Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

Crisis at the Border: How Myanmar’s Unrest Threatens Bangladesh

The crisis in Myanmar poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s national security. The influx of refugees, the spillover of violence, and the potential for regional instability all contribute to the urgency of addressing this issue. Bangladesh must tread carefully in its dealings with the various warring factions in Myanmar and northeastern India, while also strengthening its border security and defense capabilities. Additionally, working closely with international partners is crucial to effectively address the crisis in Myanmar and protect Bangladesh’s interests.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Unveiling the Underbelly of Civil Societies in Bangladesh: A Call for Action

The compromised state of civil society in Bangladesh is disconcerting. It has destroyed civil society’s ability to function as a robust, neutral, and independent watchdog. Furthermore, civil society has not only depleted the country’s profound cultural heritage but has also birthed security and sovereignty challenges. The Rohingya crisis serves as a poignant example where civil society, buoyed by Western and local media, pressured the government to shelter Rohingyas, compromising the nation’s security.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Beyond Ballots: Reimagining Democracy in Bangladesh for Social Justice in Global Contexts

The influence of external actors, including former colonial powers and international corporations, are skewign the priorities of Bangladesh. These influences often reinforce a narrow conception of democracy, emphasizing electoral processes over the broader democratic principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. As a result, the potential of democracy to serve as a vehicle for social justice is compromised, and the concept becomes a tool for maintaining the status quo rather than a means of transformation.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

The Precipice of Political Discord: Bangladesh’s Struggle for Stability in a Global Maelstrom

The political unrest within Bangladesh’s borders is not insulated from global influences. There are indications that the United States and its strategic allies are extending covert support to the opposition. While such maneuvers may be driven by geopolitical considerations, particularly those aligned with the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy, they risk destabilizing Bangladesh. The potential for creating a security vacuum in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal region is a cause for concern, particularly given the region’s significance in the power dynamics involving China and India.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Asserting Sovereignty, Bangladesh Must Condemn the US Visa Restrictions Policy

Some observers argue that the United States aims to foster a pro-US government in Bangladesh to facilitate agreements such as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), among others. These agreements could potentially open the door for the deployment of military equipment, including the contentious possibility of nuclear assets, within Bangladesh’s borders. Such actions, seen by some as a way to exert strategic pressure on regional powers like India and China, raise significant concerns about Bangladesh’s sovereignty and its role in shaping regional security dynamics.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

United States, Hypocrisy and the Vicious Visa Vendetta

The United States, located 8,500 kilometres from Bangladesh, has nonetheless inserted itself into the heart of Bangladeshi domestic politics. To US Indo-Pacific policymakers, this may seem like a distant adventure, but for Bangladeshis, it has the potential to be a source of political instability for years to come. By interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, the US has opened the floodgates for other powers, such as India, China, Russia, and Japan, to do the same. Therefore, the US must take the total responsibility if Bangladesh faces any catastrophic political consequence.

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Categories: America / South Asia

Sikhs and the Interplay Between India, and the Anglo-Saxon Double Standards and Hypocrisy

Following Justin Trudeau’s startling assertion, it becomes evident that the Sikh community, constituting a modest 1.7% of India’s populace, now occupies a focal point within a geopolitical manoeuvre spearheaded by Canada. This intricate manoeuvre enjoys veiled support from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, collectively operating under the umbrella of the Anglo-Saxon intelligence alliance referred to as ‘the Five Eyes.’

This scenario underscores a significant message: If India seeks to forge a partnership with the Western powers for national development, it must acknowledge that it cannot exercise full strategic sovereignty without the approval of the Anglo-Saxon coalition. In this context, Indian intelligence operations within the framework of the Five Eyes will be subject to Western scrutiny, differing from Western intelligence practises.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh Must Shift Narrative from Climate Vulnerability to Energy Sovereignty in the Face of Geopolitical Climate Agendas

It’s essential to acknowledge that Bangladesh’s branding as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations can have a discouraging effect on foreign investments. Typically, investors tend to steer clear of regions with such branding. If Bangladesh leans heavily on climate funds and aligns closely with Western narratives regarding their climate agenda’s economic implications, it could face significant challenges in achieving a sovereign energy mix that ensures a balanced energy supply. Such a balanced mix would be less susceptible to the ups and downs of geopolitical turbulence. The energy future of Bangladesh is not merely a challenge; it’s an exhilarating opportunity to seize control of its destiny in a world defined by shifting energy paradigms and geopolitical rivalries.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

The IMEC Initiative: A Game Changer or a Mere Mirage?

From a geopolitical standpoint, IMEC can be viewed as a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a program that has extended China’s influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. By cultivating stronger bonds between these three important geopolitical zones, IMEC has the potential to offer an alternative pathway for nations seeking to diversify their economic ties and reduce dependency on China.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

Bangladesh Must Dance with France in Strategic Harmony

The Bay of Bengal stands as a vital intersection of maritime trade and strategic interests, holding immense geopolitical importance. Home to nations like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, each with unique geopolitical aspirations and alliances, this region is also at the forefront of a technological revolution, especially in security, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. With its robust technological capabilities, France is poised to play a significant role in shaping the region’s technological landscape. Within the Bay of Bengal lie abundant commercial opportunities, spanning trade, investment, and infrastructure development. France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to unlock these opportunities for French businesses by fostering collaboration with regional partners. This approach sets France apart from some of its allies, like the United States and Australia, who have adopted a more confrontational and competitive stance through the controversial AUKUS security partnership, which drew significant criticism, notably from France, leading to the cancellation of its submarine deal with Australia.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe
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