Rokan's Journal

HRM Rokan Uddin

Bangladesh is a peace-loving state. Since independence, the core foundation of its foreign policy has been peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue. Bangladesh does not seek conflict or war with any country, nor does it aspire to interfere in the internal affairs of others. Its active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, its consistent advocacy for global peace and stability, and its respect for international law and norms all testify to Bangladesh’s identity as a responsible, peace-oriented nation. However, history and reality together also teach an important lesson: being peace-loving does not mean being weak. Peace can only be sustained when a nation possesses the capacity, preparedness, and unity to defend itself.

This reality has become especially relevant in the current regional and geopolitical context, where India–Bangladesh relations are undergoing a deep and multidimensional crisis. Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, India has often portrayed itself as a “close friend,” yet over time a large segment of the Bangladeshi population has come to perceive this relationship as increasingly unequal. India is widely believed to have pursued a hegemonic approach, seeking to exert influence not only over bilateral matters but also over Bangladesh’s internal political processes. Allegations of interference in domestic politics, support for preferred political forces, attempts to influence elections, and control over media narratives have steadily eroded public trust and goodwill.

This dissatisfaction reached a peak after the July Revolution of 2024. The mass uprising led to the fall of a long-standing authoritarian and controversial regime that many Bangladeshis regarded as fascist and illegitimate. India’s continued support for that regime until its final moments sent a powerful and troubling signal to the Bangladeshi people. It was widely interpreted as India’s endorsement of repression, manipulated elections, and the suppression of popular will. As a result, after August 2024, strong anti-Indian sentiment spread across Bangladeshi society, cutting across political parties and social groups. This reaction was not driven by emotion alone, but by a growing conviction that India had positioned itself against Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.

Instead of recalibrating its policy to reflect the new political reality, India appeared to intensify its pressure. Following the formation of the interim government, a sustained campaign of misinformation and media propaganda emerged, both domestically and internationally, portraying Bangladesh as unstable, insecure, and incapable of democratic governance. Narratives emphasizing “state failure,” “lawlessness,” and “extremism” were amplified in ways that many Bangladeshis believe were politically motivated rather than fact-based, with the aim of undermining the legitimacy of the interim administration and discouraging international engagement.

As Bangladesh moves toward a national election amid serious economic, institutional, and security challenges, these propaganda efforts have intensified further. For many Bangladeshis, the upcoming election represents an opportunity to restore democratic legitimacy after years of manipulated political processes. Yet at this critical moment, doubts are being deliberately cast on whether elections can be held at all, on the neutrality of institutions, and on the overall security environment. Such efforts are widely seen as attempts to obstruct the electoral process or to delegitimize its outcome even before voting takes place. For a sovereign state, this constitutes a direct threat to democratic self-determination.

The situation has been further aggravated by India’s increasingly assertive posture along the border. Reports of additional troop deployments, the movement of advanced military equipment, intensified surveillance, and the presence of air assets near sensitive areas have caused deep concern in Bangladesh. While India describes these actions as routine or defensive, in the prevailing political climate they are widely perceived as coercive signals. Coupled with diplomatic measures—such as the withdrawal of Indian diplomats’ families, restrictions on visa issuance, reports of harassment and abuse of Bangladeshi citizens in India, and negative international lobbying—these actions have created a sense of multidimensional pressure. Bangladesh’s national security now faces not only military challenges, but also political, informational, and psychological threats.

In this context, Bangladesh’s commitment to peace must be understood in realistic terms. Bangladesh does not seek war or confrontation, but if any state attempts to impose conflict, intimidate the nation, or undermine its sovereignty, defending the motherland becomes a national obligation. Peace does not mean submission. Genuine peace endures only when a state has the capacity to protect its independence and security.

This is why strengthening defense preparedness has become indispensable. Modern warfare is no longer confined to land battles; it encompasses airspace, maritime domains, cyberspace, intelligence, and information warfare. Bangladesh must continue to modernize its army, navy, and air force with advanced technology, integrated command structures, and enhanced surveillance capabilities. Emphasis is needed on air defense systems, early-warning radars, drone technology, cyber defense, and intelligence gathering so that threats can be detected and neutralized at an early stage.

Securing airspace has become more critical than ever, as air superiority often determines the outcome of contemporary conflicts. A credible deterrent requires modern fighter aircraft, effective surface-to-air missile systems, and real-time intelligence sharing. Similarly, protecting land borders and maritime boundaries—especially the Bay of Bengal—is vital for safeguarding Bangladesh’s economy, trade routes, and energy security. A capable and modern navy is therefore not only a military necessity but also a key pillar of national economic protection.

Strategic partnerships and military cooperation also have an important role to play. Bangladesh does not seek confrontational military alliances, but it does require reliable partners for training, technology transfer, intelligence cooperation, and joint exercises. Diversifying defense relationships reduces dependence on any single power and strengthens strategic autonomy. Such balanced engagement allows Bangladesh to maintain an independent and credible position at both regional and global levels.

Equally important is fostering a sense of collective responsibility for national defense. National security should not be viewed solely as the task of the armed forces. Introducing structured and compulsory military or national service training for young people—designed not to militarize society but to instill discipline, resilience, basic defense skills, and civic responsibility—could significantly strengthen national preparedness. Such programs would enhance disaster-response capabilities, reinforce national unity, and create a trained reserve force that could be mobilized in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the current strain in India–Bangladesh relations underscore a fundamental truth: peace must be protected, not merely desired. Bangladesh will remain committed to peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation, and it will continue to contribute to global peacekeeping efforts. At the same time, Bangladesh must ensure that it is sufficiently prepared so that no state dares to challenge its sovereignty through pressure, propaganda, or military intimidation. Peace built on strength is sustainable peace. Through preparedness, deterrence, and unity, Bangladesh seeks to ensure that peace remains a matter of choice—never a condition imposed by vulnerability.