BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

MARITIME DESTINY OF BANGLADESH: LEGACIES AND PROSPECTSMARITIME DESTINY OF BANGLADESH: LEGACIES AND PROSPECTS

Author: Abul Kalam

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2015v36n4a1

ABSTRACT

Bangladesh does not carry an enduring maritime legacy in its strategic formulations or in policymaking though historically the Bengalis carry significant legacies as seafarers, boat-makers, traders and shipbuilders. The recent international legal verdicts on Bangladesh’s maritime claims make a difference as these offer multifaceted prospects. The paper addresses issues and concerns regarding maritime legacies of Bangladesh and prospects generated from the verdicts. It brings together perceived national interests vis-a-vis current extended maritime territory and how all these correlate to the nation’s aspirations, touching upon the means necessary to materialise the aspirations. The paper considers trends in strategic analysis and utilises notional views of classical Chinese thinker Sun Tzu as a reference point to bring forward the maritime legacies and prospects of Bangladesh. In this context, maritime research is viewed as of decisive importance for Bangladesh that may enable the country to select the best strategic option available to ensure its sustained prosperity as a maritime nation. The paper pleads for a coherent maritime policy framework coupled with extensive research pursuits and policy coordination for a fast-track approach to development ensuring greater awareness on maritime affairs, a more secure maritime destiny, which is consistent with the nation’s strategic vision.