REGIONAL SECURITY IN SOUTH ASIA: A BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE

This article provides an analysis of regional security in South Asia from the specific perspective of Bangladesh. It examines how Bangladesh, as a smaller state in a region dominated by a major power, perceives the security environment. The study explores both the traditional and non-traditional dimensions of security. In the traditional sphere, it analyzes the security implications of the enduring Indo-Pakistani conflict and the overall military balance in the region. The research then focuses on the non-traditional security challenges that are of more direct and immediate concern to Bangladesh, such as the sharing of transboundary water resources, cross-border migration, and environmental degradation. The paper argues that Bangladesh's security is best served by a stable and cooperative regional order. The analysis concludes by highlighting the key elements of Bangladesh's security policy, which include a strong commitment to multilateralism, the promotion of regional cooperation through SAARC, and a pragmatic and balanced foreign policy towards its larger neighbors.

The security discourse on South Asia is often dominated by the perspectives of its two largest, rival states. This paper offers a valuable alternative by analyzing the regional security environment from the distinct perspective of Bangladesh. The study begins by outlining the unique geopolitical situation of Bangladesh, a country that is almost entirely surrounded by India. The core of the article is an examination of Bangladesh's security perceptions, which are shaped by a mix of traditional and non-traditional concerns. It discusses the country's approach to the overarching Indo-Pakistani conflict, which is one of promoting de-escalation and dialogue. The paper argues, however, that the most pressing security threats for Bangladesh are non-military in nature. It provides a detailed analysis of the country's "human security" challenges, with a particular focus on water security and the critical importance of a just and equitable agreement on the sharing of common rivers. The study also explores the security implications of environmental vulnerability and the challenges of managing a long and porous border. In terms of policy responses, the paper highlights the central role that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) plays in Bangladesh's foreign policy, viewing it as the primary vehicle for building a more cooperative and peaceful regional order. The findings reveal a security perspective that is less focused on military threats and more on the challenges of development, environmental stability, and cooperative neighborly relations.