Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Epaper

Bengal Nexus

Reviewed by Shahriar Feroze

Published : Saturday, 2 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1083
Rajeev Ahmed
"Bengal Nexus" a captivating Journey into Bangladeshs Geopolitical Soul…

Echoing the anxieties expressed by British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps about a potential "pre-war world," where geopolitical competition and resource scarcity threaten global stability, renowned Bangladeshi analyst Rajeev Ahmeds "Bengal Nexus" emerges as a timely and crucial contribution. While Shapps warning highlights the interconnectedness of security challenges, Ahmed delves deeper, inviting us to explore the specific strategic aspirations of Bangladesh amidst this complex global landscape.

Instead of simply echoing concerns, "Bengal Nexus" serves as a call to arms, urging readers to engage with Bangladeshs unique journey and chart a course for its future. Ahmeds analysis transcends beyond academic exploration, offering a roadmap for steering the intricacies of national security and sovereignty in a rapidly evolving world. By diving into Bangladeshs strategic imperatives, "Bengal Nexus" not only illuminates the nations rise on the world stage, but also offers valuable insights for navigating the very challenges that Shapps warns of.

Ahmed, a natural-born strategist with an eagle eye fixed on the ever-shifting global landscape, brings his sharp insights and ability to explain intricate strategies to life. His passion for geopolitics, evident in his blog geopolits.com and insightful articles published in the Daily Observer, making it a must-read not only for policy experts but also for anyone curious about the nations place in the world.

The book unfolds like a meticulously crafted map, guiding us through four distinct yet interconnected landscapes. Part one immerses us in the Bay of Bengal, a region teeming with both opportunities and challenges. We witness Bangladeshs adept handling of pressing issues like climate change and cyber security, highlighting its proactive approach to safeguarding its future. This section shines a light on the nations strategic foresight, demonstrating its ability to anticipate and address challenges beyond its borders.

Then he highlighted the vitality of the Bay of Bengal for Bangladesh, the main artery for trade and resources, but also a potential source of instability. Ahmed deftly navigates this intricate space, showcasing Bangladeshs efforts to harness the Bays potential while mitigating its risks. We see proactive initiatives like building coastal infrastructure to combat climate change and bolstering cyber security measures to protect critical data networks. These are not just technical solutions; they are testaments to the nations strategic foresight and commitment to building a secure future.

Part two teleports us to the ever-evolving battleground of digital warfare. Imagine the battlefield of the future, not defined by trenches and tanks, but by invisible lines of code and the whirring of automated drones. This is the world that Bangladesh, along with other nations, is navigating. Ahmed takes us through this complex landscape, showcasing Bangladeshs efforts to adapt and evolve its military capabilities while remaining committed to responsible engagement with these powerful tools.

Here, we witness Bangladeshs transformation, embracing advanced technologies like unmanned and automated ariel/land/water drones and adapting its military strategies to a rapidly changing world. However, the book doesn shy away from the ethical and legal considerations of this digital transformation. Ahmed carefully examines the potential for collateral damage, privacy violations, and the blurring lines between war and peace in the digital realm. He reminds us that technological advancements are not silver bullets, but tools that must be wielded with responsibility and foresight.

Part Three bridges the gap between economic prosperity and military might. We see how Bangladeshs burgeoning economy fuels its defense ambitions, enabling investments in advanced technology and infrastructure. Political stability, human capital development, and a diversified economy are identified as the pillars of this growth, highlighting the interconnectedness of various aspects of national well-being. This section underscores the crucial role of economic strength in shaping a nations security posture and global influence.

Imagine a nations defense not just as an armed force, but as a harmony composed of economic prosperity, education, and social stability. This is the message knitted into Part Three. Ahmed delves into the economic engine driving Bangladeshs ambitions, emphasizing the importance of political stability, investment in education, and a diverse economic base. He reminds us that a strong military cannot exist in isolation; it thrives on the foundation of a robust and resilient society.

Part Four marks a fascinating shift, delving into the realm of public perception and its impact on defense policymaking. Ahmed emphasizes the crucial role of education, transparency, and responsible media in fostering public understanding and support for defense initiatives. He reminds us that in a democracy, a nations strategies are not forged in isolation, but are shaped by the collective consciousness of its people.

He highlights the importance of engaging the public, dispelling misinformation, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for national security. He reminds us that a well-informed and engaged citizenry is essential for building a sustainable and responsible defense posture.

Here are some of the books strengths:
"    It covers a wide range of topics related to Bangladeshs national security and sovereignty, offering a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities the nation faces.
"    Ahmeds clear and concise writing style makes the book enjoyable to read, even for those without a background in geopolitics.
"    The book emphasizes Bangladeshs potential and encourages readers to contribute to its future progress.
"    Ahmeds passion for the subject shines through in his eloquent prose.
However, there are also a few points to consider:
"    The book primarily focuses on Bangladeshs perspective, with less emphasis on the views of other regional and global players.
"    As with any book, its important to be acknowledged of the authors potential biases and perspectives.
Whether you e a scholar seeking in-depth analysis, a policymaker navigating intricate scenarios or simply an individual curious about Bangladeshs place in the world, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives.


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