[🇧🇩-Land] Indian army---A long term threat for Bangladesh army.

[Saif]

সেনা কমান্ডারদের কোন যুদ্ধের ইঙ্গিত দিলেন ভারতীয় মন্ত্রী!

 

[Saif]

Surprised by Rajnath’s statement, says foreign adviser

The adviser is more surprised than being concerned with the Indian minister’s statement on the Indian forces' preparation for impending challenges.

en.prothomalo.com

Surprised by Rajnath’s statement, says foreign adviser
Diplomatic CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 08 Sep 2024, 16: 10

Foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain speaks to the media in Dhaka on 8 September 20204. Prothom Alo

The foreign affairs adviser, Touhid Hossain, has said the recent statement of Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh took him by surprise as he sees not a slightest fear of conflict with the neighbouring nation.

While talking to the media at the foreign ministry on Sunday afternoon, the adviser said he is more surprised than being concerned with the Indian minister’s statement on the Indian forces' preparation for impending challenges.

On 5 September, Rajnath Singh, maintaining that India is a peace-loving country, called upon the armed forces to be prepared to tackle future wars.

He made reference to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts and the current situation in Bangladesh, and exhorted the commanders to analyse these episodes, predict the problems that the country may face in the future, and stay prepared to deal with the “unexpected”.

In this regard, Touhid Hossain said, “We need to understand if he made the statement for domestic consumption. Also, the way he spoke is like beating about the bush. I do not see any ground for India to be prepared for a war due to the Ukraine war. How the problems with Hamas are relevant here, and how Bangladesh can be compared with the Ukraine and Hamas issues – I do not understand it.”

Asked if the Indian minister’s statement is a type of threat to Bangladesh, the adviser said, “I still believe that he made the statement for domestic consumption. Therefore, I am unwilling to make any assumption. We will surely see what is taking place and why.”

Regarding the political asylum of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India, Touhid Hossain said, “Usually, any country can grant political asylum to anyone. We will see if it is going to happen in this case.”​

 

[Saif]

বাংলাদেশের উপর নজর রাখছে ভারতীয় সশস্ত্র বাহিনী?

 

[Saif]

ভারত বাংলাদেশকে জড়িয়ে বাহিনী তৈরি করতে পারে না: রাষ্ট্রদূত হুমায়ুন করিব

 

[Bilal9]

I have no respect for people like this.

This is a home minister of a nation of 1.4 Billion people. This is the best defense mind they could present to the world. I have no words.

Basically acting like a bully, thinking that their bullying will work in Bangladesh, just like in Nepal or Maldives.

I hope someone in their vishwaguru team reminds him not to play with fire.

 

[Saif]

Indian army is threat for all the armies who has an intension of conflict with India. After all, armies are kept to inflict threat to the enemies. India tries its best to maintain good relation with BD and we had those good relations as well. However, those radical elements with the help of foreign powers toppled the elected government and made PM to flee. Now a US puppet Muhhamad yunus is imposed as PM who seems to have surrendered radical elements of BD. If these elements become strong, they will certainly try some mischief with India and there is a strong possibility of armed conflict. In that case, Indian army will do what it is supposed to do. So yes, Indian army is certainly a threat of BD army particularly when a non friendly government in BD is in place.

Shouldn't Bangladesh invite China to establish a military base here to protect herself from hostile India? BJP is a Hindu fundamentalist political party influenced by RSS who openly declared Muslims as their enemies. BJP, an unfriendly government next door, is a security threat to Bangladesh and Bangladesh reserves the right to form a military alliance with China to safeguard her sovereignty.

 

[Saif]

When will BD will respect their own democracy? Unless you are fair, you can not complaint. respect is earned not demanded. You start killing Hindus. Your guys becomes violent towards the Indian embassy. Your mullahs threatens to cut Chicken neck , you have an intension to offer your land for anti Indian activities and you ask us to respect your sovereignly. So far as I know, India has done nothing which has shown any disrespect for the sovereignty of BD.

There was no democracy in Bangladesh when Hasina was in power. She grabbed state power by election engineering. She destroyed all the democratic institutions such as media, judiciary, and administration to remain in power ad infinitum. And stop poking your runny nose into Bangladesh's affairs.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh is amid a serious security threat

After the student-people's uprising, the country entered a vacuum of law and order in absence of the police. Such a situation is certainly a matter of security concern for any society and country. But it is also important to realise that any country goes through a period of unrest, to an extent...

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: ANM Muniruzzaman
Bangladesh is amid a serious security threat

Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (retd)

Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (retd) is a security expert and president of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS). In the aftermath of the mass uprising, the country's overall security structure is in disarray. In an interview with Prothom Alo's AKM Zakaria and Monoj Dey, he talks about the possible internal and external security threats faced by the country and the need to increase capacity and coordination in the area of national security.

Prothom Alo : After the student-people's uprising, the country was more or less bereft its police. Members of the police force had fled, abandoning the police stations and outposts. Things have improved. But the police are not back as they were. The police force is lacking both in morale and manpower. How serious is this in relation to the country's law and order situation and internal security?

ANM Muniruzzaman After the student-people's uprising, the country entered a vacuum of law and order in absence of the police. Such a situation is certainly a matter of security concern for any society and country. But it is also important to realise that any country goes through a period of unrest, to an extent, in a post-revolution period. In that sense, it must be said that Bangladesh fared much better than most countries. This is especially true in the first three days after Sheikh Hasina fled from the country on 5 August, when there was not only no police but also no government in place.

Even in such circumstances it is possible to maintain peace and stability in the country by deploying other forces. It has been a month since the overthrow and while the situation has improved considerably, we still remain at a risk where law and order is concerned. We must try to emerge from this as early as possible.

Prothom Alo : As a force, the police to a great extent have lost the confidence of the people, given the manner in which they were politicised and also the brutality and armed assault they unleashed to suppress the student-people's movement. How can this force be restructured? Many members of the police had not joined work. How can this vacuum be speedily filled?

ANM Muniruzzaman We are aware that it is not possible to run a state without the police. The police force therefore must be reconstituted. It must be restructured. A study must be carried out on the existing state of the police force. Based on this, reforms of the police force must be taken up. Firstly the police laws must be changed and updated. Also the police recruitment process must be made transparent and in keeping with the times. The police must be trained in such a matter that they are instilled with a sense of values. The rule of law must be established in running the force. As many of the police have fled and are not resuming duties, a shortfall in manpower has emerged. This vacuum must be filled as speedily as possible. If necessary, able soldiers who have retired from the army and other armed forces, as well as reservists, can be recruited to fill the deficit in the police force.

Prothom Alo : We have seen many top criminals have been released from prison. Arms have been looted from police stations and other places. What sort of threat can these incidents pose to the country's law and order and internal security?

During the movement, quite a few convicts broke out of several prisons in the country. Many of them were top terrors, some even convicted on charges of terrorism. I have seen in the newspapers that several top criminals have been released on bail from prison over the past few days. This is a serious threat to internal security of the country. They will have the propensity to get involved in all sorts of anti-social and illegal activities once they leave jail.

A considerable amount of arms and ammunition have also been looted from various police stations and prisons.

According to the latest updates, 1,885 missing arms still remain unrecovered. A large amount of ammunition also has not been recovered. From the media we have also learnt that some specialised weapons, ammunition and other communication equipment used by the Special Security Force or SSF, have been looted too. No one but this specialised force uses such equipment. This heightens the internal security threats multiple times over.

Overall, we are faced with a serious security threat. It is imperative to adopt effective measures to recover the missing arms, ammunition and other equipment.

Prothom Alo : Whether it is internal or external security threats, information and activities of the intelligence agencies is vital. During the past government, the intelligence agencies were used for party interests. In the present circumstances, how functional are the intelligence agencies and their activities? How do you see this situation in the perspective of national security?

ANM Muniruzzaman In any country of the world, the intelligence agencies play a vital role in internal and external security. Based on the information collected, collated and analysed by the agencies, the government gets advanced information on any security threats and can take action to prevent these in time. NSI is one of the major intelligence agencies of Bangladesh. Many of the NSI personnel did not return to their workplace after the fall of the government. As a result, the capacity of this agency has fallen considerably.

Also, given their controversial role during the past government, the other intelligence agencies like DGFI and SB are also facing a stiff challenge in the new circumstances. Work has come to a sort of standstill in these institutions. Steps must be taken so that our intelligence agencies can resume work as soon as possible. It would be most unwise to allow any sort of deficiencies to linger on in these agencies.

Prothom Alo : Sheikh Hasina's government fell in the face of the student-people's uprising. The last government remained in power by means of three controversial and one-sided elections and India quite openly played a role in keeping it ensconced in power. It looks like India did not take the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government very well. What would you say about that?

ANM Muniruzzaman After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the policy India had followed over the past 16 years regarding Bangladesh was hit hard. In short, India's Bangladesh policy has failed. Under these circumstances, negative perceptions about Bangladesh have been generated in India, which is totally unjustified. The news media and social media in India are rife with disinformation about Bangladesh. Certain Indian politicians are also making negative remarks about Bangladesh.

We are neighbours and will always want friendly relations with our neighbours. That is why we can expect India to have a correct perception about the situation in Bangladesh. In these changed conditions, we will wait for Indian policy to be conducive towards the people of Bangladesh and the relationship between the two countries is rebuilt.

The statements and comments being made from the Indian side in particular are totally unacceptable. These do not bode well for relations between the two countries. This state of affairs must end as soon as possible.

Prothom Alo : Recently the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh referred to Bangladesh and talked about preparing for war. How do you view this?

ANM Muniruzzaman At a recent high-level meeting, the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh referred to Bangladesh in a comparison with the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war. He said that the Indian armed forces should be prepared for any untoward situation that may emerge from these circumstances. It is very surprising because in no way can Bangladesh be viewed on the same level as other conflicts in the world. Bangladesh is a peace-loving and stable country. There is no conflict here. The Indian defence minister's remarks about Bangladesh are entirely unwarranted. He made this remark at a high-level meeting and so we should seriously look into why such a statement was made. If necessary, diplomatic channels can be used to ask for an explanation to this statement. But overall, such a statement was not at all warranted.

Prothom Alo : In the prevailing changed circumstances, where do Bangladesh-India relations stand? Do you think Bangladesh or India should take any steps to normalise relations?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh-India relations are going through strained times at the moment. The statements and comments being made from the Indian side in particular are totally unacceptable. These do not bode well for relations between the two countries. This state of affairs must end as soon as possible. It is necessary to maintain friendly and normal relations between the two countries. In the prevailing circumstances the best thing would be for India to send a special emissary to Dhaka and have detailed discussions with the Bangladesh government to jointly devise a way ahead. We must place stress on being able to maintain good neighbourly ties. But as Bangladeshis, we will keep in mind that Bangladesh's national interests and dignity must always be upheld.

Prothom Alo : The situation in Myanmar along the border with Bangladesh has deteriorated. The Arakan Army is about to gain control of the Rakhine state. How far is the new government being able to keep tabs on this situation? Do you think there is anything to be done?

The situation has deteriorated considerably in Myanmar as they are in the midst of a civil war. A radical change has taken place in the neighbouring state of Rakhine. Around 90 per cent of Rakhine is now under control of the Arakan Army. Other than the state capital Sittwe, all towns and villages in the state are more or less in Arakan Army's control.

We need to think afresh what Bangladesh's relations will be with Rakhine in the changed circumstances. Changes have also come about the state Chin, along our border. We need to analyse and decide whether we will establish direct ties with the new party or establishment in control in Rakhine and Chin. The border along Rakhine may become volatile at any time. We need to pay special attention to keeping our border secure.

Bangladesh is significantly lacking in an in-depth observation and understanding of the changed situation in Rakhine and Chin. And because of this, any sort of security threat may arise at any time. As soon as possible we need to assess the situation and determine the necessary measures to be taken, and proceed accordingly.

It is imperative under the circumstances for the government to appoint a national security advisor. If a national security advisor is appointed, then proper coordination and supervision of these issues can be carried out.

Prothom Alo : Rohingya refugees are entering Bangladesh all over again. This is worsening the Rohingya refugee situation. What recommendations would you give the government to tackle this situation?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh has long been facing the Rohingya refugee crisis. It does not seem that there is going to be a solution to the problem any time soon. If Rakhine goes fully into the hands of the Arakan Army, then perhaps direct communications can be taken up with them and discussion can be held anew about Rohingya repatriation. The alarming fact here is that over the past few months, 8000 more Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh. Many more are attempting to enter. We need to take measures to prevent any more Rohingya from entering Bangladesh.

The Rohingya refugee problem has now exceeded being a humanitarian problem and has become a security problem. They are posing as a threat to Bangladesh's internal security too. There are all sorts of illegal activities being carried out within the Rohingya camps. ARSA is recruiting Rohingyas from the camps and using the refugees as their fighters. Overall, the Rohingya crisis has turned into a complex security situation. This must be brought under control as soon as possible. There must be full control on the Rohingya refugees.

Prothom Alo : Bangladesh had treaties with many countries regarding terrorism, small arms, drug trafficking and other issues. Such matters require regular communication and exchange of information. These are important matters related to the security of the country. Has there been any hiccup in these processes in the present situation?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh is signatory to many agreements and treaties with friendly states. It has agreements related to anti-terrorism, prevention of narcotics and small arms trafficking, and so on. A deficiency is noticed in coordination, leading to new security threats cropping up. Quite a few weaknesses are noticeable in the type of coordination, analysis and control that is required to fully ensure national security. It is imperative under the circumstances for the government to appoint a national security advisor. If a national security advisor is appointed, then proper coordination and supervision of these issues can be carried out.

Capacity and coordination are extremely important in the case of national security. It is also imperative to form a national security coordination institution under the national security advisor. If this is established, then it will be possible, alongside the conventional security issues, to tackle the new security challenges such as cyber security, terrorism, maritime security, climate security and such. All modern states of the world have formed such institutions long ago. We need to observe and study their experiences and create a framework suitable for Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Thank you too.​

 

[Saif]

Why do the Indian armed forces need to be prepared?

However, it is essential to clearly highlight that the Indian assessment regarding the political change in Bangladesh resulting from the struggle of the democracy-loving people, is wrong and dangerous.

en.prothomalo.com

Why do the Indian armed forces need to be prepared?
Kamal Ahmed
Updated: 12 Sep 2024, 17: 10

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh attends the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) in the Indian city of Lucknow on 5 September 2024.ANI

Over the past decade, the most commonly enunciated phrase in our diplomatic talk was "India-Bangladesh friendship is at an all-time high". But last week we heard the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh calling upon their armed forces to remain prepared, referring to the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, along with the situation in Bangladesh. This was not any political speech of his, it was directives at the Joint Commanders' Conference of the armed forces.

Our foreign affairs advisor Md Touhid Hossain said he was more surprised than alarmed at Rajnath Singh's statement. He can use the term 'surprised' as a diplomatic reaction. So it was no surprise either when he said there was "no fear of any war between India and Bangladesh." However, it is essential to clearly highlight that the Indian assessment regarding the political change in Bangladesh resulting from the struggle of the democracy-loving people, is wrong and dangerous.

There are two reasons why it is essential to point out this incorrect assessment. Firstly, the conflicts in Israel and Gaza are wars against foreign aggression and occupation. Bangladesh is not involved in any aggression, occupation or war. So the reference to Bangladesh is not at all relevant in the backdrop of India's policy of not taking any stand in the Russian aggression against Ukraine or against Israel's genocide to retain its occupation in Gaza.

Secondly, what has taken place in Bangladesh is entirely a matter of our domestic politics wherein an autocrat was toppled in a mass uprising. There is no visible role of any third country or quarter's involvement here. On the contrary, the objective expressed in his directives to the armed forces to evaluate and take up a strategy in this regard, can be seen nothing short of an explicit effort of intervention by a foreign power.

The questions become even more significant on two grounds -- firstly, India has lent its open support to the 15-year undemocratic and oppressive rule of toppled autocrat Sheikh Hasina; and secondly, India has given shelter to Sheikh Hasina after she fled the country in face of the mass uprising. On top of that, India has not made it clear as yet as to whether this shelter is temporary or a permanent political shelter.

In its efforts to highlight itself as an unrivalled superpower in South Asia, India has pitched this region into danger of nuclear weapons. Also, its efforts on a global scale to be on equal footing with China, has increased the complications in the geopolitics of the region. India's relentless endeavour to create and consolidate a sphere of influence in the region, makes it increasingly difficult for its smaller neighbours to pursue independent and autonomous foreign policies. This narrow attitude of the big country towards its small neighbours is not limited to just choosing political allies, but it reflected in all areas of bilateral relations.

In this regard, questions may be raised about fairness and equality in the areas of sharing water of common rivers, development of shared natural resources, development assistance, tackling human crises like sheltering refugees and cooperation at a global level.

The dismal state of India's relations with its neighbours goes to show that prime minister Modi's so-called 'Neighbourhood First' policy is nothing but political rhetoric. It may be relevant to quote from what Indian journalist Jayanta Roy Chowdhury wrote around three months ago in the Free Press Journal, "While relations with Pakistan are frozen in time and space with charges of terror export against Islamabad, Nepal has been veering towards the Chinese orbit and squabbling with India over a map which shows bits and pieces of Kumaon as part of the former Hindu kingdom. Bhutan, an Indian protectorate, has been striking off on its own in its anxious quest to not antagonise a rising China and is currently busy negotiating its border with Beijing" (Neighbourhood Diplomacy: Dhaka, India’s Only Best Friend? 23 June 2024).

Professor Mushtaq Khan of London University's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), who has worked on reforms in Nepal, remarked that the common people of Nepal for a few generations will not forget the economic sanctions that India had imposed in 2016 in order to place political pressure on Nepal.

We know that though the Maldivian president Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony, he forced India to withdraw a few dozen of its soldiers that were stationed there. When Sri Lanka's economy was on the brink of collapse, India may have assisted it with loans, but it is clear that in order to have its massive loans with China rescheduled, it certainly will not solely provide India with all facilities. Simply put, India had endeavoured to steadily increase and consolidate its influence in Bangladesh through Sheikh Hasina, the so-called Iron Lady of South Asia. The Delhi policymakers forget the tried and tested truth that the oppressed people are never the friends of those who forge friendship with an autocrat.

On 2018 when Sheikh Hasina had commented that India will forever remember what she had given it, there was a tone of dismay in her words, for not getting anything in return. But perhaps India did not understand the depth and extent of that dismay, or perhaps they felt that they would repay by providing the person Sheikh Hasina with shelter if such a situation arose.

The two Bangladeshi young children who were recently shot dead by Indian border guards, Swarna Das and Jayanta Kumar Singh, were both adherents of the Hindu religion.

The list of what has been given to India is very long. The list of what has been received in return is not only extremely short, but lacks in fairness in many instances. It is now almost universally acknowledged that the three rigged and fraudulent elections held to extend the tenure in power, would not have been possible without India's support and, in certain instances, direct intervention. The recompense was not for the country, but for the individual.

'Connectivity' is a buzz word in South Asia nowadays, and somewhat held in esteem too. Increasing road, railway and river connectivity, in other words, prioritising the revival of historic routes of communication, has in effect unilaterally benefitted India. Even the energy sector has been slipped into the connectivity network. As a result, instead of any competitive process, a power generation and purchase deal, with ridiculous conditions, has been signed with the Indian Adani Group, which has close ties with the Indian government. Even international experts have expressed their incredibility at how Bangladesh signed such a deal that went against its own interests.

Now the big burden of transactions in the energy sector has been added to the steadily mounting imbalanced trade with the large neighbour. By means of laying a pipeline to import fuel oil and the floating LNG project, energy dependence on India has been increased further. According to the Financial Times, just in electricity alone, one-fifth of Bangladesh's demands depend on India. Nepal's energy embargo experience indicates just how dangerous such dependence is to national security. Yet almost 40 per cent of Bangladesh's power generation capacity remains unused.

The foreign affairs advisor sees no danger of conflict with India. But it is imperative to know how the information war and the killing of innocent people along the border will be resolved. The democratic aspirations of the 170 million Bangladeshis are insulted when the democratic movement that toppled the autocrat is dubbed as a conspiracy of Islamic fundamentalists and the US. The Indian mainstream media is keeping up a steady flow of disinformation and propaganda regarding minority rights in Bangladesh, fanning flames of communal hatred and unwarranted instigation. India may be creating a furor over security of the minority community after the political change in Bangladesh, but the two Bangladeshi young children who were recently shot dead by Indian border guards, Swarna Das and Jayanta Kumar Singh, were both adherents of the Hindu religion.

* Kamal Ahmed is a senior journalist​

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh is amid a serious security threat

After the student-people's uprising, the country entered a vacuum of law and order in absence of the police. Such a situation is certainly a matter of security concern for any society and country. But it is also important to realise that any country goes through a period of unrest, to an extent...

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: ANM Muniruzzaman
Bangladesh is amid a serious security threat

View attachment 8488
Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (retd)

Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (retd) is a security expert and president of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS). In the aftermath of the mass uprising, the country's overall security structure is in disarray. In an interview with Prothom Alo's AKM Zakaria and Monoj Dey, he talks about the possible internal and external security threats faced by the country and the need to increase capacity and coordination in the area of national security.

Prothom Alo : After the student-people's uprising, the country was more or less bereft its police. Members of the police force had fled, abandoning the police stations and outposts. Things have improved. But the police are not back as they were. The police force is lacking both in morale and manpower. How serious is this in relation to the country's law and order situation and internal security?

ANM Muniruzzaman After the student-people's uprising, the country entered a vacuum of law and order in absence of the police. Such a situation is certainly a matter of security concern for any society and country. But it is also important to realise that any country goes through a period of unrest, to an extent, in a post-revolution period. In that sense, it must be said that Bangladesh fared much better than most countries. This is especially true in the first three days after Sheikh Hasina fled from the country on 5 August, when there was not only no police but also no government in place.

Even in such circumstances it is possible to maintain peace and stability in the country by deploying other forces. It has been a month since the overthrow and while the situation has improved considerably, we still remain at a risk where law and order is concerned. We must try to emerge from this as early as possible.

Prothom Alo : As a force, the police to a great extent have lost the confidence of the people, given the manner in which they were politicised and also the brutality and armed assault they unleashed to suppress the student-people's movement. How can this force be restructured? Many members of the police had not joined work. How can this vacuum be speedily filled?

ANM Muniruzzaman We are aware that it is not possible to run a state without the police. The police force therefore must be reconstituted. It must be restructured. A study must be carried out on the existing state of the police force. Based on this, reforms of the police force must be taken up. Firstly the police laws must be changed and updated. Also the police recruitment process must be made transparent and in keeping with the times. The police must be trained in such a matter that they are instilled with a sense of values. The rule of law must be established in running the force. As many of the police have fled and are not resuming duties, a shortfall in manpower has emerged. This vacuum must be filled as speedily as possible. If necessary, able soldiers who have retired from the army and other armed forces, as well as reservists, can be recruited to fill the deficit in the police force.

Prothom Alo : We have seen many top criminals have been released from prison. Arms have been looted from police stations and other places. What sort of threat can these incidents pose to the country's law and order and internal security?

During the movement, quite a few convicts broke out of several prisons in the country. Many of them were top terrors, some even convicted on charges of terrorism. I have seen in the newspapers that several top criminals have been released on bail from prison over the past few days. This is a serious threat to internal security of the country. They will have the propensity to get involved in all sorts of anti-social and illegal activities once they leave jail.

A considerable amount of arms and ammunition have also been looted from various police stations and prisons.

According to the latest updates, 1,885 missing arms still remain unrecovered. A large amount of ammunition also has not been recovered. From the media we have also learnt that some specialised weapons, ammunition and other communication equipment used by the Special Security Force or SSF, have been looted too. No one but this specialised force uses such equipment. This heightens the internal security threats multiple times over.

Overall, we are faced with a serious security threat. It is imperative to adopt effective measures to recover the missing arms, ammunition and other equipment.

Prothom Alo : Whether it is internal or external security threats, information and activities of the intelligence agencies is vital. During the past government, the intelligence agencies were used for party interests. In the present circumstances, how functional are the intelligence agencies and their activities? How do you see this situation in the perspective of national security?

ANM Muniruzzaman In any country of the world, the intelligence agencies play a vital role in internal and external security. Based on the information collected, collated and analysed by the agencies, the government gets advanced information on any security threats and can take action to prevent these in time. NSI is one of the major intelligence agencies of Bangladesh. Many of the NSI personnel did not return to their workplace after the fall of the government. As a result, the capacity of this agency has fallen considerably.

Also, given their controversial role during the past government, the other intelligence agencies like DGFI and SB are also facing a stiff challenge in the new circumstances. Work has come to a sort of standstill in these institutions. Steps must be taken so that our intelligence agencies can resume work as soon as possible. It would be most unwise to allow any sort of deficiencies to linger on in these agencies.

Prothom Alo : Sheikh Hasina's government fell in the face of the student-people's uprising. The last government remained in power by means of three controversial and one-sided elections and India quite openly played a role in keeping it ensconced in power. It looks like India did not take the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government very well. What would you say about that?

ANM Muniruzzaman After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the policy India had followed over the past 16 years regarding Bangladesh was hit hard. In short, India's Bangladesh policy has failed. Under these circumstances, negative perceptions about Bangladesh have been generated in India, which is totally unjustified. The news media and social media in India are rife with disinformation about Bangladesh. Certain Indian politicians are also making negative remarks about Bangladesh.

We are neighbours and will always want friendly relations with our neighbours. That is why we can expect India to have a correct perception about the situation in Bangladesh. In these changed conditions, we will wait for Indian policy to be conducive towards the people of Bangladesh and the relationship between the two countries is rebuilt.

The statements and comments being made from the Indian side in particular are totally unacceptable. These do not bode well for relations between the two countries. This state of affairs must end as soon as possible.

Prothom Alo : Recently the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh referred to Bangladesh and talked about preparing for war. How do you view this?

ANM Muniruzzaman At a recent high-level meeting, the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh referred to Bangladesh in a comparison with the Russian-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war. He said that the Indian armed forces should be prepared for any untoward situation that may emerge from these circumstances. It is very surprising because in no way can Bangladesh be viewed on the same level as other conflicts in the world. Bangladesh is a peace-loving and stable country. There is no conflict here. The Indian defence minister's remarks about Bangladesh are entirely unwarranted. He made this remark at a high-level meeting and so we should seriously look into why such a statement was made. If necessary, diplomatic channels can be used to ask for an explanation to this statement. But overall, such a statement was not at all warranted.

Prothom Alo : In the prevailing changed circumstances, where do Bangladesh-India relations stand? Do you think Bangladesh or India should take any steps to normalise relations?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh-India relations are going through strained times at the moment. The statements and comments being made from the Indian side in particular are totally unacceptable. These do not bode well for relations between the two countries. This state of affairs must end as soon as possible. It is necessary to maintain friendly and normal relations between the two countries. In the prevailing circumstances the best thing would be for India to send a special emissary to Dhaka and have detailed discussions with the Bangladesh government to jointly devise a way ahead. We must place stress on being able to maintain good neighbourly ties. But as Bangladeshis, we will keep in mind that Bangladesh's national interests and dignity must always be upheld.

Prothom Alo : The situation in Myanmar along the border with Bangladesh has deteriorated. The Arakan Army is about to gain control of the Rakhine state. How far is the new government being able to keep tabs on this situation? Do you think there is anything to be done?

The situation has deteriorated considerably in Myanmar as they are in the midst of a civil war. A radical change has taken place in the neighbouring state of Rakhine. Around 90 per cent of Rakhine is now under control of the Arakan Army. Other than the state capital Sittwe, all towns and villages in the state are more or less in Arakan Army's control.

We need to think afresh what Bangladesh's relations will be with Rakhine in the changed circumstances. Changes have also come about the state Chin, along our border. We need to analyse and decide whether we will establish direct ties with the new party or establishment in control in Rakhine and Chin. The border along Rakhine may become volatile at any time. We need to pay special attention to keeping our border secure.

Bangladesh is significantly lacking in an in-depth observation and understanding of the changed situation in Rakhine and Chin. And because of this, any sort of security threat may arise at any time. As soon as possible we need to assess the situation and determine the necessary measures to be taken, and proceed accordingly.

It is imperative under the circumstances for the government to appoint a national security advisor. If a national security advisor is appointed, then proper coordination and supervision of these issues can be carried out.

Prothom Alo : Rohingya refugees are entering Bangladesh all over again. This is worsening the Rohingya refugee situation. What recommendations would you give the government to tackle this situation?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh has long been facing the Rohingya refugee crisis. It does not seem that there is going to be a solution to the problem any time soon. If Rakhine goes fully into the hands of the Arakan Army, then perhaps direct communications can be taken up with them and discussion can be held anew about Rohingya repatriation. The alarming fact here is that over the past few months, 8000 more Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh. Many more are attempting to enter. We need to take measures to prevent any more Rohingya from entering Bangladesh.

The Rohingya refugee problem has now exceeded being a humanitarian problem and has become a security problem. They are posing as a threat to Bangladesh's internal security too. There are all sorts of illegal activities being carried out within the Rohingya camps. ARSA is recruiting Rohingyas from the camps and using the refugees as their fighters. Overall, the Rohingya crisis has turned into a complex security situation. This must be brought under control as soon as possible. There must be full control on the Rohingya refugees.

Prothom Alo : Bangladesh had treaties with many countries regarding terrorism, small arms, drug trafficking and other issues. Such matters require regular communication and exchange of information. These are important matters related to the security of the country. Has there been any hiccup in these processes in the present situation?

ANM Muniruzzaman Bangladesh is signatory to many agreements and treaties with friendly states. It has agreements related to anti-terrorism, prevention of narcotics and small arms trafficking, and so on. A deficiency is noticed in coordination, leading to new security threats cropping up. Quite a few weaknesses are noticeable in the type of coordination, analysis and control that is required to fully ensure national security. It is imperative under the circumstances for the government to appoint a national security advisor. If a national security advisor is appointed, then proper coordination and supervision of these issues can be carried out.

Capacity and coordination are extremely important in the case of national security. It is also imperative to form a national security coordination institution under the national security advisor. If this is established, then it will be possible, alongside the conventional security issues, to tackle the new security challenges such as cyber security, terrorism, maritime security, climate security and such. All modern states of the world have formed such institutions long ago. We need to observe and study their experiences and create a framework suitable for Bangladesh.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Thank you too.​

I think this Rajnath Singh guy is comparing Bangladesh' situation to that of Myanmar, an unstable one.

These high-level people are terminally ignorant about the situation on the ground in Bangladesh.

I have begun to think that they are rather clueless - as far as (lack of) intelligence briefings go.

The danger is - that they are liable to start a ground war based on misinformation which could be a learning lesson for them.

I guess we need to be ready too, no matter what.