Bangladesh

Deradicalisation in Bangladesh: Challenges Ahead

The Sheikh Hasina government has been able to crack down on militant outfits by initiating a process of de-radicalisation ever since it came to power in 2009. This has been evident from the fact that since 2009 the violent activities of the Islamic extremists have been curtailed with relatively little bloodshed. And the same has been the case with the left wing extremists in the country. The Sheikh Hasina regime is more determined, than any government since the formation of Bangladesh to de-radicalise the political as well as the social structure of Bangladesh.

Energy Crisis and Potential in Bangladesh

The present energy crisis in Bangladesh is partly due to over-dependence on gas which fulfils more than 70 per cent of its energy needs. The present gas deficit against the national demand on a daily basis is expected to increase further in the future. The crisis will deepen unless a greater share of indigenous coal is included in the energy mix. The geological and social constraints of an over-populated fertile agricultural land area remain an obstacle to large-scale coal mining and this has to be addressed rationally.

Illegal Bangladeshi Migration to India: Impact on Internal Security

Migration, a worldwide phenomenon, has often been seen as beneficial for both the sending and receiving countries. However, post-9/11, the phenomenon is seen as a mixed blessing. It is also being realised that it is impossible to check illegal migration unless the sending country cooperates. In South Asia, India has been at the receiving end of the problem of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. This paper argues that such illegal migration is posing a threat to internal security because the issue has not been properly securitised.

Bangladesh’s Extended Continental Shelf: Navigating the Course with India and Myanmar

The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay off the coast of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. With the exception of Bangladesh all the littoral states have reached agreements over their bilateral maritime boundaries. As signatories to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, India and Myanmar had to file their claims by June 29, 2009 and by May 21, 2009 respectively, and Bangladesh has to file its claim by July 27, 2011 to the Commission on the limits of the continental shelf.

Reconstitution of the Bangladesh Rifles

The mutiny in Bangladesh Rifles in February 2009 tainted the image of the most important para-military force of Bangladesh. It completely destroyed the command structure of the force and created distrust between army and the BDR. In this situation, it became necessary to reconstitute the force. Bangladesh has undertaken this exercise. But the proposed reforms somehow does not appear geared to deal with the grievances of the BDR soldiers which have been seen at least as one of the causes of the mutiny.