MARITIME STRATEGY OF BANGLADESH IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

This article outlines the core components of a comprehensive maritime strategy for Bangladesh for the new millennium. It argues that as a maritime nation, Bangladesh must move towards a more integrated and proactive approach to managing its sea-based interests. The study identifies the key pillars of such a strategy. These include the development of a vibrant "blue economy" through the sustainable exploitation of marine resources, the strengthening of the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to safeguard sovereignty and enforce maritime law, the resolution of maritime boundary disputes with its neighbors, and the pursuit of an active maritime diplomacy. The research posits that a coherent maritime strategy is not a luxury but an essential prerequisite for the country's long-term economic development and national security. The paper concludes by calling for the creation of a high-level national maritime authority to coordinate the implementation of this vital strategy.

As Bangladesh prepared to enter the 21st century, the need for a comprehensive maritime strategy became increasingly apparent. This paper provides a blueprint for such a strategy, arguing for a holistic approach that integrates economic, security, and diplomatic dimensions. The first part of the study focuses on the economic imperatives. It makes a strong case for developing Bangladesh's "blue economy," calling for strategic investments in sectors like shipping, port development, marine fisheries, and offshore energy exploration. The paper argues that the sustainable development of these sectors is key to the country's future prosperity. The second part of the paper addresses the security dimension. It outlines the necessary steps to build a modern and capable navy and coast guard, with the capacity to defend the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), protect its sea lines of communication, and combat non-traditional maritime threats. A central argument is the urgent need to achieve a peaceful and equitable delimitation of maritime boundaries with India and Myanmar to provide the legal certainty required for resource exploration. The third part of the paper discusses the diplomatic component of the strategy. It calls for Bangladesh to play a more active role in regional maritime cooperation forums, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association. The findings culminate in a call for a paradigm shift in national thinking, urging policymakers to recognize the maritime domain as a central, not a peripheral, element of Bangladesh's national interest.