Anchors of Prosperity: Bangladesh Navy As Defender, Partner and Pillar of National Progress

The Bay of Bengal is not just our maritime frontier but our future. It is an avenue of trade, a reservoir of untapped resources, and a stage for strategic engagements. The Bangladesh Navy stands as the sentinel of our maritime domain, ensuring that our resources and sovereignty remain secure for generations to come. By safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests—from piracy to territorial incursions—the navy reinforces Bangladesh’s sovereignty while unlocking its economic potential. Given the growing geopolitical complexities and the increasing significance of the maritime domain, a strong, modern, and capable navy is not a luxury but a necessity for Bangladesh.

The relationship between a navy and the nation it serves is a symbiotic one, rooted in mutual trust, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for security and prosperity. For a country like Bangladesh, where geography and history intertwine to shape its destiny, the role of the Bangladesh Navy is not just about defending maritime borders but also about fostering national development, ensuring economic stability, and projecting soft power. The ideal relationship between the Bangladesh Navy and the nation should be interdependence, where the navy acts as a custodian of the seas and a catalyst for growth. The role of the navy in fostering national development should make us all proud and optimistic about our future.

The Navy as the Custodian of National Maritime Sovereignty
The primary role of any navy is to protect the nation’s maritime sovereignty. The navy's role is even more critical for Bangladesh, a country with a relatively vast coastline of 710 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning 118,813 square kilometers. The sea is our lifeline. It is not just a boundary but a gateway to our prosperity and security. The navy ensures that this gateway remains secure from external threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking, and territorial incursions. Securing Bangladesh’s maritime domain is a strategic imperative in an era of increasing maritime competition, providing a sense of security and reassurance to our nation.

Modern naval forces must contend with asymmetric threats, including cyber warfare and unconventional maritime security challenges. The Bangladesh Navy must be equipped with the latest technology, surveillance systems, and rapid response capabilities to counter these threats effectively. Additionally, the navy's role in upholding Bangladesh’s territorial integrity extends to its ability to deter aggression from more powerful regional actors. A well-equipped navy, supported by strategic alliances and diplomatic initiatives, ensures that Bangladesh maintains control over its maritime domain and protects its national interests.

Economic Enabler and Protector of the Blue Economy
Bangladesh’s economy is increasingly dependent on its maritime resources. The Bay of Bengal is rich in fisheries, natural gas, and other resources, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s blue economy. The Navy plays a pivotal role in protecting these resources. The sustainable development of the blue economy is impossible without a strong and capable navy that can deter illegal activities and ensure the safe exploitation of maritime resources.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing significantly threatens Bangladesh’s marine economy. Without robust enforcement mechanisms, foreign and domestic actors may exploit marine resources irresponsibly, leading to long-term ecological and economic damage. The Bangladesh Navy’s efforts to combat illegal fishing, oil spills, and environmental degradation are essential to preserving these resources for future generations. Furthermore, the navy’s role in securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) is vital for ensuring uninterrupted trade, as over 90% of Bangladesh’s trade is conducted via maritime routes.

Bangladesh's maritime domain also holds immense potential for offshore energy exploration. As the country seeks to diversify its energy sources, the role of the navy in securing offshore oil and gas installations becomes increasingly essential. Ensuring a secure maritime environment will encourage foreign investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
The Bangladesh Navy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the nation beyond its traditional military role. Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters like cyclones and floods, so the navy has been at the forefront of rescue and relief operations. The ability to mobilize quickly and provide assistance in disaster-stricken areas underscores the Navy’s importance as a national asset.

This dual role of the navy—military and humanitarian—strengthens its bond with the nation. A navy that serves its people in times of crisis earns their trust and respect, forming the foundation of a strong nation-navy relationship. The Navy’s involvement in disaster relief saves lives and reinforces its image as a force for good. Moreover, the navy demonstrates its commitment to national resilience by conducting search and rescue operations, medical missions, and infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

The Bangladesh Navy deployed BNS Somudra Joy with relief materials, medical teams, and humanitarian aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded. The mission reflected Bangladesh’s commitment to regional humanitarian efforts and strengthened diplomatic ties with the Philippines, showcasing our nation's compassion and empathy.

In December 2014, the Bangladesh Navy provided emergency drinking water to the Maldives after a fire at the Malé Water and Sewerage Company plant led to a severe water shortage in the capital. The navy sent relief materials and technical assistance to help restore the water supply, demonstrating Bangladesh’s commitment to regional solidarity.

The Bangladesh Navy has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar. The navy facilitated transportation, security, and relief distribution in coastal areas near Cox’s Bazar, showcasing its humanitarian commitment.

After the devastating Beirut port explosion, the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Sangram, deployed under the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, provided assistance, medical support, and aid to affected people.

On 08 April, Bangladesh Navy ship “BNS Somudra Avijan,” carrying 120 tons of relief materials, including food, water, medication, clothing, and shelter, departed from the Chittagong port to the earthquake-stricken Myanmar.

The Navy’s humanitarian assistance capabilities also contribute to regional diplomacy. Bangladesh’s strategic location enables it to assist neighboring countries during times of crisis, reinforcing its image as a responsible regional actor. Humanitarian missions allow Bangladesh to build goodwill and foster stronger diplomatic ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region.

Nation-Builder and Diplomatic Tool
The Bangladesh Navy is also a powerful tool of diplomacy, projecting the nation’s soft power and fostering international cooperation. The navy enhances Bangladesh's global standing by participating in multinational exercises, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian operations. A modern navy is a military asset symbolizing a nation’s aspirations and commitment to global peace and stability.

The Bangladesh Navy has played a significant role in maritime diplomacy, protecting the nation's sovereignty and engaging in regional security matters. Here are some notable examples of its diplomatic and strategic performances:

1. Talpatti Island Issue (1979). The Talpatti Island (South Talpatti/New Moore Island) dispute emerged between Bangladesh and India after a cyclone in 1970, which is believed to have formed the island at the mouth of the Hariabhanga River in the Bay of Bengal. India claimed the island as its territory, leading to tensions in 1979 when India reportedly deployed naval and coast guard forces. Bangladesh strongly protested, and though the Bangladesh Navy was in its infancy at the time, it played a symbolic role in asserting Bangladesh’s claim over the island. The issue remained unresolved until 2014, when, through the legal mechanism under the UNCLOS, the Permanent Court of Arbitration settled the maritime boundary dispute between Bangladesh and India. By then, the island had submerged due to rising sea levels.

2. INS Udaygiri/Nilgiri Incident (1988). In 1988, two Indian Navy warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Nilgiri, entered Bangladesh’s territorial waters without prior notification, allegedly to conduct surveillance. The Bangladesh Navy, although still developing, responded by deploying its patrol vessels and challenging the intrusion. Diplomatic protests were lodged, and the situation was de-escalated through negotiations. The incident underscored the importance of Bangladesh's stronger navy to prevent unauthorized military presence in its waters.

3. Illegal Myanmar Oil Rig Incident (2008-2009). In November 2008, Myanmar deployed an oil exploration rig within Bangladesh’s claimed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), near St. Martin’s Island, escorted by its naval vessels. The Bangladesh Navy immediately deployed warships to confront Myanmar’s naval presence. Intense diplomatic negotiations followed, and after several rounds of diplomatic pressure, Myanmar withdrew the oil rig in early 2009. This was a critical moment in Bangladesh’s maritime diplomacy, showcasing the navy’s growing role in protecting national interests. It also emphasized the need for legal resolution, leading Bangladesh to pursue international arbitration, which resulted in a dispute settlement verdict from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in 2012.

These incidents highlight how the Bangladesh Navy has evolved from a modest force to an active defender of the country’s maritime sovereignty. Bangladesh has effectively safeguarded its interests in the Bay of Bengal through a combination of strategic presence, diplomatic engagement, and legal arbitration.

The Nation’s Role in Empowering the Navy
For the navy to fulfill its multifaceted roles, the nation must provide the necessary resources, strategic guidance, and public support. This includes investing in modern naval assets, fostering innovation, and promoting maritime awareness among the populace. A nation that understands the importance of the seas will naturally invest in its navy, recognizing it as a vital instrument of national power.
Public-private partnerships, academic collaborations, and media campaigns can help bridge the gap between the Navy and the nation, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities into naval operations will further enhance the Bangladesh Navy’s effectiveness in addressing future challenges.

Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite its achievements, the Bangladesh Navy faces challenges such as limited resources, technological gaps, and the need for greater maritime awareness. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the Navy and the nation. As Dr. Gareth Porter, a noted security analyst, argues, “The strength of a navy lies not just in its ships and submarines but in the support it receives from its people and government.”
By prioritizing ocean literacy, maritime security, investing in naval capabilities, and fostering a maritime culture, Bangladesh can ensure that its navy remains a pillar of national strength. Encouraging marine scientific research, strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities, expanding regional naval cooperation, and ensuring mission-oriented, robust training for naval personnel will be essential for sustaining long-term growth and effectiveness.

Conclusion
The Bangladesh Navy is the shield of our nation’s prosperity—protecting sea lanes, defending commerce, and securing the lifelines of our economy. Where the Navy sails, opportunity and security follow! The ideal relationship between the Bangladesh Navy and the nation is mutual respect, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the common good. The Bangladesh Navy must continue evolving as a defender, enabler, and diplomat, while the nation must recognize its vital role and provide it with the support it needs. As the famous naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan once said, “The navy is the nation’s arm of power at sea, and its strength is a reflection of the nation’s will and vision.” For Bangladesh, a nation poised to harness the potential of its maritime domain, the navy is not just a force but a partner in progress, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all.


Commodore (Retd) Syed Misbah
Uddin Ahmad is Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime
Research and Development
(BIMRAD), Dhaka.