Reimagining Australia-Bangladesh Ties from Recognition to Partnership

With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.

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

Teesta River Tussle: Can the Netherlands Help Untangle Rivers in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh faces a strategic dilemma. Engaging either India or China, both interested in Teesta River projects, presents its own set of challenges. India views the Teesta as part of its strategic “backyard,” with the river flowing close to the “Chicken Neck” corridor, a vital link connecting India’s Northeast with the mainland. Indian concerns center on maintaining regional stability and influence. China, on the other hand, sees the Teesta as an opportunity to expand its economic footprint in South Asia. However, Chinese involvement raises eyebrows in India, who fears a potential shift in regional power dynamics.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

A Transformational Partnership or Power Play in the India-Bangladesh Relationship?

To translate the vision of a transformational partnership into reality will require overcoming several hurdles. Historical disputes, such as those surrounding water rights and enclaves, can create friction. Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles on both sides can impede progress. Effective and transparent communication between the leaders and their respective bureaucracies is crucial to ensure smooth implementation of agreed-upon initiatives.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Reassessing the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Urgent Need for Bangladesh’s Withdrawal

In recent years, Western nations have been increasingly outspoken about the issue of human rights abuses by the government in Bangladesh. Western NGOs and INGOs, often referred to as defenders of human rights, have asserted that they have documented these crimes and have urged Western governments to take action. Consequently, the Rapid Action Battalion was sanctioned by the United States. However, the US’s involvement did not stop there. It exerted its influence prior to the last general election, demonstrating a lack of support for the current government. It is evident to the US that the current ruling party of Bangladesh does not align with the US’s policy of containing China. Therefore, the US will continue its efforts to effect political change, a prospect that the members of the ruling party leader may find unwise, not only for the potential loss of state power but also for the possibility of being tried both domestically and internationally under the Rome Statute of the ICC, which the law ministry ratified without any geopolitical foresight.

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Categories: America / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe

The Art and Science of Deterrence with an Interdisciplinary Perspective for Bangladesh

Beyond its military might, Bangladesh can leverage its economic potential. Fostering strong economic ties with regional giants like India and China creates a web of interdependence, making conflict a less attractive option for all parties involved. By becoming a crucial link in regional trade routes through efficient ports or a digital hub, Bangladesh strengthens its position.
Bangladesh’s tradition of non-alignment presents another opportunity. By avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries, it can maintain its diplomatic flexibility. Actively participating in regional and international organisations like SAARC, ASEAN, and the UN allows Bangladesh to build goodwill and forge a diplomatic shield.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

An Insight into American Soft Manoeuvres in India Before the Election

The BJP’s ability to rebuild trust with the West during this period will be under scrutiny. This is crucial, as the West, particularly the United States, has significant geopolitical interests in the region. In these cases, the US is using the pre-election period, which is typically open to political pressure, dialogue, and negotiation. The goal seems to be to curb anti-Western sentiments within the BJP. The US thinks those could be achieved through various means, such as diplomatic pressure, discussions, policy negotiations, or even public statements that signal the US’s stance without damaging the BJP to the core.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

How the US Indo-Pacific Strategy Appears as a Threat to Small Littoral States like Bangladesh

Therefore, countries like Bangladesh must reevaluate their relationships with Western countries, especially the US. Bangladesh has no intention of containing or assisting in the containment of any country in the region. Bangladesh must frankly tell the US that its unwise policies of hi-tech weaponization of one country against another will be detrimental to the security, sovereignty, and sustainability of small, coastal, and vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. The country must urge the US to ensure mutual respect within the region by prioritizing regional forums over a particular country. This is the only way to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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

China vs. US-Philippines Alliance: Standoff Heats Up in South China Sea

The South China Sea, a vital artery for global trade and a treasure trove of natural resources, remains a focal point of geopolitical tension. The dispute centers on upholding rightful sovereignty amidst external pressure and a counter-narrative of China’s historical claims. China’s historical presence in the South China Sea is well documented, dating back millennia….

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Categories: East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions

Can India Be Bangladesh’s Friend and Partner in a Free Indo-Pacific?

Let’s be clear: Bangladesh understands the need for border security. However, India’s approach to securing its frontier with Bangladesh often feels excessive and disrespectful. Equating our shared border with the US-Mexico situation is a dangerous fallacy. Our two nations share a long history and cultural ties, a stark contrast to the US-Mexico dynamic. Here’s where…

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Categories: South Asia
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