Brig. Gen. HRM Rokan Uddin,psc, PhD. Bangladesh’s geographic position places it not only in South Asia, but at the heart of a strategic corridor stretching across India–Myanmar–China and the Bay of Bengal. As the only mid-sized coastal power in the bay, Bangladesh finds itself at the nexus of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, India’s “Act East” … More Modernizing Defense: A Timely Necessity
By Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, PhD China has recently initiated construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in southeastern Tibet—known downstream as the Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh. The scale of this project is monumental. The state-run Xinhua News Agency reports that the project, once completed, … More China’s Dam Gamble: Danger for South Asia
By Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, PhD The recent fallout between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen—dramatically exposed through a leaked phone call and a scathing Facebook Live broadcast—has drawn back the curtain on what many viewed as an enduring alliance of political convenience. What was once … More Fractured Brotherhood: The Thailand–Cambodia Conflict and Its Regional Reverberations
— Brigadier General (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, PhD Just as the 12-day war between Iran and Israel began to settle, new tensions have flared. Iran has alleged that the United States is using so-called “diplomatic proposals” as a cover for military preparations. According to Iran’s state media, a senior government official claims they have … More Iran-Israel: A Ticking Time Bomb
By Brig Gen (retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc For over a decade and a half, Bangladesh’s internal political dynamics have been heavily influenced by external patronage—most notably by India. The Hasina-led Awami League government, in power for 16 consecutive years since 2009, had developed an overtly submissive foreign policy toward India. Under her leadership, a … More India’s Aggressive Posture: Strategic Concerns for Bangladesh
By Brig Gen (retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of 21st-century geopolitics, national security is no longer confined to traditional military threats. For a strategically located country like Bangladesh—nestled between two regional powers, India and China, and within proximity of the volatile Bay of Bengal—the scope and complexity of national security … More Rethinking National Security: Emerging Threats and Strategic Imperatives
By Brig Gen (retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, phd The resignation of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 marked a historic turning point in Bangladesh’s political trajectory. After ruling for over 16 years, Hasina’s authoritarian governance style, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of electoral processes triggered a massive public backlash, especially from the youth and civil … More Political Shifts and Governance Implications
-By Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc. phd Introduction The murmurings around the appointment of a National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Chief Advisor (CA) of the Government of Bangladesh have sparked debate, confusion, and concern in policy circles. Given the absence of a structured National Security Council (NSC) in Bangladesh, such an appointment … More National Security Architecture: The Role of National Security Adviser and Its Relevance for Bangladesh
By: Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc Introduction The Armed Forces of Bangladesh have always remained the steadfast guardians of the nation. Be it a natural disaster or a national emergency, political unrest or a foreign threat—when all else faltered, it was the Army, Navy, and Air Force that stood by the people with … More Who is anti-Armed Forces: Neglected Guardians of the Nation?
-By Brig Gen (Retd) HRM Rokan Uddin, psc, phd Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime in August 2024, Bangladesh has entered a critical phase in its national life. The transitional government, under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has been working to stabilize the country, reform key institutions, and pave the way for … More Bangladesh under Fire: Sovereignty at Stake
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