Is Myanmar Unraveling? Implications for Bangladesh and the Region

The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) hosted a compelling Policy Circle discussion titled “Is Myanmar Unraveling? Implications for Bangladesh and the Region” at The Westin Dhaka on February 22nd. The distinguished panelists, Md. Touhid Hossain, Former Foreign Secretary ; Major General Md Shahidul Haque, Former Defence Attaché to Myanmar & Former Ambassador to Libya, and Mr Sudeep Chakravarti, Director of the Center for South Asian Studies (C-SAS) at ULAB and author of ‘The Eastern Gate’, brought their unique perspectives to the fore.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Shafqat Munir, BIPSS Senior Research Fellow, set the tone for the event, highlighting the urgency of understanding the dynamics in Myanmar. The moderator of the event Major General A N M Muniruzzaman, President, BIPSS, provided a sobering introduction, contextualising Myanmar’s pivotal role within the region and its ongoing internal strife marked by the emergence of the Brotherhood Alliance.

Md. Touhid Hossain characterized the situation as a nascent civil war, with the Tatmadaw facing both armed insurgencies and civilian opposition. Major General Md Shahidul Haque provided a comprehensive analysis of the current situation in Myanmar, addressing the distinct dynamics at play along its borders and the contrasting nature of conflicts in the eastern and western regions.

Mr Sudeep Chakravarti highlighted the deepening geopolitical crisis in Myanmar, focusing on China’s strategic investments in the country’s energy sector through pipelines delivering oil and gas to southwestern China.

The discussion ended with an insightful interactive session. Attendees of the event included Ambassadors and delegates from different embassies in Dhaka, former Ambassadors of Bangladesh, representatives from different international organizations, academicians, and journalists.

Is Myanmar Unraveling? Implications for Bangladesh and the Region