BANGLADESH-MYANMAR RELATIONS (2009-2013): A POLITICO-STRATEGIC STUDY

Abstract

The thesis intends to understand the nature and extent of Bangladesh-Myanmar bilateral relations focusing on the strategic importance of the countries. Both Bangladesh and Myanmar are close neighbors having geographical proximity, historical legacy, commercial and cultural ties. In terms of geo-strategic, political and economic point of view, the countries are significant to each other. But the bilateral relationship of the countries is not meaningful as bordering neighbors. Furthermore, it has been complicated day by day due regarding some factors that are delineated in the study. In this connection, the research attempts to examine the nature and extent of Bangladesh-Myanmar bilateral relations along with exploring the strategic significance of the countries. The study is qualitative in nature based on analytical and narrative methods. It assembles data from both primary and secondary sources. The study takes realism as a theoretical tool of the study. The major findings of the study illustrate that Bangladesh-Myanmar political relations could not reach at satisfactory level. The bilateral relationship of the countries has passed through ups and down that is termed as cooperative and conflictive. The study also reveals that both the countries are significant to each other in terms of strategic perspective albeit the countries have failed to grab the strategic opportunities. The study suggests that to strengthen the bilateral relation both the countries should reciprocate in the same way through operative diplomatic ties and intensive cooperation. Additionally, the research recommends that both the countries should venture the geo-strategic opportunities through enhancing connectivity, trade and investment following India and China. The study is very significant in the academic and policy area. The academicians and the policy makers can have valuable insights from the thesis to revisit their course of action and policy regarding Bangladesh- Myanmar relationship.