IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE AS A NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT: SELECTED OPERATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES

Abstract

In contemporary world, day by day the threat of improvised explosive device (IED) is getting traction and Bangladesh (BD) is no exception to that. IED threat has now reached to a level where world community is sufficiently worried and has devoted scores of resources in pursuit of countering the threat. Recently Bangladesh has experienced widespread IED related incidents where IEDs were indiscriminately used against innocent people. At this circumstance, the obvious questions that come up now are: Could we really perceive the threat? Are we prepared to face it? What are the challenges and future action plan? Thus the research made an endeavour to find the answer(s). It has been found that BD lacks in both physical and conceptual preparation to fight against IED. We have limitations in threat perception, resources, implementation, training, procedures etc. In order to address the issues holistically and in a pragmatic manner, the paper opted to ascertain the lacunas and measures level by level (strategic, operational and tactical). In so doing it has underlined - Banning extremist groups/parties; Implementing laws/acts strictly; Studying the environment to detect, deter and prevent IED chain; Introducing lines of operation at different levels; Improving tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP); Improving training and Furthering integration of efforts. The paper has emphasized in establishing an independent Commission and a Data Center to counter IED. Presumably these establishments can ensure better efficiency and economy of effort through integration of actions of different agencies. In this fight, Media and Business can also play important role. And finally, the paper believes that the menace of IED cannot be ruled out without the support of the population.