaking at the seminar, Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Mahfuzur Rahman, chairman of the Osmani Centre for Peace and Security Studies, delivered a PowerPoint presentation.

He highlighted a recent discussion by several former Indian military officers who currently run various think tanks. In that discussion, it was suggested that Bangladesh could be destabilised through the spread of disinformation, economic pressure, cyberattacks and the use of proxy groups, non-military or semi-military tactics.

Mahfuzur Rahman pointed out that India has established three cantonments in Chopra, Dhubri and Kishanganj over the past 18 months, and that another cantonment may be set up in Tripura.

He added that these former Indian military officers have identified parts of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts and Rangpur as “chicken necks”. They have reportedly recommended a policy whereby India could intervene in Bangladesh if any activity in those areas is deemed detrimental to Indian interests.

Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Mahfuzur Rahman emphasised that national security cannot be confined solely to politicians or the military. It is of such importance, he said, that the combined participation of the state, society and citizens is essential.

Proper assessment of security risks essential

Joining the seminar virtually, former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz said that in the current changing international context, rather than spending vast sums on expensive warships, it is crucial to properly assess what kinds of security risks are emerging within the country.

Building capacity to address those risks should be given priority, he stressed.

‘Public good’

Speaking at the seminar, professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka described national defence as a public good.

He said that since independence, defence spending has been treated differently by comparing it with other sectors, whereas ensuring national security is a fundamental responsibility of the state.

Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir noted that in the new global environment, foreign adversaries can create internal security risks through disinformation.

He also said that despite many temptations, the country’s armed forces have not intervened in politics over the past one and a half years, which he described as a major achievement for the state and society.

This would be the strongest foundation of security in the future, he added.

‘Managed’ election

Political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury also spoke at the seminar.

She said that a “political community” has not developed in the country, as there is no consensus on major issues. This, she argued, is why security risks have emerged.

She expressed the view that a “managed” election is likely to take place next February, and warned that if this happens, Bangladesh will not be able to emerge from its current crisis.

Other speakers at the seminar included international relations expert Mubashar Hasan, while photographer Shahidul Alam joined virtually.

The seminar was moderated by Fahim Mashroor, joint convener of Voice for Reform, and Shafiqul Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Research Analysis & Information Network (BRAIN).​