CHALLENGES TO MARITIME SECURITY AND ROLE OF THE POLICY MAKERS: OPTIONS FOR BANGLADESH

Abstract

In present geopolitical scenario, sea is vitally important for ensuring security
of the state from economic, political, societal, military and environmental
perspectives. Bangladesh has long been drawing her security perimeters with a
landward vision. The maritime sector is neglected leading to multiple
vulnerabilities. Hence, there is a need to look at the maritime security aspects in
depth. There are many national interests lying in the maritime sector which faces
greater challenges today. Again, the unawareness of the Policy Makers, weak
institutional and infrastructural base, regional disunity, technological
backwardness, environmental negligence etc are contributory factors in Bangladesh's maritime insecurity. The new strategic environment may require a
change in the shape and focus of our maritime forces, as well as an expansion of
responsibility to include organizations associated with the maritime domain
directly and indirectly. Most importantly, it is essential to develop maritime
awareness among the policy makers to respond in maritime security challenges.
Coupled with these responses, maritime forces supported by credible maritime
infrastructures can tackle the hardcore threats both from the state and non-state
actor. Again, as the seas are indivisible, many threats are transnational in nature.
Hence, both bilateral and regional cooperation are also necessary to have a
common platform of effective regional maritime security partnership.