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The principal objective of Bangladesh’s defence policy should be to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, airspace, maritime resources and right to make independent national decisions. This policy should rest on credible military preparedness, independent diplomacy, economic capacity, public confidence and constitutional governance. Though, Bangladesh should maintain peaceful relations with all countries and seek diplomatic solutions to disputes, it should develop sufficient defence capability to deter any state from using military pressure to influence its policies and decisions. The current global environment has made this increasingly important. The Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and instability in Myanmar demonstrate how rapidly security conditions can change. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure reached approximately US$2.887 trillion in 2025, marking its eleventh consecutive annual increase.
An important lesson from recent conflicts is that external assistance can become uncertain during a crisis. Arms deliveries may stop, spare parts may become difficult to obtain, and partner countries may prioritise their own requirements. Defence planning must therefore consider how long Bangladesh can sustain its forces using its own resources if external assistance is delayed. Alongside acquiring weapons, the country must ensure the capacity to operate, maintain and replenish them. The first requirement is a comprehensive, government-led national security review. It should identify national interests, potential threats, economic constraints and the responsibilities of military and civilian institutions. Defence policy should define the armed forces’ role within this broader framework.
Bangladesh’s military strategy should focus on developing a credible capability to prevent a potential aggressor from achieving its objectives. Seeking numerical parity with major powers in weapons and personnel is economically unrealistic. Instead, Bangladesh needs the ability to protect essential territory, leadership, communications and infrastructure while sustaining resistance. Modern weapons cannot deliver their intended results without trained personnel, adequate ammunition, reliable intelligence and maintenance. Relations with our neighbours require a combination of cooperation, mutual respect and protection of sovereign interests. Constructive engagement should continue in trade, water, connectivity and border management. Defence planning must simultaneously rest on realistic assessments of potential situations and military capabilities. Regular communication and effective arrangements for managing border incidents can reduce misunderstandings. No relationship should restrict Bangladesh’s freedom to make independent security decisions.
Instability in Myanmar is an immediate concern for Bangladesh. Monitoring and information-sharing must be strengthened to address border-area conflict, uncontrolled arms movements and the risk of further displacement. Responsibilities among the armed forces, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, police, intelligence agencies and civilian administration must be clear. Coherent response guidelines are needed for border violations or provocations. Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions should continue, while ensuring that Bangladesh’s restraint is not mistaken for weakness. The humanitarian, diplomatic and security dimensions of the Rohingya crisis must be considered together.
The Bay of Bengal must receive greater priority in defence policy. Seaports, commercial shipping, fisheries, energy installations and undersea communications infrastructure are directly connected to the national economy. Coordinated surveillance by the Navy, Coast Guard and port authorities is essential. Alongside acquiring new vessels, Bangladesh must ensure operating funds, personnel, training, maintenance and spare parts. Search-and-rescue and maritime law-enforcement capabilities also require strengthening.
Disruption along distant shipping routes can also harm Bangladesh. The International Maritime Organization has warned about interruptions to fuel, fertiliser and other essential supplies resulting from insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz. Bangladesh therefore needs alternative import sources, emergency reserves, shipping information and plans to assist citizens abroad. Coordination among defence, foreign affairs, energy and trade institutions is particularly important. Air defence must be developed as an integrated system. Combat aircraft procurement should be accompanied by radar coverage, command and control, ground-based defence, weapons, pilot training and maintenance. Advanced aircraft cannot provide effective capability without adequate flying training and supporting infrastructure. Drone-related risks to airports, power plants, ports and communications facilities must also be assessed. Compatible systems are needed instead of disconnected purchases by different institutions.
The Army’s principal professional responsibility must remain preparation for national defence. Training should reflect Bangladesh’s terrain, emphasising mobility, engineering, communications, logistics, medical support and joint operations. Routine law enforcement should remain the responsibility of civilian institutions. Emergency military assistance must have a clear legal basis, defined responsibilities, oversight, duration and withdrawal arrangements. Following prolonged assignments, units should receive time for rest, retraining and restoration of readiness. The armed forces will retain an important role in disaster response. However, preparations for rescue, relief and rehabilitation must be balanced with their primary defence responsibilities. Strengthening civilian agencies would reduce unnecessary dependence on the military. At the same time, joint planning, exercises, communications and logistics among the Army, Navy and Air Force must improve.
The primary functions of intelligence should be early warning and objective assessment. Coordination is needed to monitor regional military developments, borders, maritime activity, cyber threats and supply-chain risks. Professional analysis must be protected from political influence and interagency rivalry. An environment is needed in which significant information and alternative assessments can be presented even when they do not align with policymakers’ preferences. Cybersecurity must be treated as a shared military and civilian responsibility. Disruption to banking, electricity, telecommunications or transport could undermine national security without a conventional attack. Regular exercises, backup communications, data recovery arrangements and skilled domestic personnel are essential. Critical institutions also need effective security assessments and procedures for rapidly sharing incident information.
Defence expenditure must be planned and sustainable. The World Bank’s October 2026 assessment identified constraints in Bangladesh’s energy sector, financial system and revenue mobilisation. Multi-year planning must therefore account for training, ammunition, operations, maintenance and replacement alongside acquisition costs. Purchases beyond the country’s means could reduce future funding for readiness. Expenditure should be evaluated through equipment serviceability, training standards and the capacity to sustain operations. Defence procurement requires professional evaluation, financial scrutiny, independent auditing and appropriate parliamentary oversight. Legitimate military confidentiality must be protected, but it should not obstruct corruption investigations. Domestic industry could prioritise maintenance, selected ammunition, components, software, communications and suitable vessel construction. Universities and qualified private firms should be involved to broaden the skills base. Technology-transfer agreements must clearly specify training, engineering documentation, component production, maintenance and modification rights. Genuine technical competence must develop alongside local assembly. Defence diplomacy should expand options while preserving independence. Cooperation with different partners must be assessed according to benefits, costs and obligations.
Constitutional authority and professional impartiality must underpin every decision. Civilian leaders should determine objectives and resources; military leaders should provide candid advice and implement lawful decisions. Implementation should begin by reviewing readiness gaps, maintenance, training and coordination. Subsequent investment should follow verified requirements. Civilian preparedness for emergency healthcare, food and fuel supplies, communications and infrastructure restoration must also improve. Social cohesion, equal citizenship and trust in institutions form part of national resilience. Professional armed forces, a sound economy and a united population will together provide Bangladesh with a strong foundation for protecting independence and pursuing peaceful development.
The writer is a retired Major General, military diplomat, security and political analyst, researcher and author. He can be reached at [email protected]
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