The main objective of the Dialogue was to explore the security perspectives of India and Bangladesh, with special focus on the threat of terrorism in the region
Observer Research Foundation and Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), Dhaka, organised a India-Bangladesh Security Dialogue on December 6-7 2009. The main objective of the Dialogue was to explore the security perspectives of India and Bangladesh, with special focus on the threat of terrorism in the region. The Dialogue offered participants of both the countries an opportunity to interact with each other and discuss bilateral issues in a free and frank atmosphere.
The Indian delegation was led by Amb. M Rasgotra, President, ORF Centre for International Relations and comprised of distinguished diplomats, security analysts and academics including Mr. Vikram Sood, Vice President ORF Centre for International Relations, Amb. Leela Ponappa, who recently retired as Deputy National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen VR Raghavan, Director, Delhi Policy Group, Maj. Gen Afsir Karim, Mr. Wasbir Hussain, Dr. Sreeradha Dutta, Mr. Wilson John and Dr. Joyeeta Bhattacharjee.
The Bangladesh team was led by Ambassador Farouk Sobhan, former Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh and President of BEI.
Dr. Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister was the Chief Guest and Mr. Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh was the special guest at the inaugural session. The inaugural remarks were made by Amb. Rasgotra and Amb. Farooq Sobhan delivered the welcomed address. Dr. Dipu Moni, in her address, said Bangladesh was determined not to allow terrorists to use of its territory for any subversive activities against the country or its neighbours. She warned that destructive fundamentalism was threatening the region and every effort must be made to combat and eliminate terrorism. Amb. Rasgotra in his inaugural remarks described the people of India and Bangladesh as ‘blood brothers’ and said both the countries would benefit to a large extent by addressing issues of common interest. “We need to act with openness and sincerity for ensuring well-being of the people in the subcontinent” he said. In his welcome address Amb. Sobhan pointed out that terrorism has become a major concern and no country can deal with the issue of terrorism alone.
In addition to an impressive inaugural and concluding sessions there were four working sessions which were led by the following four presentations-- “Security Perspectives of Bangladesh” by Mr. Humayun Kabir, Senior Research Director, BEI, Dhaka, “Counter Terrorism Strategy of Bangladesh: National and International Dimensions” by Dr. Abdur Rob Khan, Associate Professor North South University, Dhaka, “Perspectives of India: Focus on Terrorism” and “Support of Bangladesh Terrorist Organisations from External Sources” both written by Maj. Gen. Afsir Karim, eminent Strategic Affairs Analyst.
The Dialogue saw an intense debate on issues like non traditional security, climate change, transit, sharing of water, terrorism, role of media, economic relations. naxalite problem and border issues.
Report prepared by Dr Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, Associate Fellow, ORF
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