Comprehensive, forward-thinking security agenda vital: Experts

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said a comprehensive and forward-thinking security agenda is crucial to effectively address these challenges that Bangladesh faces now, reports UNB.
He said Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its political and social history and the interim government faces unique challenges in maintaining national security during this period.
"Politically, as it transitions from fascism to an aspirational democratic order, the interim government must play a pivotal role to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition to democracy," Muniruzzaman said while addressing a roundtable on 'Bangladesh 2.0: A New Security Agenda for The Interim Government" on Thursday.
He added that one of the first tasks that need to be undertaken is comprehensive security sector reform which will include the military, the intelligence services, and the police.
Maj Gen (Retd) Md Shahidul Haque, former Defense Attache to Myanmar & Former Ambassador to Libya; Shafqat Munir, senior research fellow of BIPSS; and Brig Gen (Retd) Shahedul Anam Khan, former associate editor and editor of Defense & Strategic Affairs of The Daily Star, were the speakers who shared their knowledge.
Shahidul Haque shared his viewpoints on the security threats faced by Bangladesh as well as gave his views on what policies the interim government should adopt with regards to the issue.
He explicitly stated that Bangladesh needs to implement a policy that dictates how to communicate with non-state actors such as the Arakan Army which controls the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and trade routes.
He discussed how the interim government should constantly keep Bangladesh's sovereignty and national interest in mind while negotiating with all countries.
Shafqat Munir stressed the the need for a full-time National Security Advisor (NSA) and a fully empowered national security coordination secretariat.
He also stated that such a secretariat needs to have domain and subject matter experts.
Munir highlighted the need to address new and emerging threats such as cyber security, climate security, and a continued focus on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
He urged that it is now high time to review Bangladesh's security threats and challenges and formulate a national security strategy.
Munir emphasised the need for greater politico-military coordination especially at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in view of Bangladesh's widespread overseas operations especially peacekeeping operations.
In his own remarks, Shahedul Anam Khan first asked the audience why the revolution needed to happen.
He highlighted the need to first identify security threats, both internal and external before talking about a security agenda.
He said, "Unless the people of Bangladesh are secured, the nation cannot be".
Lt Gen Abdul Hafiz (Retd), special assistant to the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh for Defence and National Solidarity, was present at the roundtable and shared his valuable thoughts on the subject.
Moderator Muniruzzaman stressed the need for revitalising parliamentary oversight on defence and security. He particularly stressed the need for democratic oversight of the country's intelligence services so that never again we revisit the horrors of the past such as Aynaghor.
He also mentioned that the Bangladesh armed forces must prepare for the new and emerging threats such as hybrid warfare and capacities to fight in the 'grey zone'. He also emphasised the need for modernisation of armed forces.
Former Chief of the Army Staff, ambassadors, senior diplomats, representatives of various ministries and government agencies, members of civil society, media personnel and academics as well as several coordinators of the Student against Discrimination movement among others were present.