Published: 12:48 AM, 26 March 2026
Defense Thoughts: Analyzing the Strategic Doctrine of Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam
Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam is seen presiding over a meeting at the Defence Ministry in this photograph. -AA
Ifad Zahir Afridy
The recent intellectual output from Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam newly appointed Defense Advisor to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman signals a significant shift in how Bangladesh’s national security is being conceptualized. His columns do not merely recount history; they propose a sophisticated, "active-defense" philosophy tailored for the 21st century.
1. Professionalism as a Strategic Asset Dr. Islam’s primary thesis is that a military’s strength is not measured by its inventory alone, but by its institutional hygiene. He argues that true professionalism requires a force that is: Apolitical: Operating as a merit-based institution. Disciplined: Maintaining a rigid adherence to the chain of command. Technically Proficient: Prioritizing skill-based readiness over sheer numbers. 2. The Shift to "Hybrid" Warfare Perhaps the most "newspaper-ready" aspect of his writing is his recognition that the era of traditional, static battlefields is over. Dr. Islam identifies a multi-dimensional threat landscape where technology, information, and rapid-response capabilities are the new currencies of war. His vision calls for an "Adaptive Defense" model one that emphasizes inter-service synergy and high-level intelligence integration. 3. A "Total National Defense" (TND) Approach Dr. Islam bridges the gap between the barracks and the street. He advocates for a People-Centric Doctrine, suggesting that the military’s legitimacy—and its ultimate effectiveness—rests on public trust. By highlighting the military’s role in disaster management and national development, he frames defense as a "National Framework" where civilian resilience is as vital as military firepower. 4. Geopolitical Realism On the international stage, Dr. Islam’s writings reflect a realist's perspective. He views defense policy as an extension of diplomatic leverage. To him, a strong military is a deterrent that allows a nation to navigate the volatile waters of regional and global geopolitics from a position of strength, rather than vulnerability.
2. The Verdict: A Pragmatic Appointment The decision to place Dr. Islam in the Prime Minister’s inner circle suggests a move toward evidence-based policymaking. His rare blend of academic rigor, historical perspective, and ground-level military experience makes him uniquely suited to oversee the modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. In a world defined by rapid technological shifts and shifting alliances, his "integrated" defense thoughts provide a timely blueprint for a more resilient and modern Bangladesh.
Ifad Zahir Afridy is a
geopolitical analyst writing
on contemporary issues.
