Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies
Deterrence, Diplomacy and Safety
This monograph explores the implications of nuclearization in South Asia for Bangladesh. It contextualizes India and Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programs, highlighting their strategic drivers and consequences. The study assesses Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities in a nuclearized neighborhood—fallout risks, arms race spillovers, and pressure to align with external powers. It evaluates policy debates within Bangladesh on whether to pursue nuclear energy for development or consider latent deterrent options. The analysis also considers global non-proliferation norms and Bangladesh’s commitments under the NPT. The monograph concludes that while Bangladesh has no strategic rationale for nuclear weapons, it must navigate carefully to avoid being marginalized in regional security equations.
