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Reasons for Bangladesh to have a Strong Navy

Published : Friday, 15 December, 2023 at 12:00 AM  Count : 914
Rajeev Ahmed
Bangladesh is a country with a long coastline and a vast maritime territory in the Bay of Bengal, one of the most strategic and dynamic regions in the world. The Bay of Bengal is home to more than 400 million people and accounts for about 25% of global trade. It is also rich in natural resources, such as fish, oil, gas, minerals, and marine biodiversity. Moreover, the Bay of Bengal is a key arena for the emerging Indo-Pacific geoeconomics, where major powers like China, India, Japan, and the US are competing for influence and access.

Given these opportunities and challenges, Bangladesh needs to build an advanced navy in the Bay of Bengal to protect its national interests and enhance its regional role.

Bangladesh has an immense potential to harness the blue economy by developing its maritime sectors, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, port services, offshore energy and seabed mining. However, these sectors require a strong naval presence to ensure security, sovereignty, and sustainability. Bangladesh also needs to defend its maritime boundaries and rights against any encroachment or dispute from its neighbours, especially Myanmar and India.

The country has established several MPAs in the Bay of Bengal, such as the Swatch-of-No-Ground Marine Protected Area, the NijhumDwip National Park, and the St Martins Island Marine Park. These MPAs are home to rich and diverse marine life, such as dolphins, whales, turtles, corals, and mangroves. A strong navy can monitor and enforce the conservation and management of these MPAs and prevent any damage or destruction to the marine ecosystem by human activities.

Bangladesh is prone to environmental disasters, such as tropical cyclones, sea level rise, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, cyclones, floods and droughts. These impacts pose serious threats to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in the coastal areas. An well-equipped navy can lead countrys climate crisis mitigation effort by providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), conducting search and rescue operations, supporting coastal management and adaptation, and monitoring environmental changes.

Besides, the country faces various security challenges in the maritime domain, such as smuggling, human trafficking, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, and naval rivalry. A robust navy will be more capable to deter and counter these threats by enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA), conducting patrols and surveillance, enforcing laws and regulations, cooperating with other navies and agencies, and projecting power and influence. Bangladesh also needs to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any external aggression or interference, especially considering the Rohingya influx from Myanmar that has created a humanitarian crisis and a security dilemma for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is situated at the crossroads of South Asia and Southeast Asia, two regions that are vital for the Indo-Pacific geoeconomics. Bangladesh can leverage its strategic location to become a bridge between these regions and a hub for trade, investment, connectivity and cooperation. A sophisticated navy can help Bangladesh achieve this vision by facilitating maritime commerce and connectivity, participating in regional initiatives and forums, engaging in naval diplomacy and confidence-building measures (CBMs), and balancing the interests and influences of major powers.Bangladesh is an active member of various regional organizations and initiatives related to the Bay of Bengal, such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). A strong navy can boost Bangladeshs role and contribution to these platforms and promote regional cooperation and integration on various issues of common interest.

To realize these objectives, Bangladesh already has embarked on an ambitious plan to modernize its navy under the "Force Goal 2030" that envisages transforming it into a three-dimensional force capable of operating above on and under water. The plan includes acquiring new platforms and systems, such as submarines, frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels, helicopters, drones, radars and missiles. The plan also involves developing new infrastructure and facilities, such as bases, docks, shipyards, and training centres. Moreover, the plan entails enhancing human resources and capabilities by recruiting more personnel, improving training and education standards.

Bangladesh Navy has already made significant progress in implementing this plan. It has acquired two submarines from China in 2016-2017 that have enhanced its underwater warfare capabilities. It has also commissioned several new surface combatants from China and South Korea that have improved its surface warfare capabilities. Bangladesh Navy also has started to build its own ships in local shipyards. Bangladesh Navy has engaged in a variety of bilateral and multilateral drills with other naval forces, including the annual Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) with the Indian Navy, and the Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training (CARAT) exercises with the US Navy. These activities have enhanced its ability to work together with other navies and have elevated its level of professionalism. The navy also has established new commandsand units such as the Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) unit that have expanded its special operations capabilities.

But there is still much more to be done. Bangladesh needs to invest more in its naval infrastructure, manpower, technology, and naval doctrine. It needs to develop an unobstructed vision and strategy for its maritime role and ambitions. It needs to balance its relations with different powers and partners in the region. And it needs to cooperate with other countries on common issues and challenges.In addition, the government should take steps to alleviate the common peoples apprehension about venturing into the sea. Given that people prefer to reside on land, its crucial to raise awareness about the untapped opportunities that lie within the vast expanse of the ocean.

We must remember that a strong navy can help Bangladesh to:
—    Enhance its trade and maritime connectivity with other countries in the region and beyond.
—    Explore and exploit its ocean resources in a sustainable and equitable manner.
—    Mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change and environmental disasters.
—    Ensure its security and stability against external threats and challenges.
—    Uphold its international obligations and commitments on human rights and humanitarian issues.

Bangladesh has a golden opportunity to become a maritime leader in the Bay of Bengal. But it also has a great responsibility to use its naval power wisely and responsibly. The future of Bangladesh depends on how well it can navigate the turbulent waters of the bay.

The writer is a Geopolitical Analyst, Strategic Thinker and Editor at geopolits.com



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