PANEL DISCUSSION ON “CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND CHALLENGES OF DEMOGRAPHIC EXPLOSION IN BANGLADESH: POLICY PRESCRIPTIONS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK” HELD AT BIISS

A Panel Discussion on “Causes, Consequences, and Challenges of Demographic Explosion in Bangladesh: Policy Prescriptions and Future Outlook” was organised by BIISS on 05 August 2010, at the BIISS Auditorium. Professor Doctor Syed Modasser Ali, Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Health and Family Welfare, and Social Welfare Affairs, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Major General Golam Mohammad, nwc, psc, Director General, BIISS made the Address of Welcome (click here for the speech). Two papers were presented by the panelists. The first paper was on “Causes, Consequences, and Challenges of Demographic Explosion in Bangladesh” which was presented by  Mr Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, Former Director-General, Directorate General Family Planning, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Currently, National Project Director, Comprehensive Disaster Management Project (CDMP), Disaster Management Bureau, Mohakhali, Dhaka (click here for the presentation). The second paper on “Demographic Explosion in Bangladesh: Policy Prescriptions and Future Outlook” was presented by Mr Fakrul Ahsan, Division Chief, General Economics Division, Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka (click here for the presentation). The designated discussants for the first and second paper were Professor Dr A K M Nurun Nabi, Department of Population, Sciences, University of Dhaka and Professor Dr M Kabir, Member, National Population Council, Dhaka respectively. The presentations were followed by a lively and interactive open floor discussion. Distinguished scholars, policy makers, diplomats, representatives of multi-disciplinary professional bodies and media participated in the discussion. Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, Former Chairman, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Member, Board of Governors of BIISS chaired the session.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “The Millennium Development Goals and Bangladesh: Present Status and An OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE”

A Roundtable Discussion on “The Millennium Development Goals and Bangladesh: Present Status and an Outlook for the Future” was held at BIISS Auditorium on 21 July 2010. Dr. Mashiur Rahman, Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Economic Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Major General Golam Mohammad, nwc, psc, Director General, BIISS made the welcome address. Two presentations were made prior to initiating the discussion. Dr. Mohammad Mahfuz Kabir, Research Fellow, BIISS made a presentation on Challenges of Financing MDGs (click here for the presentation). Mr Arastoo Khan , Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, presented a paper on Dynamics of Resource Mobilisation and Donor Relations (click here for the presentation). Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc Chairman, Board of Governors of BIISS chaired the session. The open discussion of the roundtable was a very lively and rewarding one as most of the participants were experts and practitioners on the related issue.

SEGUFTA HOSSAIN PARTICIPATED IN AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN BEIJING

Ms. Segufta Hossain, Research Fellow of BIISS, participated in an International Symposium on “Food Security: China and the World” jointly sponsored by China Institute of International Strategic Studies (CIISS) and Katie Chan Foundation (KCF), Hong Kong on 1-2 July, 2010 in Beijing, China. The purpose of the Symposium was to discuss the food security situation, trends and impacts, food security strategy and international cooperation on food security. Ms. Hossain presented a paper on International Cooperation in Food Security: Issues and Challenges in the Symposium. The Symposium was attended by participants from China, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mongolia, Nigeria, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.

BIISS ORGANISED WORKSHOP ON “CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS: TRUST BUILDING”

A two-day workshop on “Civil-Military Relations: Trust Building” was organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) with the support of the Defense Institution Reform Initiative (DIRI) of USA at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on 22-23 June 2010. The Inaugural Session of the workshop was held at 1100-1430 hours on 22 June 2010. Major General Golam Mohammad, nwc, psc, Director General, BIISS delivered the Welcome Address (click here for the speech). Major General Eric Olson (Retd) of DIRI also gave his Welcome Speech as the co-host. Two papers were presented in the Inaugural Session. Dr. Syed Anwar Husain, Professor, Department of History, University of Dhaka presented a paper on “Identifying and Promoting Common Goals to Build Confidence and Trust in Civil-Military Relations in Bangladesh” (Click here for the paper) and Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc (Retd), Registrar, BRAC University, Dhaka presented a paper on “Improving Military’s Ability to Relate with Civil Society in Bangladesh” (Click here for the paper). Mr. M. Idris Ali MP, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Defence, Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS chaired the session and delivered the Closing Remarks. In the open discussion of the workshop, there were active participation by diplomats, academia, media, government officials, business circles, representatives from the civil society and other concerned professionals.

During the lunch, Major General Olson (Retd) of DIRI, USA made a key note speech on “Thoughts on Building Civil-Military Trust and Confidence”. The after lunch session of the first day was held with the nominated members of the workshop participants which included members of parliament, former ministers, opposition party members, senior civil and military officials both serving and retired and civil society representatives. The participants engaged in meaningful deliberation on related issues in the whole of second day (click here for the proceedings).

PANEL DISCUSSION ON “ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS: REFLECTIONS ON BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVES” HELD AT BIISS

A Panel Discussion on “Alliance of Civilizations: Reflections on Bangladesh Perspectives” was organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 23 May 2010 at the BIISS Auditorium. Major General Golam Mohammad, nwc, psc, Director General, BIISS made the welcome speech (Click here for the speech). The Panel included Ambassador (Retd) Ashfaqur Rahman, Chairman, Center for Foreign Affairs Studies, Dhaka, Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Associate Professor of International Relations, North South University, Dhaka and Mr. S. M. Shameem Reza, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka. Ambassador (Retd) Ashfaqur Rahman made presentation on Alliance of Civilizations: Challenges and Prospects (Click here for the paper). Dr. Abdur Rob Khan and Mr. S. M. Shameem Reza presented papers on Shared Responsibility of State and Non-state Actors towards the Alliance of Civilizations (Click here for the presentation) and Responsibility of Media to Promote Alliance of Civilizations (Click here for the presentation) respectively. The presentations were followed by a lively and interactive open floor discussion. Distinguished scholars, policy makers, diplomats, representatives of multi-disciplinary professional bodies and media participated in the discussion. Mr. Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh represented the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Panel Discussion and readout her (Minister for Foreign Affairs) speech (Click here for the speech). The Session was chaired by Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS (Click here  for the Proceedings).

DR. UDDIN PARTICIPATED IN A THREE-DAY RESEARCH WORKSHOP HELD IN SINGAPORE FROM 17^TH MAY TO 19^TH MAY 2010

Dr. M. Jashim Uddin, Senior Research Fellow of BIISS, participated in the Council for Asian Trans-national Threat Research (CATR) Workshop titled “Country Threat Assessment” and “Major Findings and Plans for the Next Phase Joint Research”, held at the Marina Mandarin Hotel in Singapore from 17^th to 19^th May 2010. The workshop was organized by the CATR and the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) of Rajaratnam School of International Studies, with the support of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) of the U.S.A. Researchers and academics from various research organizations and universities of 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region presented their respective country’s threat assessment and major findings in the workshop. The main objective of the workshop was to analyze and share the emerging security threats; and also the most important cross-cutting security threats found in each country’s threat assessment and formulate overarching common threats to the countries to address in the next phase of the research workshop. Dr. Uddin presented a paper on Emerging Security Threats and Challenges: Bangladesh Perspective in the workshop.

BIISS DIRECTORS PARTICIPATED COLOMBO MEETING OF REGIONAL NETWORK OF STRATEGIC STUDIES CENTER

Colonel A K M Nazrul Islam, afwc, psc, G and Mr. A. K. M. Abdus Sabur, Research Directors of BIISS participated in the Working Group Meeting of Regional Network of Strategic Studies Center (RNSSC) held at Rabat, Morocco from 20-22 April 2010. The Network is a partnership of strategic study centers primarily located in the Near East South Asia region, and currently enjoys involvement from over thirty centers. The Center for Studies and Research in Social Sciences (CERSS), Mohammed V University, Rabat co-hosted this meeting. The goals of the Working Group meeting were to discuss various strategic issues of interest and continue making progress on the work plans by the working groups. Colonel A K M Nazrul Islam, afwc, psc, G represented BIISS in the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/Border Security Working Group and Mr. A. K. M. Abdus Sabur represented the institute in the Water Security Working Group.

BOOK LAUNCHING AND DISCUSSION ON “COUNTERING TERRORISM: BUILDING A COMMON APPROACH IN SAARC” HELD AT BIISS

 Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Book Launching and Discussion Session on “Countering Terrorism: Building a Common Approach in SAARC” in collaboration with Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on 12 April 2010 at the BIISS Auditorium. H. E. Mr. Holger Michael, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh was present as the Guest of Honour at the Session. Major General Golam Mohammad, nwc, psc, Director General, BIISS made the welcome speech. Major General Dipankar Banerjee, AVSM (Retd), Director, IPCS and Dr. Beatrice Gorawantschy, Resident Representative, KAS, New Delhi made introductory remarks in the discussion session. Dr. Suba Chandran, Deputy Director, IPCS made a presentation on the book titled “Countering Terrorism: Building a Common Approach in SAARC”, which was followed by a lively and interactive open floor discussion. Distinguished scholars and researchers of the eight South Asian countries, policy makers, diplomats, representatives of multi-disciplinary professional bodies and media participated in the discussion. Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS presided over the Session.

DR. SHAHEEN AFROZE PARTICIPATED IN A REGIONAL WORKSHOP IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Shaheen Afroze, Research Director, BIISS participated in a two-day Regional Workshop on “Restructuring SAARC” on 30-31 March 2010 in Karachi, Pakistan. The workshop was organized by the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, Pakistan in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad. Scholars from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan participated in the workshop. Dr. Afroze presented a paper on Restructuring SAARC: Bangladesh Perspectives in the workshop.

DR A T SALAHUDDIN AHMED PARTICIPATED IN A TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON “SAARC: TOWARDS A GREATER CONNECTIVITY” IN INDIA

Dr A T Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Research Fellow (Research Director In-Charge), BIISS, participated in a two-day International Seminar on “SAARC: Towards a Greater Connectivity” organized by the Centre for SAARC Studies, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India on 2-3 March 2010. Dr Ahmed presented a paper on “Maritime Security of Bangladesh: Exploring Regional Co-operation” (Click here for the abstract of the paper) in the Seminar. He also chaired a session of the Conference (Session-VI: Economic Cooperation-I). About 36 participants from India and from other SAARC member states made their presentation in the Seminar, speaking on various dimensions of greater SAARC connectivity within SAARC members via meaningful regional and sub-regional co-operation in which gender perspective also figured. The key objectives of the   Seminar were to remove the existing barriers among SAARC members to move towards greater connectivity in the field of economic co-operation (mainly), and socio-political and non-military security co-operation by way of exploring various ways and means.

INFORMAL MEETING ON FOLLOW-UP OF WORKSHOP ON “NATIONAL SECURITY AND CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN BANGLADESH” HELD AT BIISS

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) with support from the Hawaii-based Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), hosted a workshop entitled “National Security and Civil-Military Relations in Bangladesh” in Dhaka on 16-19 November 2009. During the workshop, the participants from civilian and security sectors engaged in a meaningful debate about the state of Bangladesh security matters and arrived at a series of concrete recommendations. As a follow-up step of the said workshop, an informal meeting was held at BIISS Auditorium on 02 March 2010 at 1100 hours. The meeting was chaired by Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS. Beside the organizers (BIISS and BEI) and number of participants of the said workshop a team from the Defense Institution Reform Initiative (DIRI) of USA led by Major General Olson (Retd) joined the informal meeting. The US team had representative from PACOM, OSD and US Embassy in Dhaka. Mr. Tyler Rauert, Professor of International Law and Political Violence, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Washington, DC, USA also joined the meeting. Click here for the proceedings of the meeting.

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BANGLADESH: A NATIONAL SECURITY PRIORITY” HELD AT BIISS

A National Seminar on “Good Governance in Bangladesh: A National Security Priority” was held at BIISS Auditorium on 03 March 2010. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS delivered the Welcome Address (Click here for the address). Three papers were presented in the seminar. Brigadier General Shahedul Anam Khan, ndc, psc, (Retd), Editor, Strategic Affairs, The Daily Star, Bangladesh presented a paper on “Correlation Between Good Governance and National Security” ( Click here for the paper), Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)  presented a paper on “Accountability and Transparency” ( Click here for the paper), and Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, Professor, Department of Law, Dhaka University presented a paper on “The rule of law” ( Click here for the paper). The designated discussants for the papers presented were Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc (Retd), Registrar, BRAC University, Dhaka, Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Associate Professor, North South University, Dhaka and Mr. Abul Hasan Chowdhury. Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs respectively. Beside the local participants, there were also overseas experts on national security issues present in the seminar. Major General Olson (Retd), representative of the Defense Institutions Reform Initiative (DIRI) of USA made a short presentation on“Relation Between Governance and National Security” ( Click here for the paper). In the open discussion of the seminar, there were active participation by academia, media, government officials, business circles, representatives from the civil society and other concerned professionals. Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS chaired the session and delivered the Closing Remarks  (click here for the Proceedings).

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “BANGLADESH-INDIA RELATIONS: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS”

A Roundtable Discussion on “Bangladesh-India Relations: Exploring New Horizons” was held at BIISS Auditorium on 09 January 2010. Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Hon'ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS made the welcome remarks (click here for the welcome address). There were four Keynote presentations delivered in the Roundtable. Ambassador (Retd.) Dr. M. Afsarul Quader, Vice President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (click here for the paper) made presentation on “Management of Bangladesh-India Border”.Ambassador (Retd.) Muhammad Zamir, Former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (click here for the paper) presented paper on “Bangladesh-India Relations: Sharing of the Waters of Common Rivers”. Mr. Yousuf Abdullah Harun, Adviser, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and Former President, FBCCI (click here for the presentation) and  Dr. M. Rahmatullah, Former Director, Transport UN-ESCAP, Bangkok, and Transport Policy Advisor, TSMR Planning Commission, Dhaka (click here for the presentation) made presentations on “Bangladesh-India Economic Relations” and “Bangladesh-India Relations: Regional Connectivity” respectively. Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman, Centre for Policy Dialogue chaired the whole session. Vote of thanks was given by Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS. The open discussion of the roundtable was a very healthy and rewarding one as most of the participants were experts and practitioners on the related issues  ( Click here  for the Proceedings).

HANDOVER OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT (ICNND) IN BANGLADESH

The Australian High Commissioner Dr Justin Lee and the Minister of the Japanese Embassy Mr Harumitsu Hida handed over the final report of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) to Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, the Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in a ceremony at BIISS Auditorium on 17 December 2009.

The ICNND’s report was launched by Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Japan’s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Tokyo on 15 December 2009. It is intended to reinvigorate global debate on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

Director General, BIISS, Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Dr Mosharraf Hossain, and Director of the UN Wing at the Foreign Ministry Nahida Sobhan, all attended the ICNND’s South Asia regional meeting in New Delhi in October 2009.

At the handover ceremony Dr Lee explained the report was the work of an independent commission established by the Australian and Japanese government, and it did not reflect the policy position of any government. The report is intended to stimulate debate and provide forward looking options and possibilities for consideration.

BIISS ORGANIZED TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON “HUMAN SECURITY APPROACH TO COUNTER EXTREMISM IN SOUTH ASIA: RELEVANCE OF JAPANESE CULTURE”

A two-day International Conference on “Human Security Approach to Counter Extremism in South Asia: Relevance of Japanese Culture” was held at BIISS Auditorium from 24 November 2009 to 24 November 2009. The Conference was organised by BIISS with the support of the Japan Foundation. Major General  Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS delivered the welcome address (click here for the welcome address). Advocate Shahara Khatun, MP, Hon’ble Minister for Home Affairs Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session of the Conference (click here for the Chief Guest’s address). H. E. Mr. Tamotsu Shinotsuka, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh was present as Special Guest at the Inaugural Session (click here for the address). Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS, chaired the session (click here for the address by the chair).

Beside Bangladesh the scholars from India, Japan Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka presented papers in the conference. In the First Working Session papers were presented by Dr. Moonis Ahmar, Professor and Chairman, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, Pakistan on “State of Human Security in South Asia” (click here for the paper) and Prof. Sahadevan Ponmoni, Chairperson, Centre for South, Central, South East Asia & South West Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India on “Mapping Extremism in South Asia” (click here for the paper). The discussants were Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Brigadier General Shahedul Anam Khan, ndc, psc, (Retd.), Editor, Strategic Affairs, The Daily Star, Bangladesh respectively. Major General Sheikh Md. Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS chaired the session.

In the Second Working Session presentations were made by Prof. Gamini Keerawella, Head, Department of History University of Pearadeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka on “Human Security and Extremism in Sri Lanka: Synergy and Conflict” (click here for the paper), Dr. Anindya Jyoti Majumdar, Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India on “Human Security and Extremism in India: Synergy and Conflict” (click here for the paper) and Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Research Director, BIISS on “Human Security and Extremism in Bangladesh: Synergy and Conflict” (click here for the paper). The discussants included Mr. A.K.M. Abdus Sabur, Research Director, BIISS, Dr. A T Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS and Dr. M. Enamul Hoque, Former Inspector General of Police, and Member, Law Commission, Bangladesh. The session was chaired by Ambassador M. Maroof Zaman, Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh.

Major General Muhammad Firdaus Mian, psc, Chairman, BOG, BIISS chaired the Third Working Session. Papers were presented by Prof. Dr. Bishnu Hari Nepal, Former Ambassador of Nepal to Japan on “Human Security and Extremism in Nepal: Synergy and Conflict” (click here for the paper), Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Research Fellow, Regional Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan on “Human Security and Extremism in Pakistan: Synergy and Conflict” (click here for the paper)  and Mr. Osamu Miyata, Associate Professor, University of Shizuoka, Japan on “Human Security as a Policy Tool in Japan” (click here for the paper). The discussants were Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Associate Professor, North South University, Dhaka,  Air Cdre Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc, (Retd),   Registrar, The University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka respectively.

In the Fourth and Concluding Session Mr. Katsuhisa Furukawa, Fellow, Research Institute of Science and Technology for Society, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan and Dr. Shaheen Afroze, Research Director, BIISS presented papers on “Japan and its Culture of Peace: Relevance for South Asia” (click here for the paper)  and “A Comparative Study of the Solutions and their Practicability” (click here for the paper) respectively. Ambassador Jamil Majid, Former Principal, Foreign Service Academy and Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan and Prof. Syed Anwar Husain, Department of History, University of Dhaka were the designated discussants. Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad, Former Chairman, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Member, Board of Governors of BIISS was present as Chief Guest at the Concluding Session (click here for the Chief Guest’s address). Major General Sheikh Md. Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS chaired the Concluding Session (click here for the address by the chair). In the Open Discussion of the sessions of two-day conference there were lively participation by academia, media, government officials, business circles, representatives from the civil society and NGOs as well as other concerned professionals (click here for the Proceedings).

BIISS LAUNCHES BOOK ENTITLED 'NATIONAL SECURITY BANGLADESH 2008'

BIISS FACULTY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED DELHI PLENARY MEETING OF REGIONAL NETWORK OF STRATEGIC STUDIES CENTER (RNSSC)

A four member delegation led by Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS participated in the 5^th Plenary Meeting of Regional Network of Strategic Studies Center held at New Delhi, India from 18-20 November 2009. The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) hosted this meeting. The goals of the meeting were to discuss various strategic issues of interest in plenary session and continue making progress on the work plans by the four working groups. The other participating members from BIISS were Colonel A K M Nazrul Islam, afwc, psc, G, Research Director, BIISS, Mr. A K M Abdus Sabur, Research Director, BIISS and Mrs. Neila Husain Choudhury, Senior Research Felloew, BIISS. They represented the institute in the Weapons of Mass Destruction/Border Security Working Group,   Non-traditional Security Issues Working Group and Democracy and Governance Working Group respectively. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, represented in the Combating Terrorism Working Group of the network.  The Network is a partnership of strategic study centers primarily located in the Near East South Asia region, and currently enjoys involvement from over thirty centers. This plenary was attended by more than 100 participants from 21 different countries and 28 member organizations of the RNSSC

REGIONAL SEMINAR ON “PEACE AND SECURITY IN SOUTH ASIA:  ISSUES AND PRIORITIES FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION ON SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW) CONTROL” HELD AT DHAKA SHERATON HOTEL

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in collaboration with Saferworld, UK organised a two-day regional seminar on “Peace and Security in South Asia:  Issues and Priorities for Regional Cooperation on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control” on 08-09 November, 2009 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Bangladesh. The aim of the seminar was to bring together South Asian governments, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), relevant UN agencies and several leading think tanks in South Asia to discuss issues and priorities for strengthening and developing regional cooperation on SALW control in the region. Security experts from leading think tanks and government officials from Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, UK, as well as representatives from international organizations participated in the seminar. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address in the Inaugural Session of the seminar. Ms. Rosy Cave, Head of Asia Programme of Saferworld, made the introductory remarks. Mr. Abul Maal A. Muhith, Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Beside the participants more than 100 invited guests attended the Inaugural Session.

The seminar, spread over two days, was divided into six working sessions, over which altogether twenty three presentations were made. The first session gave an overview of the impact of SALW trafficking and measures that can be taken to address the problem. It was chaired by Major General Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS. Mr. Roy Isbister, Team Leader, Small Arms and Export Controls of Saferworld made two separate presentations on “Introduction to illicit SALW trafficking” and “Preventing Diversion of SALW for Strengthened Control”.

The second working session focused on Nature of the Problem in South Asia chaired by Mr. Abbas Qureshi, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Ministry of Pakistan. Two presentations were delivered in the session. The first presentation, delivered by Ms. Neila Husain, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS, was on “Challenges for the region and measures to address the problems of SALW”. The second presentation, delivered by Prof. Nishchal Pandey, Centre for South Asian Studies, Nepal, was on “Challenges and Measures to Address in Post Conflict Countries”.

The third working session was on the “International Policy Context and the Problem of Illicit Arms Trafficking” chaired by Ambassador M. Maroof Zaman, Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bangladesh. Three presentations were delivered in this session. The first presentation was on “International Initiatives: UN PoA, Firearms Protocol, Marking and Tracing, and ATT” by Mr. Roman Hunger, Special Coordinator, United Nations (UN) Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific. The second presentation was delivered on “UN Convention against transnational organized crime and its protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their arms, components, and ammunitions” by Ms. Simonetta Grassi, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – UNODC. The third presentation was delivered on “Implementation and Development Progress in South Asia” by Dr. Mallika Joseph, Deputy Director, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi.

The fourth working session was on “National Perspectives: Issues and Priorities for Strengthening Control and Regional Cooperation.” The session was chaired by Ambassador Geetha De Silva, RCSS, Sri Lanka. Four presentations were delivered in this session. The first presentation was on “collection of weapons, the law of light weapons, national legislation, regulation and stability, peace and security in all over the Afghanistan in order to prevent killings of innocent people and government actions” delivered by Brigadier General Aziz Ahmad Farahi, Chief of Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG), Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan. Md Kaikobad Hossain, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh made the second presentation on “Nature and trafficking rroutes of SALW in Bangladesh”. The third presentation was delivered by Mr. Karma Dorji, Bureau of Law and Order, Ministry of Home, Bhutan. The fourth presentation was on “India’s position on SALW control” delivered by Brigadier Ravindrar Narayan Nair, SM Defence Adviser, High Commission of India, Dhaka.

The fourth working session was the continuation on “National Perspectives: Issues and Priorities for Strengthening Control and Regional Cooperation”, chaired by Mr. Roman Hunger. Three presentations were delivered in the session. Lieutenant Ahmed Zubair, Junior Staff, MNDF, Integrated Headquarters, Maldives National Defence, made a presentation on “An overall picture on the measures adapted to control the use and trafficking of illegal weapons in the Maldives, and what measure can be taken to increase regional cooperation”. The second presentation was delivered by Mr. Pradeep Poudyal, Under Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Nepal. Mr. Pradeep focused on the “Agents in demand and supply side of SALW from Nepal’s perspective”. Mr. Abbas Qureshi, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan was the third speaker and his presentation focused on the “Root causes of the use of illicit arms and trading in Pakistan”. The fourth working session on “National Perspectives: Issues and Priorities for Strengthening Control and Regional Cooperation” continued on the second day, chaired by Mr. Roman Hunger. Two presentations are made in this session by Brigadier Ranjan de Silva, National Coordinator, National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA), Sri Lanka and Mr. Sayed Fahim Srosh, Deputy Programme/Coordination Manager, UNDP/ANBP/JS presented the second paper on “Overview of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and disbandment of illegal armed groups (DIAG) processes in Afghanistan including outcomes and challenges”.

The fifth working session on “Regional Perspectives: Issues and Priorities for Strengthening Control and Regional Cooperation” was chaired by Prof. Nishchal Pandey, Centre for South Asian Studies, Nepal. Three presentations were delivered in this session. Dr. Anand Kumar, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India focused his paper on “Small arms and failing states of South Asia”. Professor Xia Liping, Dean, School of Political Science and International Relations, Tonji University, Shanghai was the second paper presenter. He focused on “Issues and priorities for strengthening SALW control and regional cooperation: Chinese perspectives”. The third presentation was on “SALW reduction: Issues and priorities for strengthening control and regional cooperation” delivered by Dr. Amir Rana, Director, Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, Pakistan.

The sixth working session was on “Cooperation and Assistance for National Capacity Building – meeting the needs of Governments and Law Enforcement Agencies” chaired by Ms. Simonetta Grassi, Crime Prevention and Criminal and Criminal Justice Officer, UNODC. Four keynote papers were delivered in this session. Mr. Hubert Oldenhuis, Associate Expert, UNRCPD made his first presentation on “Update on coordinating action on small arms (CASA) and matching needs for resources initiative”. Mr. Hubert made a second presentation on “Update on any initiatives for SA region”. Ms. Simonetta Grassi delivered the third presentation on “UNODC’s self assessment tool”. Brigadier General Ranjan de Silva, National Coordinator, National Commission against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA) made the fourth presentation on “Update on the ongoing firearms database project in Sri Lankan” ( Click here  for the Proceedings).

GERMAN FRIEDRICH EBERT FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE DR. WOLFGANG MASSING VISITED BIISS

Dr. Wolfgang Massing, a former German Ambassador to Vietnam and Namibia visited BIISS on 08 October 2009. Dr. Wolfgang Massing represented German Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The aim of his visit was primarily to explore the possibility of collaborative research, networking and interaction on strategic and international issues  between Friedrich Ebert Foundation and BIISS. He called on Director General of the Institute Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc and was apprised about the aims, objectives, current setup and activities of BIISS. Dr. Wolfgang Massing also exchanged views in a discussion session with the Research Directors of the institute on contemporary issues including the areas of cooperation as well as the prospect of institutional linkages between the two institutions. Director General of the Institute chaired the discussion session.

DR. M. JASHIM UDDIN PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NON-VIOLENT CONCEPTS AND MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH ASIA HELD IN KABUL ON 04 OCTOBER 2009

The center for Strategic Studies (CSS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, organized an international conference on Non-violent Concepts and Movements in South Asia on 04 October 2009 in Kabul. The objectives of the conference were to focus on the vitality of the idea of non-violence movements, initiate dialogues among the South Asian countries and beyond and spread the teaching of non-violence in South Asia as well as the other parts of the world in managing violent conflicts. Participants composed of academics, researchers, law makers and government officials came from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Japan, focusing on various papers on non-violent concepts and movements in South Asia. The representative from Bangladesh was Dr. M  Jashim Uddin, Senior Research Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). He presented a paper titled A Historical Analysis of Leading Non-violent Movements in South Asia, in the conference.

THREE MEMBER BANGLADESH DELEGATION ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT (ICNND) REGIONAL MEETING FOR SOUTH ASIA IN NEW DELHI

Mr. James F. Moriarty, Ambassador to the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh called on Director General of BIISS Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc on 01 October 2009. The Ambassador was given a brief on BIISS and he took keen interest in its activities. Director General of BIISS recalled the existing working relation between various US academic institutes including American Center in Bangladesh and BIISS. Mr. James F. Moriarty exchanged views in a discussion session with the Research Directors of the institute on contemporary issues including the areas of cooperation as well as the prospect of more institutional linkages between similar institutions of the two countries. Director General of the Institute chaired the discussion session. The Ambassador also made a courtesy call on to Chairman, Board of Governors of BIISS Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc.

BIISS DIRECTOR GENERAL ATTENDED GLOBAL STRATEGIC REVIEW HELD IN GENEVA

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER CALLED ON DG BIISS

 LECTURE ON “THE U.S. PRESIDENT AND THE SENATE: COOPERATION AND CONFLICT”  

Wrap-up Seminar on Bangladesh Human Security Assessment 2007

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIALS VISIT BIISS

A delegation from People’s Republic of China comprising the Chinese Foreign Ministry Officials visited BIISS on 24 July 2009. The six member delegation was headed by Former Ambassador Mr. Zhou Gang. Director General of BIISS Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc formally welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation. Research Director Colonel A K M Nazrul Islam, afwc, psc, G gave a short presentation on BIISS covering the objectives, current setup, activities of the institute and institutional linkages that BIISS maintains with similar institutes in China. The presentation was followed by exchange of views by the delegation members with the BIISS faculty members on contemporary issues including the security situation in South Asia, Bangladesh-China relations and recent development in China’s Xinjiang Province. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc chaired the discussion session.

NEILA HUSAIN, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, BIISS PARTICIPATED IN A REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN BANGKOK

NEW CHAIRMAN BOARD OF GOVERNORS JOINED BIISS

Major General Muhammed Firdaus Mian, psc joined BIISS on 06 July 2009 as newly appointed Chairman of Board of Governors. Prior to joining this institute he was commanding an Infantry Division. In his long colorful career he served in various command, staff and instructional appointments. Click here to see new Chairman’s curriculum vitae.

DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (DFID) GOVERNANCE ADVISER IN BIISS

GERMAN AMBASSADOR CALLS ON DG BIISS

FRENCH RESEARCHER’S MEET BIISS FACULTY

Two young French Researcher’s Emeline HASSENFORDER and Benjamin NOURY visited BIISS on 01 July 2009. They met Research Directors of the institute and exchanged views in a discussion session in connection with their study, called “Entre Deux Eaux”, on Trans-boundary Cooperation Water Project. They had a fruitful discussion with the researchers of BIISS on the field of their specific interest. Prior to meeting the Research Directors they called on Director General of the Institute Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc in his office.

BIISS ORGANIZED A DAY-LONG NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “ENERGY: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND OPTIONS FOR BANGLADESH”

BIISS DIRECTORS PARTICIPATED COLOMBO MEETING OF REGIONAL NETWORK OF STRATEGIC STUDIES CENTER

SEMINAR ON “SMALL ARMS VIOLENCE AND TRAFFICKING IN BANGLADESH: REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SECURITY” HELD AT BIISS

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “BANGLADESH –MYANMAR RELATIONS” HELD AT BIISS

DELEGATION FROM NATIONAL MANAGEMENT COLLEGE, LAHORE, PAKISTAN VISITS BIISS

A delegation from National Management College, Lahore, Pakistan visited BIISS on 10 June 2009. The eight member delegation was headed by Dr. Imtiaz H. Bokhari, Directing Staff of the college. They were briefed about the aims, objectives, current setup and activities of BIISS through a presentation by Research Director Colonel A K M Nazrul Islam, afwc, psc, G. Delegation members also attended a presentation on “SAFTA and Present Status” by Mr. A B M Ziaur Rahman, Research Fellow of the institute. The presentations were followed by exchange of views with the faculty members on contemporary issues during the discussion session. Director General of the Institute Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc gave the welcome speech and chaired the discussion session.

DIRECTOR GENERAL BIISS PARTICIPATED IN THE 4^TH INTERNATIONAL TURKISH – ASIAN CONGRESS HELD IN ISTANBUL

The 4^th International Turkish – Asian Congress, was held in Istanbul on 27-29 May 2009. It was aimed to study and discuss themes of institutionalization and cooperation on the basis of regional organizations in Asia and was organized by Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies (TASAM). The project of the conference was planned with the purpose of contributing to rapid development of a stable cooperation process oriented towards following closely the developments surfacing in Asia, analyzing the information gathered, developing a consistent and applicable vision for future, easily overcoming troubles that may arise, and benefiting in the best possible manner from opportunities that will safeguard mutual interests. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General BIISS took part in the conference and presented a paper entitled ‘SAARC – Institutionalized Approach to Countering Terrorism’. The paper focused on forming a Regional Task Force as a concept to countering terrorism in South Asia as envisaged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as one of her political manifestos. The conference which was planned to contribute to the development of tolerance, cooperation and communication between Turkish and Asian peoples and to the achievement of global peace and stability was a great success.

NETHERLANDS AMBASSADOR VISITS BIISS

DR A T SALAHUDDIN AHMED, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW, BIISS PARTICIPATED IN AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN BEIJING

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “COUNTERING RADICALIZATION IN SOUTH ASIA: BANGLADESH PERSPECTIVE”

A Roundtable Discussion on “Countering Radicalization in South Asia: Bangladesh Perspective” was held at BIISS Auditorium on 25 May 2009. Professor Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka initiated the discussion on the subject. The whole discussion was a very lively and rewarding one as most of the participants were experts and practitioners on the related issue. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General BIISS delivered the Address of Welcome and chaired the session (Click here for the Proceedings).

PANEL DISCUSSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND BANGLADESH’S DIPLOMACY

Panel Discussion on “Climate Change and Bangladesh’s Diplomacy” was held at BIISS Auditorium on 19 May 2009 at 1100 hours. Dr. Ainun Nishat, Country Representative, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) initiated the discussion (Click here for the paper). The Panelists took part in the discussion included Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman, Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP), Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Dr. A. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS). The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session. Beside the BIISS Faculty Members, it was also attended by invited guests, including experts and practitioners on the related field. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc, Director General BIISS delivered the Address of Welcome and chaired the session (Click here for the Proceedings).

BIISS DELEGATION IN CATR SYMPOSIUM

 BIISS DELEGATION VISITED CHINA

GERMAN DELEGATION VISITS BIISS

A six member German delegation headed by Mr. Henry J. Rieck, Councsellor, Political Section-Regional Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi visited BIISS on 01 April 2009. They were briefed about the aims, objectives, current setup and activities of BIISS. Delegation members also exchanged views on contemporary issues including the areas of cooperation with Director General of the Institute Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam, ndc, psc.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS: IMPACT ON BANGLADESH”

The open discussion of the seminar was a very healthy and fruitful one as most of the participants were experts and regular contributors on defence and security related such issues. It may be mentioned here that the first working session commenced with the launching of the book “Whither National Security Bangladesh 2007”, a yearly publication of BIISS. Professor Syed Anwar Husain, Department of History, Dhaka University conducted the review of the book.

EMINENT PERSON’S LECTURE SERIES

GUEST SPEAKER

VICTORY DAY COMMEMORATIVE SEMINAR HELD ON 07 DECEMBER 2008

Victory Day Commemorative Seminar on “Security of Bangladesh: Contemporary Perspectives” was held on Thursday, 07 December 2008 at BIISS Auditorium. Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs Caretaker Government of Bangladesh graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Maj Gen Moinul Hossain Chowdhury, BB (Retd) Former Adviser, Caretaker Government of Bangladesh chaired the seminar session. Two papers were presented in the seminar- Professor M. Shahiduzzaman of Dhaka University presented a paper on “Security of Bangladesh: National Perspective” and Ambassador Shahed Akhtar, Principal, Foreign Service Academy presented a paper on “Security of Bangladesh: Regional and Global Perspective”. The designated discussants for the papers presented were Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Research Director, BIISS and Ambassador M. Anwar Hashim, Former Secretary. Amongst others the seminar was also attended by a good number of former Bangladesh Ambassadors and Ambassadors/Defence Attache’s of foreign embassies in Dhaka. The open discussion of the seminar was a very healthy and fruitful one as most of the participants were experts and regular contributors on defence and security related such issues. It may be mentioned here that every year BIISS organizes this seminar on the occasion of our grand victory day focusing on the topics of national security and related issues.

PARTICIPATION IN ‘COUNCIL FOR ASIAN TERRORISM RESEARCH’ SYMPOSIUM BY BIISS DIRECTOR DR. SHAHEEN AFROZE

Dr. Shaheen Afroze, Research Director, BIISS participated in the Seventh Biannual Symposium of the Council for Asian Terrorism Research (CATR) on ‘Transnational Security Threats and Counter-measures’, ‘The Role of Cultural Education: Building Cross-Cultural Understanding and Countering Radicalization’ and  ‘Projecting the Future Threats of Terrorism After the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan’ from 11-13 November 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Afroze made a presentation on ‘The Role of Cultural Education in Countering Radicalization’. CATR is a consortium of the Asian countries aiming to bring collective knowledge and effort in countering global terrorism. It is an initiative of the US government and coordinated from Institute of Defence Analysis (IDA), Washington.