On Bangladesh and the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is a vital artery for global trade, with over 80% of the world’s maritime oil trade passing through its waters. For India, this ocean is particularly crucial, handling about 95% of its trade by volume . Bangladesh, situated at the northern edge of the Bay of Bengal, finds itself in a strategically significant position. Its maritime territory, covering approximately 118,813 square kilometers, is essential not only for its economic development but also for regional security dynamics.
Resolving Maritime Disputes Through Diplomacy
In the past, Bangladesh faced challenges regarding its maritime boundaries, especially with neighboring countries like Myanmar and India. A notable incident occurred in 2008 when tensions with Myanmar escalated over disputed waters. To address these issues, Bangladesh turned to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The tribunal’s decisions in 2012 and 2014 favored Bangladesh, helping to clarify its maritime boundaries and setting a precedent for peaceful resolution of such disputes.
Modernizing Naval Capabilities and Forces Goal 2030
Recognizing the importance of a robust maritime presence, Bangladesh initiated the “Forces Goal 2030” program in 2009. This initiative aims to transform the country’s navy into a modern, three-dimensional force. As part of this effort, Bangladesh acquired two Type 035G submarines from China, enhancing its underwater capabilities. The navy also expanded its surface fleet with frigates and corvettes, including the Type 053H2 and Type 056 classes
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To support these advancements, Bangladesh invested in indigenous shipbuilding. Facilities like the Khulna Shipyard Limited have been instrumental in constructing patrol vessels and other naval assets, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, the establishment of the naval aviation wing in 2011, equipped with maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, has bolstered surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Strategic Positioning Amidst Regional Dynamics
Bangladesh’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of major geopolitical interests. While maintaining strong ties with China, evident through defense procurements, Bangladesh also engages in cooperative initiatives with India and participates in international maritime security efforts. This balanced approach allows Bangladesh to manoeuvre the complexity of regional power dynamics while safeguarding its national interests.
Navigating Great Power Rivalries: Bangladesh’s Strategic Balancing Act
The Indian Ocean has become a theater of strategic competition among major powers, each seeking to expand their influence. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative, has invested heavily in regional infrastructure, including ports in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Bangladesh’s procurement of Chinese naval assets reflects deepening defense ties between the two nations.
India, asserting its role as a regional leader, emphasizes maritime security and plans to expand its navy to 175 ships by 2035. It also engages in joint exercises and dialogues with Bangladesh to enhance interoperability.
The United States promotes a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” encouraging Bangladesh to join initiatives like the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to counter piracy and ensure maritime security.
Amidst these dynamics, Bangladesh adopts a strategic approach of maintaining balanced relations with all major powers, avoiding entanglement in rivalries while safeguarding its national interests. Therefore, Bangladesh has not joined CMF yet.
Emerging Maritime Threats and Non-Traditional Challenges
Beyond the strategic maneuvers of global powers, Bangladesh faces non-traditional maritime threats that pose significant challenges. IUU fishing is a major concern, with foreign vessels from countries like India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka frequently encroaching into Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This not only depletes fish stocks but also undermines the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Reports indicate that only 118,000 metric tons of fish and shrimp are legally harvested annually, while approximately 271,000 metric tons are attributed to illegal poaching by foreign fishing boats and trawlers.
The Bay of Bengal also serves as a conduit for transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, and human smuggling. Bangladesh’s proximity to the “Golden Triangle” (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos) and the “Golden Crescent” (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) makes it a transit point for narcotics, particularly methamphetamine (locally known as Yaba). Smugglers utilize maritime routes through the Bay of Bengal to transport drugs into Bangladesh and beyond.
Besides, the Bay of Bengal is a route for human traffickers who exploit vulnerable populations, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, seeking better opportunities abroad. These individuals often fall victim to trafficking networks that operate maritime routes to countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries have occasionally been challenged by neighboring countries, leading to diplomatic strains. For instance, Myanmar’s naval activities, Arakan Army activities and Indian fishermen have led to incidents involving fishing, Bangladeshi fishermen and fishing vessels, highlighting the need for focusing on maritime boundary management.
These activities are exacerbated by porous maritime boundaries and limited surveillance capabilities.
Environmental degradation further threatens the region, with overfishing, pollution, and climate change impacting marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Bangladesh ranks sixth globally for plastic pollution, with approximately 200,000 tons of plastics entering the Bay of Bengal annually.
Addressing these multifaceted threats requires comprehensive strategies encompassing law enforcement, regional cooperation, and sustainable practices.
Strategic Recommendations for Maritime Security
To navigate the complexities of maritime strategic competition and address emerging threats, Bangladesh should consider several measures. Enhancing multilateral engagement through active participation in forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium can facilitate dialogue and collaborative security initiatives.
Strengthening maritime domain awareness by investing in surveillance technologies and intelligence-sharing mechanisms will improve situational awareness and response capabilities. Developing blue economy initiatives, such as sustainable exploitation of marine resources, can drive economic growth while ensuring environmental conservation.
Capacity building through training and equipping maritime law enforcement agencies will enhance their ability to combat illicit activities effectively. Updating maritime laws and policies to align with international standards will strengthen governance and attract foreign investment. Engaging the private sector in maritime infrastructure development can mobilize resources and expertise.
Bangladesh’s maritime territory offers significant opportunities for economic growth and regional influence. By adopting a balanced and proactive approach, the country can protect its maritime interests and contribute to the stability and security of the wider Indian Ocean region.
With 90% of its trade conducted via sea routes, Bangladesh’s economy is deeply tied to maritime activities. Recognizing this, the nation has invested in modernizing its naval capabilities, transitioning from a “buyer’s navy” to a “builder’s navy” by developing indigenous shipbuilding facilities and acquiring advanced vessels, including submarines.
Bangladesh has also demonstrated leadership in international maritime institutions. It resolved maritime disputes with Myanmar and India through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and led the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). Additionally, Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable practices was highlighted by its ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for ship recycling, setting a global standard.
Furthermore, Bangladesh has shown leadership within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), achieving positions of influence and contributing to global maritime standards. Its election to the IMO council signifies its growing role in maritime governance.
Conclusion
By continuing to invest in maritime security, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable practices, Bangladesh can ensure a secure and prosperous maritime future, both for itself and for the broader Indian Ocean community.
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Geopolits Research Desk
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