BANGLADESH NATIONAL SECURITY OUTLOOK IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The essence of Bangladesh’s security paradigm originates from the national core values, i.e. democracy, nationalism, socialism, and secularism. Contemporary geostrategic trends together with global pandemic have led the complex web of systematic factors, both of international and regional nature, influence Bangladesh’s national security in one way or other. Bangladesh, to encounter the multifarious security challenges at global, regional, and domestic levels, needs to adopt concept of comprehensive security that would give her the strategic space to play its own role in all situations. From a national perspective, Bangladesh’s security is contingent on political security, military security, economic security, social security, environmental security, and global peace. Bangladesh needs to attain socio-political stability by creating a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice will be secured for all citizens. An integrated effort is necessary to preserve sovereignty and safeguard territorial integrity by protecting national land, maritime and air spaces, and national cohesion. Bangladesh needs to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth to survive in the global economic recession due to pandemic and trade war. As a disaster-prone country, it is essential for Bangladesh to develop a healthy and sustainable environment. Following the foreign policy postulated by the Father of the Nation, Bangladesh is committed to maintain global peace. This paper attempts to focus on the conceptual issues relating to national security of Bangladesh relevance to global, regional, and domestic, geopolitical, and geostrategic environment. The paper is based on data from the constitution, books, government websites, journals, internet and news reports, attempts to assess contemporary security issues of Bangladesh, at a time when the country is facing the challenges of the 21^st century.