The Stormy Sea of Geo-Politics & Geo-Economics: How will Bangladesh Navigate?
Channel: BIPSS
Date: 10/10/2020

The world is entering into a phase of geopolitical transformation. Phrases like 'new normal', 'COVID times', and 'post COVID world' have entered our lexicon. For emerging middle powers like Bangladesh, it is crucial to understand the emerging challenges and opportunities and navigate with dexterity and steadfastness. There is also a need to continuously strive towards a rules based international order. In order to explore these issues and more BIPSS recently organised a webinar titled 'The Story Sea of Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: How will Bangladesh Navigate? The keynote paper was presented by Mr. Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor, East West University, Dhaka. 

In his presentation. Mr. Abbasi highlighted the need for Bangladesh to pursue a policy of strategic equi-proximity and stressed on the need to understand the new geopolitics of the world. He also outlined some of the economic challenges that might potentially stem from decoupling. Mr. Abbasi especially stressed on the need to understand the historical context in order to adequately understand the changes that are likely to occur as a result of what is being termed as the 'new great game'. 

In his remarks, President, BIPSS Major General Muniruzzaman (Retd). highlighted the importance of maintaining Bangladesh's strategic autonomy and also acting as a voice for stability in the region. General Muniruzzaman outlined some of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead of us in the post COVID world.

Ms. Silja Paasilina, Country Director IFES Bangladesh, delivered the welcome remarks and the session was moderated by Mr. Shafqat Munir, Research Fellow and Head of Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research (BCTR). The audience included senior officials, heads of international organisations, senior diplomats, academics, analysts and members of the media. BIPSS' numerous think tanks partners from across various regions were also represented at the webinar.