Roundtable Discussion on Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a roundtable discussion titled “Maritime Security in the Bay of Bengal: Emerging Threats and Strategies of Bangladesh” on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at the BIISS Auditorium.

The roundtable focused on the evolving maritime security environment in the Bay of Bengal and its implications for Bangladesh’s national security, economic interests, and regional stability. Discussions explored a wide range of issues, including maritime domain awareness, illegal fishing, piracy, transnational organised crime, marine resource protection, climate-induced security challenges, critical maritime infrastructure, and the strategic implications of increasing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

The event brought together policymakers, senior officials, members of the armed forces, diplomats, academicians, researchers, maritime security experts, and eminent scholars to exchange views on Bangladesh’s maritime security priorities and strategic responses. Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening maritime governance, enhancing naval and coast guard capabilities, promoting inter-agency coordination, adopting advanced maritime technologies, and expanding regional and international cooperation to address emerging security challenges.

The discussion concluded by highlighting the need for a comprehensive maritime security strategy that integrates defence, diplomacy, economic development, environmental sustainability, and international collaboration to safeguard Bangladesh’s maritime interests and contribute to peace and stability in the Bay of Bengal.