Roundtable Discussion on "Ensuring Security and Meeting Defence Challenges in the Contemporary Geopolitical Environment

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a roundtable discussion titled “Ensuring Security and Meeting Defence Challenges in the Contemporary Geopolitical Environment: The Relevance for Air Power” on Sunday, 23 February 2025, at the BIISS Auditorium.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, nswc, psc, GD(P), Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Major General Iftekhar Anis, BSP, awc, afwc, psc, PEng, Director General of BIISS.

The roundtable focused on the evolving global and regional security environment and examined the growing relevance of air power in addressing contemporary defence challenges. Discussions highlighted the strategic role of air power in safeguarding national sovereignty, strengthening deterrence, enhancing joint military operations, and responding effectively to both conventional and non-traditional security threats.

The event brought together senior military officials, policymakers, academicians, diplomats, researchers, defence analysts, and eminent scholars, who exchanged views on emerging geopolitical developments and their implications for Bangladesh's defence strategy. Participants emphasised the importance of modernising air capabilities, promoting technological innovation, strengthening inter-service coordination, and enhancing regional and international defence cooperation to address the complex security challenges of the twenty-first century.