United News of Bangladesh

Noting the increasing control of the Arakan Army (AA) over Rakhine State in Myanmar, experts at a dialogue have stressed the importance of formulating a clear national strategy to address this multifaceted challenge, taking implications for Bangladesh and the region into consideration. They cautioned that delays in establishing contact with the Arakan Army could lead to “missed opportunities” as external actors increasingly engage with Rakhine through maritime routes. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) hosted the policy cafe on “Rakhine after the Fall of Maungdaw: Implications for Bangladesh and the Region” which brought together security experts, former diplomats, and academics to discuss the evolving dynamics in Rakhine State and their implications for Bangladesh and its neighboring regions. Dhaka discusses with UN modalities for int'l conference on Rohingya crisis The discussion was moderated by President of BIPSS Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman while the panelists included Major General (Retd) Md Shahidul Haque, former Defense Attaché to Myanmar and former Ambassador to Libya; and Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor at East-West University. The dialogue focused on the increasing control of the Arakan Army (AA) over Rakhine State, which now dominates more than 80 percent of the region, including its 271-km border with Bangladesh. While delivering his opening remarks, Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow, BIPSS, elevated the discourse by sharing his valuable insights on the topic under discussion, and emphasized the importance of navigating through the leverage to acquire from the situation. The panelists emphasised  the strategic necessity, as well, for Bangladesh to engage with the Arakan Army while maintaining a balanced approach that includes both diplomatic and military options. Muniruzzaman, drawing parallels with India's recalibration of its Myanmar strategy, noted that Bangladesh must act decisively to safeguard its interests. He emphasised Rakhine's strategic importance, highlighting its maritime access to the Bay of Bengal and its resource-rich, multi-ethnic composition. Bangladesh in touch with both Myanmar govt and Arakan Army: Home Adviser The expert noted the region’s significance in the context of US-China strategic competition, particularly referencing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the BCIM Economic Corridor. Besides, he pointed out that projects like the Sino-Myanmar Oil and Gas Pipeline underscore Rakhine’s role as a critical connectivity hub. Muniruzzaman also drew attention to India’s favorable ties with Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw), urging Bangladesh to act decisively to protect its interests amidst increasing external engagement in Rakhine. Assistant Professor Abbasi said that engaging with the Arakan Army (AA) is a pragmatic approach often employed in complex geopolitical scenarios, suggesting the use of informal communication channels if direct contact proves unfeasible. He warned that the AA’s growing dominance could escalate insurgency risks in India’s northeastern states, highlighting broader regional implications. Abbasi began his remarks by noting the absence of Indian and Pakistani representation in discussions on Rakhine’s future, describing Myanmar as a “proxy-war haven” and cautioning about potential armed assaults in Sittwe. He highlighted shifts in diplomatic rhetoric toward the AA as a reflection of changing geopolitical alignments and used terms like “Balkanization of Myanmar” and “Stockholm Syndrome” to frame his analysis. On the Rohingya issue, he warned that the AA’s vision for an “Arakan Dream,” rooted in Burmese nationalist discourse as a Bengali-free Arakan, excludes any place for Rohingyas. Abbasi also expressed concerns about uncertainties stemming from rising global tensions, including the possible return of hawkish US leadership under Donald Trump. He noted that while the AA appears open to confederation rather than full independence, its growing influence poses significant risks to regional stability. CSCSS Int’l Conference: Impacts of Rohingya crisis, security challenges discussed Major General (retd) Shahidul Haque described potential engagement with the Arakan Army (AA) as a “win-win situation” for Bangladesh, stressing that such an approach could simultaneously advance the country’s security and economic interests. He noted that the evolving political landscape in Rakhine presents Bangladesh with a rare strategic advantage to negotiate its regional interests, particularly with India. Offering a nuanced analysis, Haque identified the AA as the first non-state actor with which Bangladesh shares a border, highlighting its lack of accountability for human rights and international recognition while cautioning about potential cross-border movements of insurgent groups. He revealed that some Bangladeshi tribal groups are actively fighting alongside the AA against Myanmar, warning that fostering ties with the AA could risk long-term trade relations with Myanmar. However, he suggested that economic engagement, such as supplying agricultural surplus to Arakan, could create mutually beneficial outcomes. Haque also pointed out tensions between the AA and Chin groups, which pose challenges for India but could provide strategic negotiation opportunities for Bangladesh. The policy café concluded with an interactive session where participants delved into various dimensions of the issue, including security risks, economic opportunities, and regional geopolitics, offering valuable insights into how Bangladesh can navigate this complex situation while safeguarding its national interests. Bangladesh reaffirms to stop further infiltration as conflicts in Myanmar escalate The discussion sparked robust debate on regional geopolitics, with some participants criticizing an overemphasis on India’s “Chicken’s Neck” corridor and others examining China’s two-ocean strategy, which could involve deploying forces under security pretexts despite Myanmar’s opposition to foreign troops. Participants also explored how Bangladesh could leverage its strategic position between China and India, both of which engage indirectly with Myanmar despite lacking shared borders. There was also advocacy for empowering Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to develop leadership skills, assert their rights, and facilitate repatriation efforts. They underscored the need for a balanced approach to regional dynamics and the importance of fostering sustainable solutions to complex geopolitical challenges.

BIPSS President Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has emphasised the necessity of developing a comprehensive national policy to address rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and other climate-induced risks, which could result in catastrophic consequences, including the loss of 20% of Bangladesh’s landmass and mass displacement.  He made the remarks while addressing at a workshop on “Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh” hosted by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) with the support from the European Union. The event brought together researchers, journalists, NGO officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ansar and Village Defence Party, Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh, Navy Headquarters, Coast Guard, Police Staff College, Bangladesh Police, Defence Services Command and Staff College, and other security agencies. Ancient climate crisis offers warning on modern ocean acidification: study The President of BIPSS highlighted the growing importance of addressing climate change as a national and regional security issue due to its potential to destabilize societies and exacerbate existential threats. Despite being a frontline state, Bangladesh lacked a clear strategy to tackle these challenges. The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders to deliberate on crafting a robust national strategy to mitigate these threats and ensure sustainable security and stability. It featured prominent speakers, including Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, and Commodore (Retd) Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, Deputy Director, Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, Independent University, Bangladesh.  Additionally, a video presentation by Alice C. Hill, David M. Rubenstein Senior Fellow for Energy and the Environment at the Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, D.C., added valuable insights to the discussions. The presentations and discussions explored the pressing challenges posed by climate change and fostered innovative collaboration among stakeholders.  They also highlighted the transformative role of security sectors in driving resilience and sustainable solutions. Environmental groups sue over California support for polluting biofuels The workshop began with Shafqat Munir’s presentation, which focused on climate change as a "threat multiplier," emphasizing its role in exacerbating vulnerabilities such as resource scarcity, economic instability, and displacement.  He stressed the importance of integrating climate policies into security frameworks, leveraging tools like the Climate Security Mechanism to address socio-political risks.  This was followed by a video presentation that outlined the military’s transition from traditional roles to humanitarian assistance, emphasising the need for threat-specific strategies and addressing climate disinformation as a barrier to coordinated responses. Commodore Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan emphasised the transformative role of security sectors in addressing climate change, advocating for a shift from traditional defense roles to proactive climate resilience efforts.  Highlighting the concept of "climate security," he underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, early warning systems, and sustainable practices to mitigate climate risks.  His call for integrating climate adaptation into national security strategies aligned with global sustainability goals, stressing the importance of building disaster-resilient infrastructure and enhancing institutional capacities to combat the multifaceted impacts of climate change. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that emphasised the vital role of the security sector in responding to climate change by contributing to disaster preparedness, resilience building, and sustainability through the efforts of military, police, and intelligence agencies at both national and international levels.  Muniruzzaman summarized the key takeaways and outlined future directions for addressing climate-security challenges in Bangladesh.

Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun on Sunday provided an idea regarding the current picture of Bangladesh’s economy by stressing on the challenges at first. She divided the obstacles that are currently being faced by the country’s economy into two types- short term or immediate term problems and medium or structural problems. Dr Fahmida particularly mentioned the high inflation rate and low rate of foreign exchanges. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized the policy circle titled “Bangladesh: The Economy Under Stress” in Dhaka. The discussion focused on examining the present condition of Bangladesh’s economy and other associated factors. Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, East West University Parvez Karim Abbasi also spoke at the event. Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (Retd), President of BIPSS, moderated the event. Foreign exchange reserve is declining in the country. In a question from the moderator if the declining foreign reserve might have an impact on the food security, Dr Fahmida said, saying that a decline in foreign exchange reserve will not only affect the food security but it will also effect the sustainability of the energy security. Biman Dreamliner returns to Dhaka due to cockpit windshield crack She pointed out that due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the supply chain has been disrupted globally and the condition of Bangladesh’s economy is no exception as it is integrated with global economy. "Bangladesh has experienced and is still experiencing high inflation,” she said. Dr Fahmida also highlighted that Bangladesh’s reliance on imports is exacerbating the current economic challenges. She mentioned that in the last year the country has witnessed very little FDI which is not sufficient. She cited that according to a research study conducted by CPD, 67% people surveyed in the private sector felt that corruption is the number one hindrance to doing good business in Bangladesh. She even conveyed a sense of concern as both exports and flow of remittance in the country have been decreasing. Again, she voiced apprehension about how the dominance of businessmen is being prevalent in the politics of the country and how good politics has ended overtime due to this. Parvez Karim Abbasi focused on the issue of rising income inequality among the citizens of Bangladesh. He brought up the point that the poverty rate affects 1 out of every 7 individuals of the country. This clearly shows a great disparity in terms of income level and wealth concentration. Gas supply to improve in Dhaka, adjacent areas in a day or two : Nasrul He also mentioned that the rising level of unemployment among youth is constraining the possibilities of upgrading the current economic condition of the country as substantial portion of the labor force of Bangladesh is made up of youth. “Roughly 36% of our labor force comprises people between 18 to 30 years of age”, he said. Parvez also underscored the significance of various other factors such as rising public debt, non-performing loans, systematic weaknesses in the banking sector etc. which are contributing to the decline of economic growth of the country. In his opinion, focus should be on the RMG sector and increasing the flow of remittance as these two important sectors are in threatening condition. The interactive session covered some critical assumptions and exchange of conversations among the honorable guests and the panelists including redefining poverty, ways to solve the economic stress, inflation and mega-projects. Questions were raised about banking sector governance and how important it is to bring back discipline in this sector. Concerns were also raised about the high volume of non-performing loans. Bangladesh now has over 12.17 crore voters: EC's latest draft update The panelists felt that this should be curbed with proper regulatory mechanisms and controlled by the central bank. They also felt that one of the reasons for a lower flow of remittances is the fluctuations in the rate of foreign currency. Muniruzzaman wrapped up the session by articulating that the current economic challenges can be overcome by ensuring accountability, transparency and establishing democratic governance. Ambassadors and Diplomats based in Dhaka, former Bangladeshi Ambassadors, representatives from international and business organizations, academicians and journalists attended the event.

Bangladesh and other Indo-Pacific countries need a transnational approach as they are extremely vulnerable to growing non-traditional security threats in the region, the experts said Monday. They were speaking at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS)-Dhaka Tribune discussion "Non-traditional Security Threats in the Indo-Pacific Region" in Dhaka Sunday. BIPSS President Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (retired) said many countries in the region do not have a layout of a comprehensive security strategy. "So, most of the issues are addressed on an ad-hoc basis." Air Vice Marshal Mahmud Hussain (retired) said the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework can be useful and critical in advancing partnership in areas of non-traditional security concerns. Read: Dhaka to lodge protest against Myanmar shelling mortars into Bangladesh: FS Small regional states are the most vulnerable in tackling non-traditional security issues when two big powers compete for dominance, Marufa Akter, assistant professor at the Independent University, Bangladesh, said. Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss in the Indo-Pacific should remain a top priority for Bangladesh and other countries, she noted. Zafar Sobhan, editor of Dhaka Tribune, also spoke.

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and Cosmos Foundation Bangladesh have signed a MoU to jointly host a series of roundtable discussions on issues of national, regional and international interests. President of BIPSS Major General ANM Muniruzzman (retd) and Founder of Cosmos Group Enayetullah Khan recently signed the cooperation agreement representing their respective side. The BIPSS-Cosmos deal will focus on cooperation, the mutual exchange of information, the improvement of events, seminars, research and academic programmes. Also read: 'BRAVEHEART’: Gallery Cosmos pays rich artistic tribute to Bangabandhu BIPSS is a non-party, non-profit organization and independent think tank devoted to studying peace and security issues related to South and Southeast Asia. Cosmos Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group that provides strategic insights and policy solutions for Bangladesh’s journey toward a better future. Also read: Bangladesh must ensure strategic balance amid new tensions: BIPSS president

The emergence of COVID-19 and the Ukraine crisis will shape the international order in a profound way, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Maj Gen (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said. “We should believe in permanent interests, not permanent friends,” he said, noting that countries like Bangladesh, which are integrated within the International system, must minutely analyse the ongoing global trends and solidify its own position to identify the challenges it is going to face, and aptly utilize the opportunities that lie ahead.  While delivering his remarks at recently held BIPSS-Dhaka Tribune Roundtable titled, ‘The Emerging World Order: How will Bangladesh Navigate?,' Muniruzzaman also identified how the current state of global multipolarity was soon faced with two very major turning points - the emergence of COVID-19 and the Ukraine crisis. He said the international system is already in a flux and the two events have further injected an incredible amount of fluidity within the international system. Highlighting the key facets and variables concerning global trends, the analyst said the post-cold war era, which initially commenced through the concept of unipolarity, did quickly turn into multipolarity with the emergence of actors like China. Former Foreign Secretary Md. Touhid Hossain emphasized on the major dimension in terms of economic and global trends. READ: Climate change in Bangladesh to ‘impact int’l security’: Muniruzzaman He also highlighted the key security trends as well and eloquently dissected the regional and global political dynamics, and the underlying pragmatism and interest driven approach behind it. The former foreign secretary highlighted the significance of trade, military and cooperation and how much sway these variables hold over the global order. He later moved on to the case of Bangladesh, and it incessantly getting into a limbo and finding it harder to ensure the strategic neutrality that it has maintained throughout, with the inclusion of already existing challenges like the Rohingya crisis. Touhid Hossain suggested that Bangladesh ought to thread this multipolar world order with the utmost caution, and thus should look for “newer friends”, while maintaining firm and vibrant relations with the old one. He suggested that we also ought to bolster our technological structure and ensure a more articulated approach to ensure a more solidified position in the global world order. Pondering upon the broader geo-political and strategic trends, Dr. ASM Ali Ashraf, Professor, at the department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, illustrated the key thematic concepts towards understanding the overarching dynamics of the global world order, spanning from a theoretical understanding, to historical transformation through various watershed events (fall of Soviet Union, 9/11) and realities of the contemporary global system. He urged for the necessity for sensitization within the global system and highlighted the key national interest that Bangladesh ought to focus on and the much-needed alterations in order to follow through, a crucial one being the necessity to ensure the diversification of trade, modernization of capabilities of the military and the law enforcement authorities and the instillation of a stronger posturing as long as Bangladesh in concerned. Participants included foreign diplomats, security sector personnel, scholars and journalists, among others. Muniruzzaman ended on an intriguing note, emphasizing on the necessity of a more realistic and pragmatic approach. He emphasized upon the necessity to develop Bangladesh’s own capability and ensure the strengthening of its institutions. “We should believe in permanent interests, not permanent friends.” The world order, almost dictated and instigated by the wide number of factors and variables, is always evolving, leaving the realities of yesteryears in the past, and introducing newer dynamics, regimes and paradigms, says BIPSS. There are always newer trends emerging on the horizon, following the inclusion of the slightest of alterations in the spheres of politics, economy and strategy, it said. The roundtable was attended by diplomats, scholars, security experts and youth representatives from various disciplines.

The world order, almost dictated and instigated by a wide range of factors and variables, is always evolving, leaving the realities of yesteryears in history and introducing newer dynamics, regimes and paradigms, speakers said at a discussion. They said there are always newer trends emerging on the horizon, following the inclusions of the slightest of alterations in the spheres of politics, economy and strategy. President of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman and Editor of Dhaka Tribune Zafar Sobhan harboured and showcased similar sentiments in their opening remarks at the BIPSS-Dhaka Tribune roundtable titled, “Global Trends 2022” held at a city hotel on Sunday. The roundtable was attended by a number of diplomats, scholars, security experts, and youth representatives from various disciplines. Also read: Misinformation severe deterrence to progress: BIPSS President BIPSS President Muniruzzaman highlighted the key facets and variables concerning global trends, the plausible economic shocks and the “consequences of consequences”. “We live in an interconnected world. A scenario anywhere is a scenario everywhere,” he said while also mentioning that trade, economy, security and strategy are just a few issues that we have to tackle among many. Muniruzzaman indicated that they are in the process of “global urbanisation” and talked about the emergence of megacities, especially in South Asia, and the overarching influence of this towards the global trends. He discussed the global surge in populism, introduction of a data driven world, emergence of “disruptive technologies.” Muniruzzaman elaborated that this year all need to revisit, rework and reinvigorate their relationship with the earth to overcome major pertinent security threats such as food, water and energy insecurities. He said they ought to comprehend events that will shape the future and never rule out “Black Swan” incidents, like the possibilities of incidents like solar geomagnetic events that could potentially disrupt, or even destroy communications and other technology upon which we have become so dependent.  One of the keynote speakers and CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya emphasised the major dimension in terms of economic and global trends, pandemic and vaccinations. He also highlighted the existing disparity and the possibility that the inequity in terms of vaccinations might soldier on. The economist identified the disruptiveness of the year 2020, and although things started to look up in the year 2021, that is slowly “withering away” with the emerging economic uncertainties. He identified upcoming challenges for Bangladesh in the economic spectrum and the absolute need to remain vigilant to cope with these uncertainties. Delving into the trends associated with technology and security, second keynote speaker Shafqat Munir, Research Fellow at BIPSS, highlighted the various potential flashpoints, introduction of newer domains of warfare, hybrid warfare and the unabated arms race. The potential flashpoints that came to the forefront included Ukraine and European security, showcasing the absolute tension existent between Ukraine and Russia. The Taiwan Strait also came on the front burner again with strong advocacy within Taiwan for independence, while escalating tensions with China. Tensions also evidently escalated between China and India too, which has direct implications for Bangladesh. Shafqat Munir also highlighted the other existing trends such as the unabated arms race slowly looming around the corner, the increased levels of contestation, militarization and competing strategies in the maritime domain. He discussed the recurring frequency of hybrid wars and how it’ll be a “Game Changer” and highlighted the technological trends, emphasizing upon the role of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Augmented reality and how this whole technological trend will completely reshape our perception of reality. He put forth the recommendation that Bangladesh ought to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Robotics into our daily lives to “Stay Ahead of the Curve.” Also read: UN roundtable on climate: PM places 5-point suggestion to protect planet Pondering upon the broader geo-political and strategic trends, the third keynote speaker, Dr. Lailufar Yasmin, Professor, at the department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, started with the emphasis of economics, the interconnected world that we live in, and the ‘Butterfly Effect’ in action, by exemplifying the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan and it eventually caused political, social and economic challenges all over the world. Highlighting environmental issues, she pointed to the dangers of climate change and change in weather patterns with the onset of extreme winters and extreme summers. She also pointed out Ukraine, the Korean peninsula, China and Taiwan and their geo-political realities, the growing significance of the Bay of Bengal with mechanisms like AUKUS emerging on the scene. She also highlighted the conflicts and destabilizations, notably the recent developments in Burkina Faso. On the social front, there was a growing aging population in western countries and the potential for Bangladesh to send semi-skilled labour in order to meet the consequent demand there, rather than the practice of sending unskilled labour.  Lailufar Yasmin also pointed to mental health issues during the pandemic, including the stress of joblessness and so on. Thanking everyone, Zafar Sobhan ended on a rather ambivalent note, highlighting the change in terms of dynamic and paradigms and saying that “We can’t talk of 2022 in isolation. It is the start of a new world. The pandemic has put the world in a deep freeze from which we are now emerging.”

The participation of women in journalism is still very low for various socioeconomic drawbacks, speakers said at a dialogue.  They said the presence of women in journalism, especially in leadership roles in Bangladesh, is very negligible with the lack of ‘role model’ and ‘heroes’ which tends to have an adverse impact on women’s participation in the field of journalism.  Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently organised their latest BIPSS Policy Café “Coffee@BIPSS” on "Women in Journalism: Prospects & Challenges" at a city hotel.  BIPSS President Major General ANM Muniruzzaman moderated the event, said a media release on Thursday. Also read: Misinformation severe deterrence to progress: BIPSS President Ayesha Kabir, Consulting Editor of Prothom Alo, English, was the guest speaker at the policy dialogue attended by diplomats, editors, scholars, defence personnel, academics and other dignitaries and relevant participants. The speakers highlighted the huge percentage of women within the overall population and thus they have a more than crucial role in terms of their participation towards shaping public life and national perception towards the media.  They said the surge of Covid-19 has only exacerbated the underlying complexities regarding the whole situation. They also highlighted the worrying lack of safety that a woman has to encounter while undertaking her journalistic duties and responsibilities.  The speakers focused on the role of women in journalism towards ensuring a gender sensitive national agenda, while showcasing the components that are significant towards ensuring the sensitization.  They also suggested various recommendations towards a course of actions conducive towards ensuring greater acceptance and inclusion of the role of women in journalism for the wider society, which is imperative in the age of globalisation and connectivity.  Also read: Media orientation prog on humanitarian journalism held in Cox’s Bazar Another key aspect that came to the forefront is how women bring fresh perspectives, challenges essential towards formulating a more pragmatic scenario in journalism. During the interactive discussion between the guest speaker and the audience, many key aspects concerning the issue came into the spotlight, especially an increase in terms of awareness over the role of women’s participation in journalism. 

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reminiscent of the Silk Road, is a long-term infrastructural project that would stretch from the heart of China, all the way to Europe which will help Asia cope with infrastructure financing gaps. This was echoed by President of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) Major General ANM Muniruzzaman and Editor of Dhaka Tribune Zafar Sobhan in their remarks at the BIPSS-Dhaka Tribune Roundtable titled, 'Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Connecting the World', which was held at the Westin. The BRI project of China will create partnership linkages among the sub-regions of South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. BRI presents an array of opportunities for Bangladesh, they said. The roundtable was attended by diplomats, scholars, security experts, and youth representatives from various disciplines. Also read: BRI Is Open, Inclusive and Beneficial to All BIPSS President Muniruzzaman highlighted the key facets and variables concerning BRI, the underlying opportunities and challenges, and what it means for Bangladesh to maintain a strategic balance being a member of the grand infrastructural initiative. He said BRI is happening at a time when significant changes are taking place in the international system, according to a media release issued on Monday. Zafar Sobhan, editor of The Dhaka Tribune, in his welcome remarks said it is important to take a deeper look at BRI projects, including how they may affect Bangladesh. Muniruzzaman further discussed how Bangladesh has a significant geostrategic role in BRI. “We expect that BRI projects shouldn’t cause any harm to the environment,” he added. While discussing the project of the century, Muniruzzaman focused on how BRI encompasses several continents in a network of roads and sea-routes. Also read: BRI wins applause for driving growth among emerging markets The first keynote speaker, Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), began her remarks with an emphasis on the economic and trade benefits of BRI, and its implications for Bangladesh. During her speech, she also highlighted the infrastructural gap currently existing in Bangladesh and BRI will be a key supplement to fulfilling this gap. Fahmida Khatun said it is imperative for Bangladesh to follow a cautious approach regarding Chinese investments. Highlighting the role of BRI member countries, second keynote speaker Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor of the Department of Economics at East West University, began his deliberations by talking about the geo-economic implications of BRI for the region. He also highlighted the fact how the whole project of BRI is actually an integral part of the Chinese socioeconomic identity. Abbasi added, “BRI is a concrete manifestation of China’s emergence as an economic powerhouse and it will help expand connectivity transcending the borders between nations.” He said the fate of China is intrinsically linked to BRI. "Due to the pandemic, there’ve been major economic implications for the world. The small states need to take each step with precision and clarity. The role of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has to be studied with in-depth details." Summarizing the discussion, Muniruzzaman said although there will be major implications for the signatory countries, they need to utilise the funds channeled through BRI for the prosperity of our nation. An interactive session with the audience was followed who further enriched the discussion. The participants included foreign diplomats, security sector personnel, scholars and journalists.

The situation in Afghanistan remains fluid and Bangladesh should exercise “extreme caution” especially in regard to countering violent extremism, speakers have said at a discussion With 100 days of the Taliban in power, Afghanistan seems to be on the brink of yet another major humanitarian crisis having implications on regional countries, they said, adding that the ripple effect of the Taliban takeover will be felt all across the region, including Bangladesh. The Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August sparked tensions regarding the possible implications regional nations will face, they observed. Read: US spl envoy discusses Afghanistan with top Indian officials The aforementioned sentiments were echoed by Major General ANM Muniruzzaman, President of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and Zafar Sobhan, Editor of Dhaka Tribune in their opening remarks at the BIPS-Dhaka Tribune Roundtable titled, 'Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan: Regional and International Implications.' The discussion, held in a city hotel on Tuesday, was attended by ambassadors, scholars, security experts, and youth representatives from various disciplines. Muniruzzaman  emphasized the dire situation in Kabul with the ongoing economic meltdown. He said, “The coming winter months are going to be the toughest with a high chance of mass starvation, among other complications.” Zafar Sohban said it had been 100 days since the Taliban took over in Afghanistan, and it was important to take a deeper look at the impact of this situation, including how it may affect Bangladesh. Muniruzzaman discussed how a failed Afghanistan state will bear consequences not just for the region but international security as well. “Therefore, an economically stable Kabul is in the best interest of the region,” he added. When discussing the effect of the takeover for Bangladesh, Muniruzzaman discussed how the Afghan Taliban’s influence is very prominent in the violent extremism in Bangladesh and that the new takeover has inspired a new wave of people in the country, especially the youth. The first keynote speaker, Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian (retd), former chairman of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), laid emphasis on impact on violent extremism and its possible spillovers for the region.