Why and How Basic Military Training Can Be Introduced in Bangladesh

 

Imagine a Bangladesh where every young citizen is not just a student, a farmer, or a tech enthusiast, but also a guardian-in-waiting—ready to shield their homeland from storms, conflicts, and crises. This vision took center stage at last month’s Deputy Commissioners’ Conference, where policymakers ignited a fiery debate: Should Bangladesh introduce compulsory basic military training for its youth?

The proposal, floated by an army veteran in a viral LinkedIn post, isn’t about turning universities into boot camps. Rather, it’s a bold bid to blend patriotism with practicality, equipping the next generation with skills to tackle everything from cyclones to cyberattacks. But can a nation grappling with budget constraints and packed academic calendars pull this off? Let’s march through the trenches of this idea.

A nation’s call to arms, discipline, disaster and destiny deserves to be addressed with quick and high importance.
What’s Cooking in the Global Kitchen?

Before we don our metaphorical helmets, let’s glance abroad. From the snow-capped Alps of Switzerland to the tech-savvy streets of Seoul, over 49 nations—16 in Europe, 13 in Asia, 10 in Africa—have already embraced mandatory military training. Their reasons? A trifecta of security, unity, and skill-building.

Take Israel, where teens swap TikTok dances for tank drills, forging resilience in a region perpetually on edge. Or South Korea, where military service is a rite of passage as unavoidable as K-pop earworms. These nations prove that training civilians isn’t just about defense—it’s about crafting citizens who can lead, adapt, and glue societies together.

Why Bangladesh? Geopolitics, Cyclones, and the “Youth Dividend”

Bangladesh isn’t Switzerland. Nestled between the Bay of Bengal’s tempers and India’s sprawling borders, our delta nation faces unique pressures. Recent Indian media buzz over border tensions has sharpened security anxieties. Meanwhile, climate change hurls cyclones and floods like a toddler hurling toys—frequently and destructively.

But here’s the kicker: 35% of Bangladesh’s population is under 25. That’s 63 million young souls—a “youth dividend” waiting to be cashed. Basic military training could transform this demographic goldmine into a force multiplier. Picture millions trained not just to salute, but to sandbag rivers during floods, administer first aid after earthquakes, or coordinate relief when the next Sidr-like cyclone strikes.

Critics might scoff, “Why not just hire more disaster responders?” Sure, but why not also arm every citizen with skills to be their own first responder?
The Blueprint: From Boot Camps to Budgets

So, how do we roll this out without tripping over our own shoelaces? Let’s break it down:
1. Start Small, Dream Big

Begin with pilot programs in disaster-prone districts like Satkhira or Cox’s Bazar. Test a 6-week “Basic Training Lite” for college students during summer breaks—no need to disrupt exam seasons. Think of it as a crash course in badassery: morning jogs, teamwork drills, and first aid workshops. If it works, expand nationally.

2. Curriculum: More Than Push-Ups

The training menu should be a buffet, not a forced meal:

· Physical Fitness: Because outrunning a cyclone is useful.

· Weapon Basics: Safety first—think “how to handle a rifle” without turning into Rambo.

· Disaster Response: Teach flood-resistant shelter-building, CPR, and crisis communication.

· Ethics & Leadership: Because patriots need moral compasses, not just compasses.

Top performers could opt for specialized modules—cybersecurity, environmental conservation, or even drone piloting. Yes, drone piloting. (Cue jealous uncles at family gatherings: “In my day, we just flew kites!”)

3. Who’s In? Everyone (Almost)

· Students First: Target colleges and universities. Offer credits to sweeten the deal—imagine “Military Training 101” counting toward your degree.
· Non-Students Welcome: Let aspiring recruits pay a token fee. Chaotic? Maybe. Inclusive? Absolutely.

· Women & Marginalized Groups: Design female-friendly camps and disability accommodations. No one gets left behind.

4. The Money Question: Creative Financing

Training millions ain’t cheap. But here’s the hack: Partner with NGOs, tech firms, and international donors. Imagine a joint venture between the Army and Grameen Bank—patriotism meets microfinance! Offer tax breaks to corporations funding training kits. Crowdfund if needed—Bangladeshis did crowdfund a metro rail meme page, after all.

The Drill Sergeants: Who’s Holding the Whistle?

The Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Defense would jointly helm this mission, but they’ll need backup. Recruit retired veterans as instructors—their war stories alone could motivate trainees. Partner with universities to host camps and with NGOs like BRAC to handle logistics. Even involve celebrity influencers; imagine Shakib Khan leading a push-up challenge. (Spoiler: We’d all fail, but we’d laugh trying.)

Naysayers and Nitpicks: Addressing Concerns

“But our economy can’t afford this!”

True, but consider the ROI: A youth army trained in disaster response could save billions in future aid. Plus, public-private partnerships can shoulder costs.

“Students will miss classes!”

Solution: Integrate training into academic breaks or offer online theory modules. Call it “E-Learning with Camouflage.”
“This reeks of coercion!”

Keep it voluntary initially. Offer perks like priority in government jobs or free metro passes. Nothing says “voluntary” like a free commute.
The March Ahead: A Call for Pragmatic Patriotism

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about creating a nation of soldiers. It’s about forging resilient citizens who can rebuild a village after a flood, lead a community through a crisis, or simply run a meeting without chaos. It’s about saying, “We’re not just surviving; we’re ready.”

As the veteran’s LinkedIn post wisely noted: “Train them not only to defend but to uplift.” So, Bangladesh, let’s pick up the whistle. The first drill starts now.


Del H Khan is an author, Army
Veteran and a columnist who
believes patriotism pairs
 well with practicality.