Experts at a discussion on Tuesday discussed the evolving dynamics of Myanmar's Rakhine State and implications for Bangladesh, noting that the developments in Rakhine have major geoeconomic and geopolitical implications for both Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Geopolitical significance of Bangladesh highlighted at BIPSS roundtable
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), a Dhaka-based think tank with a focus on the security sphere, organised the policy circle discussion.
Former Defence Attache to Myanmar and former Ambassador to Libya Major General Md Shahidul Haque (Retd), the writer and researcher Altaf Parvez, and Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics of East West University, Parvez Karim Abbasi, were the discussants.
Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS Shafqat Munir stated while delivering the opening remarks that Bangladesh is currently too focused on the Rohingya issue, rather than looking at the bigger picture of what is happening in Myanmar and Rakhine State.
This situation can have a tremendous effect on Bangladesh’s national security, economy, politics and overall well being, he said.
President of BIPSS Major General ANM Muniruzzaman highlighted the current situation of Rakhine State, where the Union government of Myanmar has seen its influence and writ decline through the course of the civil war in the country.
“Rakhine state has major geo-economic, geo-political implications in Myanmar as well as Bangladesh. The Arakan army is now controlling 80% of the state, taking over 11 townships among all 17 townships and 180 military bases in the state,” he said.
Muniruzzaman mentioned “as through many fundamental changes, we are currently witnessing a formation of a new state, where the Arakan Army is currently in control of Rakhine state. It has direct consequences for Bangladesh, without us realizing it will have a direct impact on our politics, economy and security.”
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Shahidul Haque talked about the current Myanmar and Rakhine situations and equations with Bangladesh.
According to him, Myanmar has the only peaceful border in the west with Bangladesh, so Bangladesh can play an important role in the current Rakhine situation.
He mentioned about the Kuki-chin National Front’s relevance with the current situation and the issues with India about the Kaladan multi modal project.
Altaf Parvez depicted the anti-colonial liberation struggle of the Arakan Army.
As the Arakan Army is increasing their air and maritime powers, he said, it can be a major concern for Bangladesh’s security.
Another significant discussion was about whether the Arakan Army want independence or an autonomous state.
"There are several factors. At first, they wanted to get free from the Burmese colonial power and restore their democracy," he said.
He also stated India’s current relation with the junta government and their new policies for rebuilding connection with the Arakan Army through Mizoram National Front.
Parvez Karim Abbasi talked about why China has a complex relationship with Myanmar. China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), Kyaukpyu port, oil-gas pipeline through 4 different states has led to this situation.
He also discussed the support of state-non-state and gave examples about China and India’s effect on the situation. Also mentioned about the SAARC, BCI, BRI corridor in achieving political stability, and suggested Bangladesh should start thinking outside the Rohingya paradox and balance political relations.
Journalists, academicians, students, representatives from different organizations and embassies attended the event.
The moderator concluded the session with how Bangladesh should have their eye-ball fixed in the overall Myanmar situation and consider establishing direct connections with those in control of the State.