Md.Mizanur Rahman Research Scholar Policy Research Advocacy Forum Department of Political Science Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University Gopalganj Bangladesh

1. 3rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES-2024
“Contemporary Maritime Security Threats :
Bangladesh Perspective”
Research Title:
Md.Mizanur Rahman
Research Scholar & Analyst
(Geopolitics & Geo-economics)
Policy Research Advocacy Forum,
Department of Political Science,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science
andTechnology University Gopalganj, Bangladesh.
Email: mizan1999.baura@gmail.com

2. In today's modern world, maritime security threats have become a pressing concern for numerous
countries and actors. Traditionally, maritime security has been viewed through a conservative lens,
focusing on state rivalry and strategic variables. Bangladesh, with its 710 km coastline and maritime
pathway via the Bay of Bengal, faces challenges in asserting its ocean rights, notably with India and
Myanmar. Despite having declared its rights over a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ),
Bangladesh contends with conventional and non-conventional threats in its maritime domain,
including drug smuggling and piracy. The significance of ocean security extends beyond national
borders, impacting socio-economic development, territorial integrity, and human livelihoods,
especially in light of rising sea levels predicted to affect 17% of the country's land by 2100. As Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasizes, addressing these challenges requires a concerted global effort.
Introduction

3. • Identify contemporary maritime security challenges faced by
Bangladesh.
• Highlight both conventional and non-conventional threats.
• This study also shows theoretical perspectives on maritime
security under the three schools of thought.
Objectives of the
study

4. • Qualitative & Quantitative approach based on secondary
data.
Secondary Data:-
• Briefings and research reports produced by CSOs, NGOs,
INGOs, a Maritime University, National, and International
research organisation, including WHOI, BIISS, BIOS, GSO,
MBART, CMRE, NOAA, PML, Hugo observatory, Daily
newspapers, etc.
Methodolog
y

5. Research Questions
• What are the contemporary maritime security threats faced by
Bangladesh?
• How do the three schools of thought offer definite
perspectives on the study of maritime security?

6. The Several experts agreed that maritime security has no exact meaning due
to dependent on diverse actors. “According to Thean potgieter, maritime
security deals with the averting of illegal activities in the maritime domain,
which can be directly related to the national security efforts of a specific
country or can cover regional and international efforts to enforce maritime
security”. “Christopher Rahman observes that the concept of maritime
security focuses on five interrelated areas: security of the sea itself, ocean
governance, maritime border protection, military activities at sea, and
security regulation of the maritime transportation system”.
Definition of Maritime Security

7. Theoretical perspective
[Source: BIISS ]

8. Conventional Security Threats:
• Legacies of maritime boundary disputes.
• Great power rivalry.
• Dealing with the extra regional and global powers.
• Naval modernization in the Bay of Bengal.
Result and findings

9. • Regional security of sea lanes of communication (SLOC).
• Piracy.
• Maritime terrorism.
• IUU fishing.
• Natural disasters.
• Environmental pollution and climate change.
• Smuggling of arms.
• Drug trafficking.
• Illegal immigration and human trafficking.
• Presence of death zones.
Non-conventional Security Threats

10. [Source:- ReCAAP Annual Report 2022]
Piracy and armed Robbery in Bangladesh

11. [Source:- IUU Fishing Index]
IUU Fishing Ranking of Bangladesh

12. Conclusion
In conclusion, Bangladesh faces a multitude of maritime security
challenges, ranging from piracy and illicit activities to environmental
degradation and climate change impacts. Addressing these threats
requires a comprehensive approach that integrates modern technology,
adherence to international law, and a focus on peace and development, as
emphasized by Sheikh Hasina's vision.

13. Thank You