Borders are the foundation of a state’s geographical existence, sovereignty and political status. Therefore, ensuring border security is one of the most urgent responsibilities of any state. Bangladesh is located in a geopolitical position in South Asia, where two large neighbors, India and Myanmar, surround it on two sides, and the Bay of Bengal is in the south. All types of borders, whether land, sea or sea, face the same complexities, possibilities and challenges. Border security is not just about preventing attacks by armed enemies, but it is a multi-layered process, which includes preventing smuggling, controlling human trafficking, preventing arms trade, reducing border killings, protecting sovereignty in the water and ensuring the safety of border residents. However, there are also diplomatic challenges because border security can never be fully ensured unless relations with neighboring countries are strong. Therefore, border security and diplomacy practically complement each other.
The Bangladesh-India border is one of the longest non-military borders in the world. The natural structure of this border is complex, with mountains in some places, dense forests in others, rivers in others, and settlements in others. Due to these factors, controlling the border becomes difficult in many cases. For years, smuggling, cattle smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal infiltration, and sometimes border killings have made this border tense. Although both the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have intensified patrols on the border, the reality is complicated. Because the livelihoods, economic conditions, culture, and communication systems of people living on both sides of the border are similar in many places. Many people’s business, kinship relations, or daily work cross the border. As a result, strict surveillance sometimes means creating complications in the lives of ordinary citizens. As a result, human misunderstandings are created at the border and sometimes it turns into violence. To ensure border security, a balance has to be maintained between these three, which is not always easy.
On the other hand, the Bangladesh-Myanmar border creates a completely different reality. Much of this border is covered by mountainous forests, highlands and remote areas. The main problems here are the political instability in Myanmar, the aggressive policies of the military junta there and the Rakhine crisis. The Rohingya genocide and ethnic cleansing campaign of 2017 forced millions of Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh. As a result, the southeastern border has not only been hit by a humanitarian crisis, but also increased security risks. Hosting such a large number of refugees has created a long-term political and security pressure for Bangladesh. The border area often goes out of control as drug trafficking groups, terrorist networks, armed groups and organized crime groups become active among the Rohingya. Clashes between various rebel groups inside Myanmar sometimes lead to incidents of bullets or shells falling into Bangladesh. In these circumstances, maintaining peace on the border and ensuring civilian security is an extremely difficult task for Bangladesh.
The biggest challenge in border security is smuggling and illegal drug trade. Yaba and crystal meth in particular enter Bangladesh from Myanmar through rivers or mountain routes. It is difficult to eradicate this drug trade easily as groups on both sides of the border are involved in it. In addition, there are crimes like human trafficking, women trafficking and forest resource trafficking across the border, which on the one hand create social unrest and on the other hand weaken the security of the state. Border crimes are usually transnational, meaning criminals from one country find safe haven in another. Therefore, no matter how strong the security forces are, it is not possible to stop these crimes without diplomatic cooperation.
Another important aspect of strengthening border security is the use of technology. Today, drone surveillance, satellite imaging, thermal cameras, advanced surveillance systems in no-man’s-land are not luxuries, but rather essential. However, to increase the use of technology, budget, training and modern security techniques are needed. But not everything is possible with technology. Because criminals or smugglers always find new ways and new strategies. As a result, the security forces have to be not only strong, but also intelligent, experienced and flexible according to the situation. Border guards, as people, have to rely on locals to collect information. But when the standard of living of people in border areas is low, they are often attracted to the lure of smugglers’ money. Therefore, economic development and awareness of local people are essential for border security.
Another important aspect of border security is maritime and maritime security. Bangladesh has a vast maritime border in the Bay of Bengal, and it is rich in fisheries, energy resources, trade routes and strategic importance. Piracy, fishing poaching, illegal navigation and unauthorized entry of foreign ships all make maritime security fragile. While the Navy and Coast Guard play an important role in these areas, maritime security often depends on regional diplomacy. The political positions of India, Myanmar, China and other maritime powers can sometimes create tension in the maritime border.
Now comes the diplomatic challenge. Border security cannot be ensured only with weapons or soldiers; rather, if there is no stable, trust-based and active diplomatic relationship with the neighboring country, tensions can arise at any time. Relations with India are very important for Bangladesh. Water sharing, border killings, trade, communication, these issues are progressing through diplomatic negotiations. However, although joint patrols, diplomatic negotiations and various agreements are working to resolve the century-old border problem, reducing human deaths or tensions at the border is still a challenge. Similarly, relations with Myanmar are more complex diplomatically. When a humanitarian tragedy like the Rohingya crisis gives rise to new problems at the border every day, diplomacy has to be strong as well as soft. Because taking a strong position can create tensions, and taking a weak position increases security risks. Therefore, maintaining a balance between the two sides is a very difficult task.
In addition, regional and global politics have a direct impact on border security. South Asia is a region where the India-China rivalry, Myanmar’s internal civil war, the US Indo-Pacific strategy, the Rohingya human rights issue, and even Middle Eastern politics all have an impact. As a result, border security is often not just a local issue; rather, it becomes a major geopolitical game. Bangladesh therefore has to carefully coordinate its multifaceted diplomatic relations, defense cooperation, and internal security arrangements.
Along with the problems, there are also opportunities. Borders should not be seen only as risks; they can also play a powerful role in the economy, trade, tourism and cultural exchange. If border management is smarter, more humane and technology-based, and if cooperation with neighboring countries increases, industries, markets, integrated transport systems and employment can develop in border areas. This will also increase border security, because economic development keeps people away from crime.
In short, border security and diplomatic challenges are deeply intertwined. Diplomacy cannot succeed without strong security, and borders cannot be fully secured without successful diplomacy. Bangladesh must therefore simultaneously strengthen security, enhance diplomatic skills, use technology, improve the quality of life of local people, and deepen regional cooperation. Just as geopolitics is changing, border security is also an ongoing process. Over time, new threats will emerge, new strategies will be needed, and diplomatic language will have to be more nuanced. Border security should therefore always be a priority to maintain Bangladesh’s stability, development, and strong international standing.
