Bangladesh 2.0: A New Security Agenda for the Interim Government
The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently organized a roundtable on “Bangladesh 2.0: A New Security Agenda for the Interim Government” at The Westin ,Dhaka.
The event featured prominent speakers, including Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan, ndc, psc (Retd), Former Associate Editor and Editor of Defense & Strategic Affairs at The Daily Star; Major General Md Shahidul Haque, psc (Retd), Former Defense Attaché to Myanmar and Former Ambassador to Libya; and Mr. Shafqat Munir, Head of BCTR and Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS. Each shared their expert insights on the challenges facing Bangladesh.
BIPSS President Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman opened the discussion by stating the importance of a comprehensive and forward-thinking security agenda to ensure a smooth transition to democracy and addressing emerging threats like cyber and climate security. He also paid tribute to the Armed forces for their pivotal role in upholding the Constitution and ensuring the security of the nation during this critical transitional period.
Lt Gen Abdul Hafiz (Retd), special assistant to the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh for Defence and National Solidarity was present at the roundtable and shared his valuable thoughts on the subject.
Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan emphasized the importance of identifying security threats, both internal and external, before developing a security agenda and stressed the need for depoliticizing the security forces and intelligence services.
Maj Gen Md Shahidul Haque highlighted the necessity for Bangladesh to engage with non-state actors like the Arakan Army and advocated for a geo-strategic approach to the Myanmar crisis while prioritizing national sovereignty.
Mr Shafqat Munir emphasized the need for a full-time National Security Advisor, a fully empowered national security coordination secretariat, and the need for greater politico-military coordination especially at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in view of Bangladesh’s widespread overseas operations especially peacekeeping operations.
The roundtable also delved into critical issues such as border security, the Rohingya crisis, and managing the nation’s debt. Former Chief of the Army Staff, ambassadors, senior diplomats, representatives of various ministries and government agencies, members of civil society, media personnel and academics as well as several coordinators of the Student against Discrimination movement among others were present.
BIPSS will organize a series of discussions in the coming weeks and months focused on the Monsoon Revolution, with a particular emphasis on shaping the future of Bangladesh.
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