Military Diplomacy between Bangladesh and Myanmar: A Catalyst for Uplifting Bilateral Ties

After the formalization of bilateral ties on January 13, 1972, the bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar have been torn between a period of relative peace and frosty bilateral ties.

A series of irritants in the bilateral ties continue to feed the hostile posture of both countries.

Notwithstanding, hostile ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar will ripple across the region, as Myanmar and Bangladesh link South Asia and South East Asia, a region that has become the centerpiece of global geopolitics.

Bangladesh shares a 271 km border with Myanmar--a strategically significant frontier in the southern part of Bangladesh, a region that had been riddled with a paroxysm of violent upheavals. The southern region of Bangladesh--comprising the largest administrative division Chittagong, restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the world's largest significant largest sea beach Coxs Bazar--makes the region geopolitically and strategically significant for the maintenance of regional and local stability.

The Rohingya issue has driven wedges between the two countries. The lack of bilateral trust and dialogue is conspicuous, which explains the procrastination concerning the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees. Despite recurring pacts and dialogues, the outstanding issues in bilateral ties linger, circumventing improvements that are necessary for a turnaround of bilateral ties.

The traditional diplomatic overtures and devices have proved futile in restoring a semblance of peace in bilateral ties. Against this backdrop, military and defense diplomacy needs to be explored.

There are avenues for uplifting bilateral ties from the prevailing stalemate. There is an array of issues where bilateral collaboration can fortify mutual capabilities. The military and commercial connections between the two countries are still embryonic, even though military cooperation functions as a catalyst in improving the dynamics of bilateral ties and spill-over to other arenas of bilateral ties. This is more relevant since the military wields considerable sway on the levers of power, and with the military-backed coup, the military has cemented its pervasive role in state affairs. Hence, amicable ties between the military of both nations--grounded in defense cooperation, logistical reinforcements, and strategic de-escalation--can significantly contribute to assuaging the security dilemma in the bilateral ties. The lack of cooperation inflames unfounded consternation, communicating wrong signals, and thus undermines the peaceful streak of bilateral ties. Thus, military diplomacy can establish channels of bilateral cooperation, streamline the collaborative process, and will allay suspicions concerning the intentions.

Bangladesh and Myanmar face an array of shared security threats, and since the issues such as terrorism and transnational crime are not confined within the frontier of any nation, the resolution of these issues is cumbersome through the effort of one country. As such, cooperation is imperative to deter the rise of terrorism and militancy--a menace that had wrought damage to the stability of both countries.

Cyber risks have become a more potent threat in the digital age, necessitating a reappraisal of state security strategies. Cyber risk requires interoperable intelligence data and capacity building, which can be attained through melding the military competencies of both countries.

The military component holds considerable promise in the bilateral ties between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Harmonious military ties are the prerequisite for improvement in bilateral relations. The military of Myanmar is a critical component in the state apparatus of Myanmar, molding the strategic posture and shaping Myanmar's engagement with other countries. As such, the Bangladesh military can seek long-term ties with the military of Myanmar (Tatmadaw).

Establishing a framework and institutional capacities for bilateral ties is the bedrock of robust military ties between two countries. This requires frequent bilateral visits, exchanges of military high-ups, training sessions, capacity-building projects, and joint exercises between the military of both countries. This will allay suspicions and hostile intentions between the two countries, thus ushering in effective and fruitful ties between the two countries.

It is to be mentioned that the ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar have considerable implications for regional security, as security issues between the two countries inhibit the progress on the Rohingya repatriation. Instituting the frameworks of cooperation and injecting accountability in the bilateral ties can reverberate across other arenas, prodding Myanmar to deliver on its pledges for the repatriation of Rohingya. Thus, military diplomacy between Myanmar and Bangladesh can set the tone for thriving bilateral ties, which can spill over to other arenas of bilateral ties, uplifting the complexion of bilateral ties, and will contribute to regional security and stability.

Written by Sam Harris, Graduate, University of Leiden

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