CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN BANGLADESH: A PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In the political and security studies, civil military relations occupy an important area in a nation's life. With the revival of democracy in Bangladesh, post 1990 civil-military relations show a positive trend but yet the desired level could not be attained. The study examines the areas which bedevil these relations and then sees how those could be avoided or demised. It is suggested that the agencies should not overstep into each other's boundary. Such boundaries should be formalized in the constitution/statutes as far as possible. It calls for improving political culture and military professionalism to smoothen civil-military relation. While civilian supremacy is accepted in a democracy, political government has the solemn responsibility to provide political and strategic direction to the military. Military, on the other hand, should pursue professionalism and thereby contribute to national security and development. It should truly remain apolitical as far as possible. Takin Bangladesh as a subject of observation a comparative analysis is produced here, which find similarities and contradictions between Bangladesh and a few other third world countries. It also shows how national security and development offers could be geared up by integrating the military elements with the civil agencies and the masses at large. We all must strive towards attaining good civil-military relations and make sure Bangladesh doesn't fall into the vicious trap of divisiveness and compromise its security and development.