Development Role of Peace Time Army

By Syed Ahsanul Alam

Professor & Chairman Department of Marketing University of Chittagong Email: professorparvez@gmail.com Cell: 880-1711748748 Facebook: www.facebook.com/profahsanul

About The Author

Professor Syed Ahsanul Alam, a renowned Policy Analyst of the Country, studied Management, Marketing and Governance at Chittagong & Rajshahi Universities and National University of Singapore. He has taught Business & Communications at Undergraduate & Postgraduate level since 1988. He has been a leading researcher in Business, Communications, Social Justice and Governance. His academic & professional interests include Business & Finance, Communications and Governance. He has delivered several lectures at different Business Schools including University of Science & Technology, Bangladesh Open University and ABAC, Thailand. He is also a distinguished player on Social Issues and a widely travelled personality. Many of his Articles were published in various renowned Journals & Newspapers at home & abroad. He was former Coordinator & Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Business, University of Science & Technology, Chittagong, Vice Rector of IIBT, Premier University, Chittagong, Bangladesh and Director of Sadharan Bima Corporation, Bangladesh. He founded Centre for Good Governance in 2006. Currently, he is Professor & Chair of the Department of Marketing Studies & International Marketing of the University of Chittagong, Governor, Centre for Business Studies, a postgraduate Institute affiliated to the University of Chittagong, International editor of AIM Explore, published by Advance Institute of Management, Mahamaya Technical University, Uttara Pradesh, India, Director of Rupali Bank Limited and Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries and Chairman, Centre for Good Governance, Chittagong, Bangladesh.The Author may be reached at email: professorparvez@gmail.com, Cell: 880-1711748748, Face book: www.facebook.com/profahsanul

ABSTRACT
The primary role of Bangladesh Armed Forces is to defend the country from external aggression in order to maintain country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty while the secondary role of the Armed Forces is to provide assistance to the civil administration whenever required due to internal problems,natural calamities or man-made disasters etc.Present concept of national security emphasizes national development through which comprehensive security of a nation is ensured and the concept of development encompasses the harnessing of all available resources and their best uses.Bangladesh being a developing country cannot afford to spend huge budget behind the Armed Forces which is apparently an unproductive sector.The country again cannot deny having the military forces for the greater causes of national existence. Defence forces are the most organized forces in a society and may be used for national development vis--vis national security. Thus, policy makers are in continuous quest to find a good balance between national security and national development so as to ensure the full utilization of the capacity of a defence force built and maintained for the benefit of the citizens and the nation. Hence during the peace time, the Armed Forces can be employed with the multidimensional tasks including nation building activities and military operations other than war (MOOTW) thus making a remarkable contribution towards the economy and development of the nation. The multidimensional role of Bangladesh Armed Forces and their relevance to the development integration and national security therefore requires a thorough examination.

List of Acronyms

Acronym

Meaning

AFD

Armed Forces Division

BAF

Bangladesh Air Force

BN

Bangladesh Navy

BMTF Factory

Bangladesh Machine Tools

BGB

Border Guard Bangladesh

BSF

Border Security Forces

CHT

Chittagong Hill Tracts

DGFI Forces Intelligence

Directorate General of

EEZ Zone

Exclusive Economic

LTTE Tamil Eelam

Liberation Tigers of

MOOTW Than War

Military Operations Other

MOD

Ministry Of Defence

UN

United Nations

Glossary of Terms

Insurgency- An insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority (for example, an authority recognized as such by the United Nations) when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents.An insurgency can be fought via counter-insurgency warfare, and may also be opposed by measures to protect the population, and by political and economic actions of various kinds aimed at undermining the insurgents' claims against the incumbent regime.

Military Operations Other Than War-(MOOTW) focus on deterring war, resolving conflict, promoting peace, and supporting civil authorities in response to domestic crises.

Traditional Security Threats- Threats of aggression by one state to another state in order to capture,destroy or intimidation.

Non-Traditional Security Threats- Threats related to personal security,economic security,environmental security,food security,health security,political security etc.

Traditional Role of Military- The universal 'traditional' or the 'primary' role of the military is to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state from external aggression.

Non-Traditional Role of Military-Any task assigned to the military other than its primary mission constitutes the non-traditional role which the US military calls Operations Other Than War (OOTW).In Bangladesh Armed Forces,it is called Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW).

Transnational Security Threats-These are non-military threats that cross borders and threaten the social and political integrity of a nation or the health of that nation's inhabitants.For example: Narcotics and Arms trafficking,Human smuggling,disease and international pandemics etc.

Shanti Bahini-Self claimed armed insurgent groups in CHT which was formed in 1972 by the tribals of CHT.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord-The Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord is a political agreement and peace treaty signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (United People's Party of the Chittagong Hill Tracts), the political organisation that controlled the Shanti Bahini militia. The accord allowed for the recognition of the rights of the peoples and tribes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region and ended the decades-long insurgency between the Shanti Bahini and government forces.

Development Role of Peace Time Army

Table of Contents

Preliminaries Aknowledgenment Abstract List of Acronyms Glossary of Terms

Section I: Introduction Background Aim Scope Methodology Main Body Section- II: Security, Defence and Development Role of Armed Forces: National Security vs. National Development Linkage Between Defence and Development Bangladeshs Strategic Security concerns Bangladesh Armed Forces -Doctrinal Fundamentals -Security Issues Section- III: Organizational Role and Capabilities of Bangladesh Armed Forces Role and capabilities of Bangladesh Army Role and capabilities of Bangladesh Navy Role of Bangladesh Air Force

Section- IV: Evolving Roles of the Military in the Asia-Pacific Military Response to Unconventional and Non-military Threats Military Responses to Growing Transnational and Humanitarian Problems

Section- V: Multidimensional Role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and its Impact General Development Needs of Bangladesh Armed Forces in National Development Role Impact Analysis

Section- VI: Nation-building Activities- Role of the Armed Forces of Other Nations Disaster Response- Role of the armed forces of India Nation building activities- Role of Srilankan armed forces Nation building activities- Role of Pakistan armed forces National Development Activities-Role of Thai armed forces Lessons drawn from the armed forces of other nations

Section- VII: Conclusion

Section- VIII: Recommendations

Annexes ABList of project work of Bangladesh Army Completed and current state of Bangladesh deployment in UN

peacekeeping mission as on July 2011

References

Development Role of Peace Time Army

Traditionally, the formal purpose of the Armed Forces is to act against foreign enemies, but in reality they have other and varied functions.....The Armed Forces have a critical nation building function. Fidel Ramos, Former President of Philippines

Section-I: Introduction Background Bangladesh Armed Forces have been found to be the most important and effective organ of the government for its outstanding contribution at any critical juncture of the nation irrespective of national security or national development is concerned since its inception.It has to provide robust response to traditional security threats whenever and from whatever sources they appear. Building up an army, air or naval force is a long drawn out affair.After the demise of the cold war era there has been a paradigm shift in the global security environment where traditional threats to security have been overshadowed by the non trraditional threats.The traditional military threat to Bangladesh comes mainly from India and Myanmar to some extent.Due to pragmatic foreign policies and geo-political advantages, it can be assumed that the danger of Bangladesh getting involved in an armed conflict with neighboring countries or a country beyond the border is less likely. Just because we do not have a threat in sight does not mean we have no need of a strong modern armed force. The purpose of the military is to ensure that the threat is not allowed to develop and any threat is taken care of at the onslaught. A modern strong defense force may provide quick response to crush any threat before it becomes dominant. Bangladesh armed forces must be able to inflict sufficient damage to an aggressor to deter him from launching an attack in the first place, what is called deterrence capability. Given the financial resources that are made available now for the defence, the government would be able to further develop armed forces to meet the challenges of national security in a befitting manner. In the past as well as in the present context, Bangladesh is reported to have the threat of religious extremists who want to establish a radical state by violent means. We also have the extreme leftists who in the name of establishing a classless society has been, in fact, looting the countryside. Coupled with these, the separatist elements from across the border are also trying to use Bangladesh as sanctuary. Arms and drug smugglers use Bangladesh as a conduit. The armed

forces are prepared to help the law enforcing agencies whenever required. Militarys training and operational doctrine, force structuring and equipment procurement should reflect these urgent security imperatives as well as to combat the emerging non-conventional security threats. Bangladesh is a developing country with a small per capita income but a large population. Therefore a country like Bangladesh is hard up to maintain a large standing and apparently unproductive armed forces. Again she can not ignore the question of national security and sovereignty. The defence forces have had a significant role to play in any developing country. In some countries they are used for national development activities as well as operations other than war. Bangladesh Armed Forces are already involved in many national development activities. Question may arise about negative affect on training, physical efficiency and discipline but at the same time special qualities of armed forces like organizational capabilities, training, discipline and technical skills will have positive affect on the society and other development sectors. The armed forces can be employed in some specific areas like disaster management, rescue operations, construction of roads, embankments, aforestation, healthcare, housing, port management, shipping and shipbuilding sectors successfully for the upliftment of the economy. Employment of armed forces in nation building works not only enhance the forces professional capability but also contributes directly towards mitigating comprehensive security besides bettering civil-military relations. Armed Forces of any nation is considered to be the symbol of sovereignty and independence and Bangladesh armed forces is no exception to that. It has emerged through the independence struggle of Bangladesh in 1971. Its primary role is to defend the country from any external aggression with a view to maintaining territorial integrity and national sovereignty while the secondary role is to provide assistance to the civil administration whenever required by the government due to internal problems and natural/manmade disasters. Since it's inception Bangladesh armed forces have demonstrated its unique capabilities in fighting counter insurgency operations in Chittagong Hill Tracts(CHT) which ended with the signing of historical 'Peace Accord' in 1997. (source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Hill_Tracts_Peace_Accord) Beside the operational activities Bangladesh armed forces have a glorious track record of participating in nation building activities contributing to socio-economic and infrastructural development of Bangladesh. Bangladesh armed forces have also been making tremendous contribution to UN peace keeping mission and disaster relief operation both at home and abroad.

Aim The aim of this paper is to analyze the multidimensional role of Bangladesh Armed Forces and its contribution to the national development vis--vis national security.

Scope This paper will examine the following in search of finding a balance between national development and national security roles of Bangladesh Armed Forces with special reference to: a. Security,Defence and Development. b. Organisational Roles and Capabilities of Bangladesh Armed Forces.

c. Evolving Roles of the Military in the Asia-Pacific. d. e. Multidimensional Role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and its Impact. Nation Building Activities-The Role of Armed Forces of

India,Srilanka,Pakistan,Thailand.

Methodology The methodology used while carrying out this research paper was based on a thorough analysis of information from both primary and secondary sources. A qualitative content analysis of existing literatures was also carried from library research, websites and print media. Experts on corporate governance, governance and civil-military relationships were also interviewed to tap their views and opinions. The personal experience of the assumptions of this paper. researcher also helped to form foundation

Section- II: Security, Defence and Development

Role of Armed Forces: National Security Vs. National Development

Security of a nation is the prime concern of any soverign state. In the geopolitics of the modern world,security has become a mulidimensional concept. A nation can be said to have assured its security when it is economicaly devloped, politicaly stable and socio-culturaly cohesive.Today the old concept of national security no more prevails in the global scenario. Present concept of national security emphasizes national development through which actual security of a nation is ensured and Bangladesh being a developing country cannot afford to spend huge budget on the armed forces if it remains unproductive during peacetime. The concept of development encompasses the harnessing of all available resources and their best uses. However, one cannot deny the importance of developing a modern armed force to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bangladesh from external and internal threats. Multifaceted threats have changed the conventional role of military from countering traditional threats alone rather emphasis is more needed to meet the non-traditional challenges and transnational threats.

In the backdrop of the changed security scenario, the role of armed forces have become more complex and multidimensional. Bangladesh believes in peaceful resolution of all bilateral regional and international disputes in all corners of the globe.The country is clearly committed to establish internal peace and security for its citizens. Bangladesh armed forces have always stood firmly against all forms of terrorism, militancy and insurgency activities within the country. Therefore, the country needs to have a strong time befitting and modern armed forces through quality training within the country's limited resources in order to undertake multidimensional tasks.Armed forces in Bangladesh have earned fame and acclaimed not only in the country but also outside by discharging their duties with honesty, dedication, sincerity and efficiency.The multidimensional role of Bangladesh armed forces and their relevance to development integration and nation building therefore requires a thorough examination so that focus is not shifted from the primary role of the armed forces i.e ensuring national sovereignty and territorial integrity. So during the peacetime the armed forces can be employed in some productive areas that may make a remarkable contribution towards the economy and development of the nation. Besides,they may also be tasked to deal with non-traditional and transnational threats like narcotics and arms trafficking,insurgency,terrorism,climate change and environmental degradation etc. Therefore, national policy makers are continuously evaluating the options and feasibility of employing the armed forces for the multidimensional role in order to ensure comprehensive security. This

therefore calls for identifying the suitable areas of contribution which will commensurate with the qualities and capabilities of the armed forces. In this connection the similar roles played by the armed forces of the other nations will be critically viewed. But such exploration should only be done keeping in mind the possible hazards that may arise in such involvements of the defence forces in activities of military operations other than war(MOOTW). No compromise can be made which will deter the professionalism of the armed forces and will shift their mindset from their primary task to any other task what so ever productive they are because none can forget that an army is developed and maintained to fight and shed blood for the security of the nation.

Linkage Between Defence and Development The inter-dependence between security, defence and development is not always a well-understood fact. Interdependence between security and defence is over-emphasized while linkage between security and development or defence and development are often taken to be contradictory. Only visionary statesmen can clearly visualize this relationship. This was acknowledged at an international symposium on Military Expenditure in Developing Countries: Security and Development held in Ottawa, Canada in 1997. The Chairmans concluding statement read like this, There was a wide consensus that security is necessary to development and that an environment of security and development creates favorable conditions for lowering military expenditures.(source: Bangladesh year book 1999-Security Defence and Development,Bangladesh Perspective) Robert McNamara recognized the triangular linkage of security, defence and development thus, Security means development. Security is no military hardware, though it includes it, security is not military force, though it may involve it, security is not traditional military activity, though it may encompass it. Security is development and without development there can be no security. The concept of security has transcended traditional thinking. Security planning now follows a new approach where threat assumes a multi-dimensional character and such threats may be military or non-military in nature but has to be considered as security issues for any nation. Now the concept of security encompasses food security, oil security, energy security, environmental security, political security and many more socio-economic issues which, if not dealt properly, may definitely bring deterring effects of national security. The subject of defence, security and development is typical but in contemporary discourses the

inter-dependence has not found any consensual expression since different studies have indicated divergent patterns. Defence and defence spending is often talked about from diverse stand points and this is more true in Bangladesh as this debate is a very emotive issue here. The conventional line of argument has been that a Taka saved from un-productive expenditure is a Taka made available for development. Scholars and critics see the very process of development hampered by high defence expenditure; in some cases the argument is carried to the extreme, suggesting a total disbanding of the military, at least in the present form. While some argue in favor of doing away with the military altogether they, however, do not go far enough in their arguments since they do not suggest any viable and practicable alternatives to ensure a plausible mechanism for the defence of the state. Some call into question the size of the military budget on the grounds that while trying to ensure the physical security of Bangladesh, the increasing cost of maintaining a military creates conditions which impinge on security by neglecting other developmental projects, thus reinforcing the argument of some analysts like Kenneth Boulding that defence expenditure is counter-productive. However, in consideration of the geo-political importance, military and non-military threats from neighboring countries and countries beyond the border, all the political leaders rightly emphasized the importance of building and maintaining a modern army for Bangladesh. Given the fact that military is often the strongest institution in any emerging economy, now the contemporary burning issue is how to use the defence force in the most productive nature and maintaining the civilian supremacy. More specifically how to ensure productive use of a peace time military which can act as a strong national development force if properly engaged in development activities. (source: Bangladesh year book 1999-Security Defence and Development,Bangladesh Perspective)

Bangladesh's Strategic Security Concerns As earlier discussed, due to pragmatic policies and geo-political advantages, Bangladesh has fortunately avoided major combat against foreign aggressors. However, since August 1975, it has often faced pressures from neighbors who can only mount ground offensives against Bangladesh. In late 1975, some members of an erstwhile guerilla force of 1971 sought refuge in a neighboring state where, reportedly, they were offered sanctuary, arms, ammunition and explosives for mounting attacks against Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and police outposts. Around April 1977, highest political office of a neighboring country stopped this proxy campaign and negotiated the

militants repatriation. Since 1976, the Shanti Bahini insurrection against Bangladeshs authority in the CHT engaged in the national military and paramilitary in two decades of counter-insurgency operations, causing heavy losses. The insurgents operated from safe bases in nearing states of a neibouring country. Again, only when the highest political office of a neighbour terminated this campaign Bangladesh was able to defuse the insurgencies. The India-Bangladesh border, sections of which India has been fencing off, still carries disputed claims. On many occasions The Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) had exchanged fire with the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). The worst incidents occurred in 1999-2000 when they fought virtually pitched battles. The Padua/Pyrdiwah dispute and the Borobari clashes in 2000 caused the deaths of several BSF soldiers inside Bangladesh.Deaths of Bangladeshi nationals shot by the BSF, too, reflects tension in border areas during such incidents. According to newspaper reports, BSF reportedly killed 907 Bangladeshis over January 1, 2000 - 31 March 2011 according to Odhikars, Human Rights Monitoring Report, of April 1 2011. Bangladesh experienced Maritime tensions too. The Indian navy deployed warships to Dakshinn Talpatty in early 1981, challenging Bangladesh. Myanmar, too, has threatened Bangladesh by causing border skirmishes in December,1991.(source: Major General M Harunar Rashid,External military threat to Bangladesh,presentation paper for NDC-2000) Indian and Myanmarese navies deployed warships to Bangladeshi-claimed waters in 2008. With energy demands rapidly rising and offshore reserves and maritime trade acquiring growing significance, maritime disputes add to Bangladeshs national security challenges.(source: Air Cdre (Retd) Ishfaque Ilahi Chowdhury,ndc,psc,'National Security:Bangladesh perspective' published in The Daily Star-March 6,2010) National defence is a critical responsibility of the state. In a highly competitive security environment, Bangladesh can uphold and advance its collective interests. It already has a sound foundation of that capacity in the form of its armed forces.If the professional capabilities of these forces are further enhanced, they will not only boost the states deterrence and defensive potential, but also raise the states ability to secure the citizens interests in times of disasters and emergencies. Any dilution of their core competences will, however, assure the erosion of their military and civilian-administrative capabilities irretrievably. No country could opt for that too.

Bangladesh Armed forces The Bangladesh Armed Forces is the three uniformed military services of Bangladesh that consist of the Bangladesh Army(BA), the Bangladesh Navy(BN) and the Bangladesh Air Force(BAF). The para-military Bangladesh Rifles now known as BGB and Bangladesh Coast Guard are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs during peace time, but during war time they fall under the command of Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Navy respectively. The Armed forces of Bangladesh is the 13th largest and is regarded as one of the most professional armed forces in the world. The President of Bangladesh is the Commander-in-Chief of the military, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the principal administrative organization by which military policy is formulated and executed. The MoD is headed by the Minister of Defence, who is a civilian and a member of the Cabinet, usually held by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. To coordinate military policy with diplomacy both the President and the Prime Minister are advised by a six-member advisory board, three Chiefs of Staff, which includes the head of each of the regular services, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and Military Secretaries to the President and the Prime Minister. The Director Generals of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), Directorate General Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the BGB also serve in an advisory capacity.(source: wikepedia-Bangladesh Armed Forces)

Doctrinal Fundamentals of Bangladesh Armed Forces It is based on the guidance laid down in the constitution as well as in the foreign policy of Bangladesh. The fundamentals provide linkage between national policy in respect of security and military operation. So, based on the strategic security environment in order to preserve national core values and national interest the armed forces pursue a doctrine of defensive strategy with deterrence. The deterrence design has punitive power inbuilt with the aggressive capability to retaliate effectively. However, non-aggressive foreign policy of Bangladesh leads to pursue active military diplomacy with the neighbours. In order to secure better South Asia the doctrinal fundamentals provide scope for cooperation against non-traditional security issues like extremism and terrorism.(source: Brief on Bangladesh Armed Forces by AFD to NDC-2011 on 01 February

2011.)

Security Issues In the present context, the security issues emanating from the complexity of prevailing security environment are very challenging. The culture of conflict over co-operation somehow dominated this part of the world. Thus, the kind of rapprochement that should otherwise prevail has not been developed. The political platform also differs, as such 'Democratic Peace Theory' may not be very applicable here. So over and above, the state centric security concerns like border and territoriality, resources issue, power rivalry are very much extant. What is more puzzling is that, non-traditional security issues like arms smuggling, drug trafficking, migration, cross border terrorism and so on are threatening prime and core values. The point is these non-traditional security issues do not take place in vacuum, and they take place in conjunction with the traditional security issues. In the South Asian region asymmetric war targeting various elements of national power, proxy war, terrorism, insurgency and border skirmishes are the nature of conflict that are likely to be encountered. In the pretext of terrorism, border skirmishes and insurgency, Bangladesh may be involved in a limited war scenario. However, Bangladesh would not draw herself into conflict with her neighbors unless her core national values and interests are threatened. Currently Bangladesh is experiencing a kind of low intensity conflicts may be termed as quasi terrorism in CHT area. (source: Brief on Bangladesh Armed Forces by AFD to NDC-2011 on 01 February 2011.)

Section- III: Organizational Role And Capabilities Of Bangladesh Armed Forces Genesis of Bangladesh Armed Forces The Bangladesh Armed Forces was structured and organized itself officially on 21 Nov' 1971 comprising with Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. The current strength of Bangladesh Army is estimated to be more than 150,000+ personnel, while Bangladesh Air Force consists of more than 17,000 personnel and Bangladesh Navy with 24,000 personnel. The forces are always remain prepared to undertake traditional military missions as well as any other mission assigned by the government. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Armed_Forces#Role_of_the_Military)

Role of Bangladesh Army i) To defend sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. ii) To plan and develop the mobilization of civil resources in support of land operations. iii) To aid the civil administrations in the maintenance of internal security and law and order situation, when assigned. iv) To assist the civil administration in managing the disasters and natural calamities, when desired by the government. v) To take part in nation-building activities as and when deployed. vi)To support peacekeeping operations under the UN banner. vii)To take part in coalition operations with other nations if authorized by the parliament.

Capabilities of Bangladesh Army Being the fourth largest army in South-Asia, Bangladesh army is capable of undertaking large scale conventional land operations in a joint environment (including navy and air force) with the capacity of survivability and expansibility, operations other than war, humanitarian and social tasks around the globe. It is able to master thousands of armed unconventional forces to complement the conventional operations. It can effectively manage the post-disaster situation within the country and abroad. Bangladesh army has been able to contribute the highest number of troops in peace-support operations under UN missions. It is also capable to meet any asymmetric threat to maintain law and order situation. Logistically, self-sufficient Bangladesh Army is also capable of supporting para-military and auxiliary forces during the outbreak of any war.

Role of Bangladesh Navy To make effective use of the Bay of Bengal and the adjacent Indian Ocean, in the interests of economy and military power and to safeguard national interests from aggression in any form, the government has entrusted the BN with specific operational roles as under: i) Defence against sea-borne invasion. ii)Protection of sea lanes of communication. iii)Protection of off shore interests. iv)In constabulary role, Bangladesh Navy since its inception, has been assigned with:

*Anti-smuggling and Anti-piracy operations. *EEZ patrolling for fishery protection. *Law enforcement. *Search and rescue at sea. *Assistance to customs, police ,immigration and port authorities. v)Diplomatic role in the form of flag showing visits and show presence. vi)Hydrographic survey of our sea and ocean areas. vii)Deployment in aid to civil power. viii)Participation in UN mission.

Capabilities of Bangladesh Navy As an arm of Bangladesh Armed Forces, the Bangladesh Navy is entrusted with the role of ensuring maritime security and territorial integrity of Bangladesh. In view of this envisaged role, she has a reasonably well tailored maritime fleet which has guaranteed capabilities in different dimensions of maritime warfare. As a reckonable fleet, she has capabilities of enforcing limited sea-control in selected areas of operation for a stipulated period. For this, she has a comprehensive fit of platforms, weapons, sensors and other upkeep capabilities. Recently in her drive for attaining three dimensional capabilities, she has inducted fleet Air Arm and actively pursues to include future submarine capabilities. Besides her core capabilities, her strengths are also being augmented for joint warfare requirements in terms of amphibious warfare, Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and Maritime search and rescue. Additionally, Bangladesh Navy plays an instrumental role in disaster relief operations.

Role of Bangladesh Air force BAF, ideally should perform all the traditional roles and tasks of a tactical air force. BAF posture is more of defensive in nature, it has been so evolved and organized keeping in view the national defence objective of the country. BAF motto also amply derived from this particular aspect. The BAF Motto,"Banglar aakash rakhibo mukto" which means: "free shall we keep the sky of Bangladesh" BAF is continuously striving to train and maintain her personnel and equipment in line with this sacred task. The roles therefore include:

i)To defend the airspace of Bangladesh. ii)To attack on enemy's offensive power in times of war. iii)To provide intelligence /information by means of photographic, radar, electronic and visual reconnaissance. iv)To create favorable air situation for assisting Bangladesh Army and Navy in times of war. v)To provide long range transportation for strategic movement of land and other forces. vi)To provide Search and Rescue and Casualty Evacuation Mission. vii)To assist civil administration in maintaining internal peace whenever deployed.

(source: Brief on Bangladesh Armed Forces by AFD to NDC-2011 on 01 February 2011.)

Section- IV: Evolving Roles Of The Military In The Asia-Pacific Military Response to Unconventional and Non-military Threats In the global context, after the demise of the cold-war era, new sets of security threats have been exposed to both developed and developing nations. This can no longer be viewed through the parochial military prism alone. Unconventional and non-military threats are arising out of international terrorism, drug and arms trafficking, ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation and natural disasters, etc. impinge upon overall security of a nation. These pose new threats to national security of equal relevance to the traditional ones. So the role of military today is becoming more complex, sensitive and multidimensional. Military Forces are being drawn into Transnational Missions: Problems that were peripheral during the Cold War (such as drug smuggling, illegal migration, or environmental degradation) are now at the center stage security issue. Governments are responding by utilizing military forces to address them, but this has a number of inherent dangers, including the possibility of corruption. Military forces that are given limited resources to fight narcotics trafficking, for example, might be tempted by the millions of dollars in annual drug profits.

Military Involvement in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Missions Will Grow: Military forces are also playing a major role in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The world is experiencing an increase in complex and non-complex humanitarian emergencies. Military

forces are ideally suited for these types of emergencies, especially as they bring an instantaneous infrastructure to a disaster location because of their ability to repair structures, provide communication and health services, conduct food distribution, among other roles. Military involvement in Peacekeeping and Peacemaking Operations: In view of ethnic conflict the military involvement in "peacekeeping" and "peacemaking" operations are important to the region and may grow in the future. Such operations are politically sensitive and require regional cooperation especially with the recent developments in the Middle Eastern and African nations, military deployment for political stability and citizen security are forecasted to be in the increase. (source: http://www.apcss.org/Publications/Report_Evolving_Roles.html)

Military Reponses to Growing Transnational and Humanitarian Problems No denying the fact of emerging transnational and humanitarian challenges that military forces are increasingly being deployed to address. It may be noted that only a decade ago, transnational issues such as crime, disease, or environmental degradation, would have been considered peripheral concerns to a countrys security. Such perceptions have now changed, especially as many transnational threats are now seen as protracted and insidious threats that undercut the fabric of society. Transnational security issues are especially prevalent in countries which have weak central governments and which also have significant socio-economic distribution problems. Consequently, as transnational threats grow, states are more inclined to deploy their military forces against them. It may be also noted that military forces, despite their unquestioned ability to handle such tasks, are often uncomfortable with (and in some cases quite reluctant about) these new roles. And often this discomfort is justified. On one hand, there is the very real risk that as militaries become involved in countering activities that inherently involve large profitssuch as trafficking in narcoticsthey may find themselves susceptible to corruption. In research it is found that several examples around the world demonstrate that under-funded military forces have great difficulty resisting the temptation to take drug money. This risk is especially realistic for military forces that are asked to take on long-term missions against transnational security issues, where the goals and targets are nebulous and difficult to quantify. Such missions are viewed as being

extremely costly as they tend to drain critical resources away from traditional war-fighting capabilities. In addition to resource and corruption concerns, deployment of military troops on transnational security missions poses a number of challenges to civil-military relations. In different research papers it is noted that transnational problems often result from core problems within societies, such as discrepancies between the haves and have-nots. Military leaders tend to be wary about deployments to address these types of missions because the sources of the problems are often vague or diffused. Such deployments also run the risk of politicizing the military, especially as military troops co-opt law enforcement or other civilian personnel who would otherwise manage such problems. The use of military intelligence assets in such missions poses yet another dilemma. Military units may be tempted to use their vast and experienced intelligence capabilities to target certain segments of the civilian population. According to other schools of thought, it is not rational to be troubled with the notion of military deployments against transnational problems.According to a researcher from Thailand (source: Report from the conference on evolving roles of the military in the Asia- Pacific, March 28-30, 2000 Honolulu, Hawaii), which faces major narcotics and illegal migration challenges, it is noted that military forces play an active role in providing intelligence and law enforcement services there.In northern Thailand, the government has appointed the northern area commander to be director of the countrys counter-narcotics center.The Thai military also plays a major role in promoting environmental security.It engages in two major projects:campaigns for environmental protection and engagement in conservation projects.In the present days most of the researchers echo a similar theme: transnational security issues are a growth industry for the new century and it is inevitable that military forces will be involved to a greater or lesser degree. The issue that must be addressed is how to incorporate the capabilities of military forces in these missions without jeopardizing civil-military relations. (source: http://www.apcss.org/Publications/Report_Evolving_Roles.html)

Section- V: Multidimensional Role of Bangladesh Armed Forces and its Impact

General In the backdrop of the changed security scenario in the present-day world, the role of the armed

forces of different nations is constantly becoming more challenging and multi-dimensional. As Bangladesh has clear stand against all types of terrorism, Defence Services Command and Staff College, National Defence College and all higher seats of defence education and training are focused on security issues and anti terrorism issues regarding education and training programs. Armed forces need the most sophisticated training to combat all kinds of security threats both military and non-military in nature. Bangladesh armed forces are also making significant contributions to the task of facing natural disasters, building of infrastructures, socio-economic development, maintaining of law and order, providing of health care and spread of education. The members of the defence forces and the general citizens are the children of the same soil and as such the role of the armed forces may be expanded further for the welfare of the people in the future. The world community lauds the role of Bangladesh armed forces in restoring peace in conflict ridden regions of the world under the UN peacekeeping missions. Members of Bangladesh armed forces engaged in peace keeping missions are making significant contributions to transition to democracy, social development, management of education and health and overall reconstruction in different countries after securing peace. The image of Bangladesh has been brightened throughout the world because of their achievements.Despite the fact that the basic principle of Bangladesh's foreign policy is "friendship to all and malice to none on the basis of equality," Bangladesh strove to materialize its pledge to establish peace and security in the past.

The military of Bangladesh fought tribal insurgents in CHT from mid 1970s to 1997 until historic Peace Accord was signed.Still they are continuing their assistance to the civil administration for the implementation of Peace Accord and maintaining peaceful law and order situation in CHT. In November 2008, Bangladesh Navy effectively staved off economic aggression by Myanmar in the seas of Bangladesh. Occasionally the military forces have been called to participate in social activities like rehabilitation of people following a flood or cyclone. Since late 1980s, it has earned international reputation by working as part of United Nation Peace Keeping Missions in different countries of the world. The Bangladesh military is recognized as a disciplined and well-trained national institution that can tackle critical national phases. A 2,300-member Bangladesh Army contingent served with coalition forces during the 1991 Gulf war. Bangladesh had been a forerunner in the pursuit of global peace ever since it's debut in peace keeping in 1988 through the

participation in Iraq-Iran Military Observer Group (UNIMOG) by 15 army officers as observers. Bangladesh currently stands as the highest troops contributing country (completed and ongoing 94424 and 8600 officers and men respectively as of July 2011) to the United Nations Peace keeping operations.Details shown at Annex B.(source: Report from AFD)

Development Needs of Bangladesh Bangladesh being a developing nation with a huge population of 160 million people in an area of 147,570 square kilometers has many areas of development.Development is indeed a total process in which economic,social,political,infrastructural,environmental,technological etc along with other structure of the nation state undergo sustained substantial transformation.The most important and visible indicators of development are the strength of economy,political stability,good governance,stable law and order situation and the ability to sustain in the wake of any natural disaster or national crisis.Bangladesh is a growing economy having enormous potentialities due to its geo-political and geo-strategic location.It is envisaged that country will become a middle income country by 2021.So in view of development needs of Bangladesh role of armed forces in nation building activities acts as a force multiplier during peace time.Exclusive training module on MOOTW has been introduced in the armed forces to develop their skills for undertaking national development tasks more efficiently in future.

Armed Forces in National Development Role The role of armed forces in Bangladesh can hardly be undermined in nation development role.Country is confronting with illiteracy, frequent hits by disaster, violence, corruption, unemployment etc. There are no easy solutions to these problems. The armed forces have engaged themselves in nation building activities besides performing their prime responsibility of safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty and national integrity. In the recent times the growing social, economic and diplomatic change has brought about diversity in the tasks being performed by the armed forces. The responsibility has even extended across the border undertaking mission abroad. In many areas the armed forces have made great contributions which have been widely acclaimed. From helping the distressed humanity and

redressing their hardships, they have been participating also in national building activities. The armed forces can offer a great hope by judicious use of their skill for economic and social advancement of the country.

Human Resource Development: Young people are being regularly recruited from all over the country and provided them training and education. The large number of trained and educated personnel retire every year carry their education and discipline to all parts of the country. The armed forces as an organization can influence the cultural, political and economic fiber of the country. Armed Forces personnel, working in UN mission send their salaries to Bangladesh in the form of foreign exchange. The role of Bangladesh armed forces in the international peace keeping is also a source of significant foreign exchange earning (approx. USD $300 million in a year) for the country.

Industrial Development: The labor unrest is a major problem for the development of the industrial sector of Bangladesh. The armed forces personnel retire at their early ages and are experienced in management are employed in various public and private industries. It may be mentioned that government closed Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) for incurring losses regularly over a long period.On taking over the management by the Bangladesh Army, the factory has started making profit. Similarly, Khulna shipyard Limited, another loosing enterprise turned into a profit making concern under the management of Bangladesh Navy. The Bangladesh Air Force personnel have been managing civil aviation and Bangladesh Biman to function smoothly. During 1998 flood, army was deployed at the port to ensure proper and speedy unloading of food grains to meet the crisis.Even today army is deployed to ensure safety and security of chittagong port.

Management of Power Station and Water supply: Power and water sector were facing serious setback in 1998. Then the army personnel were deployed for monitoring and supervision of electricity generation and ensuring security of power plants.According to a report, during the presence of army generation of the electricity increased to 15% to 20% that of the daily average production. In the recent years, army personnel were deployed to assist WASA to control water supply smoothly in Dhaka to ease public suffering.

Health and Medical Service: As part of civil military relations during routine summer and winter training armed forces medical services provide medical facilities to poor villagers in the field. Army medical corps provides treatment in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), free treatment in the Chittagong Hill tracts and managing disasters like epidemic, accidents etc. During outdoor exercises they motivate people of the surrounding areas on expanded program on immunization (EPI) and family planning

Promotion of Education: During various outdoor exercise, personnel like clerks, Army Education Corps personnel. Religion teachers, technician, operation, medical assistance etc are effectively utilized to remove illiteracy from common villagers. Every year a good number of students enrolled themselves in the schools and colleges in the cantonment area. In cadet colleges young cadets are trained to make them as potential leader of the country. The armed forces have established the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) and Armed Forces Medical Colleges. These institutes are open to both civil and military students. Besides, there are many cantonment public schools and colleges and alike educational institutions all over the country. They often stand out in the merit list at national level examinations.

Disaster management: Bangladesh is a land exposed to natural disasters. Flood is in regular phenomenon in Bangladesh. The country occasionally faces flood,cyclones,tidal bores and also disasters like building collapse,fire hazzards, accidents, social disaster, political clashes etc. Disaster coping mechanism in Bangladesh is now much stronger, as can be seen from the reduced impact of the catastrophic disasters in the recent past. With the help of the armed forces normal life could be restored quickly.

Relief Work: The consequential enormity of destruction both in terms of men and materials,the civil authority functionally inadequate to cope with the situation and in such circumstances the armed forces are called upon to relief and rehabilitation works. The cyclone hit Urirchar in 1985, the standing flood in 1985 and 1998 and the devastating cyclone in 1991,SIDR in 2007 and AILA in 2009 were the occasions when the armed forces were found on such a commendable role. Besides providing humanitarian assistances, they also take active part in post disaster

infrastructure development that is essential to sustain national progress.

Supervising the National Elections: It remains an incontrovertible fact that the key military role in maintaining the desired law and order situations has ensured free and fair elections in 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2008. It is, therefore, to be accepted that the successful holding of the four general elections, acclaimed to be free and fair, has been largely possible because of the role of the armed forces and here lies the extent and significance of their contributions to the democratization process of the country.

Maintenance of Law and Order: At

different times the armed forces assisted the civil

administration in restoring law and order in the country, curbing smuggling and unearthing legal arms. In 1996 and 2002 the armed forces deployed all over the country in order to restore normalcy from the deteriorated law and order situation through assisting other law enforcing agencies. They earned a great deal of success in combating terrorism and anarchy in the country and gave relief to people from all walks of life.

Communication Development: The army has been playing a vital role in constructing and maintenance of roads. Soldiers of Bangladesh Army are now engaged in construction and repair of Dighinala Marisa road project through the in accessible CHT area. Bangladesh Army personnel have helped in construction, reconstruction and protection of a number of embankments including Dhaka flood protection embankment and Dhaka-Narayangang-Dhaka (DND) embankment. Special mention may be made of the strategically important 84 km long Cox's Bazaar- Teknaf Marine Drive Road, which is under construction. This road is extracted to accelerate the socio-economic development of the region, besides boosting tourism.At present there are as many as 16 major projects underway to be completed by 2013.For example-Consrtuction of a flyover of 1485m, Development of Hatirjheel area including Begunbari khal(11 Km),Zia colony-mirpur cantonment road(6.03 Km),Cox's Bazaar-Teknaf marine drive road(24 Km) etc.Details of the projects are shown at annex A.(source: Report from AFD)

Conservation of Environment: The armed forces personnel take yearly afforestation programmed to conserve and develop the environment. Every year the armed forces personnel

plants trees in military bases and vicinity across the country.

ASRAYAN Project: The Government has entrusted the Army and Navy with the responsibility to implement a major part of ASRAYAN project, a project planned to provide shelter to the homeless people. Bangladesh army has constructed huge number of dwelling house for the homeless people in different parts of the country. Bangladesh Navy has constructed large number of dwelling houses for the homeless in the coastal area. So far, the armed forces have constructed 1352 barracks for a total of 8450 homeless families worth Tk 1,442,511,900 in the financial year 2010-2011.

Involvement of Bangladesh Armed Forces in Business The Bangladesh army has over the years played a key role in the country's political life, but it has now also emerged as a major player in the business arena, with interests spread across all the major sectors of the economy. Bangladesh armed forces have been largely following the business model developed successfully by the Pakistani counterparts. In Pakistan, the military's Fauji Foundation has a huge involvement in trade and industry. Using the Pakistani model, the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) was founded in 1998. Involvement in Hotel Business: The military's interests include the hotel and hospitality trade. For example, the five star Dhaka Radisson Hotel is owned by the AWT and was established on military land. Capitalizing on its success with the Dhaka Radisson Hotel, the AWT is now building another five star hotel in the port city of Chittagong. Attachment in Banking Sector: In addition, the army's other big business these days is the Trust Bank. Set up under civilian rule, it has now grown into a fully-fledged commercial bank with about 40 branches nationwide. Sena Kallyan Sangstha (SKS): The SKS is a welfare foundation whose function is to care for the welfare of veterans and family members of servicemen. Among other things, the SKS now owns concerns in food, textiles, jute, garments, electronics, real estate and travel etc. (source: Bangladesh army's advancing business interests By Kamal Ahmed,News South Asia,BBC news,Dhaka on 15 august 2010)

Impact Analysis Positive Impacts: National sovereignty and territorial integrity was ensured through conducting counter insurgency operation in CHT and creating deterrance to Indian and Myanmar's naval aggression in the Bay of Bengal by the instant counter response through own naval frigates. As far as traditional role is concerned Bangladesh armed forces have a successful track record of deterring threats that emaneted from both India and Myanmar.In early 1981 when indian navy deployed war ships to Dakkshin Talpatti, Bangladesh Navy challenged them with their own frigats.In December 1991,following a raid on Rejupara BOP of Bangladesh by Myanmar Border Security Forces brought them close to a war.Immediate deployment of Bangladesh armed forces along the border quelled the situation without further deterioration. Socio-economic development takes place through human resource and industrial development.Foreign exchange earned through UN peace keeping misson contributes to the national GDP growth.Besides,armed forces operate in international environment with multinational forces improve their proffesionalism and make them more confident.In addition to that international image building,global diplomacy,oppurtunity for business etc are the positive impacts of peace keeping mission .Bring relief to the people by providing smooth water supply,ensuring optimum power generation and also providing health care service during crisis.Assist in bringing political stability,restoration of democracy and normalcy in the law and order situation helps the nation from uncertainity.Disaster management stands out by the outstanding service rendered to the affected people through quick salvation from disaster.Insurgency is contained through proffesional dedications.In the area of infrastructural development armed forces have become indespensable to the nation for their high quality works with minimum expenditure comparing with the civilian counter parts. Negative Affects: Non military activities for a long period of time change the psyche of true soldiering which is achieved through routine military proffessional training.Physical fitness,soldierly traits and capability of handling military hardware at times deteriorated due to long absence of military training.Mixing with corrupt and unscrupulous people during non-military works may lead to the soldiers into malpractices like bribing,drug trafficking/drug addicting etc.Chance of making easy earning may grow temptation at different level of command which may result into breaking down the honest chain of command.Moral degradation in the

armed forces is never desirable.Last but not the least is the impediment of institutional growth of other government organ when army is frequently called upon in their assistance role.

Section- VI: Nation Building Activities- Role of The Armed Forces of Other Nations

Disaster Response - Role of the Armed Forces of India Traditionally, the armed forces have been forming the core of government response and the governments viewpoint on their role has been very positive. This was most evident in the statement of the Indian Prime Minister during a seminar on the subject in Dec 05. Made in the backdrop of fresh memories of tsunami, avalanche and snow storm, followed by earthquake in J&K, he said, The world over, without exception, all governments have involved the Armed Forces whenever a disaster strikes. They are invariably the first to respond and quickest to reach the affected area. As has been increasingly observed in recent cases across the world, the men in uniform have played a stellar role in mitigating and alleviating the suffering caused by disasters. Despite such appreciation, however, the governments stated viewpoint does not get reflected and rationalized so explicitly in the formal and legal format. Disaster Management Act 2005, an important instrument that rationalizes the role and functions of various establishments and brings in a sense of accountability and responsibility, is surprisingly silent on the aspect of assigning well-defined role and responsibilities to the armed forces. It merely includes a brief and insignificant mention, deployment of naval, military and air forces, other armed forces of the Union or any other civilian personnel as may be required for the purposes of this Act. The inference that can be drawn, therefore, is that the government/ bureaucracy, despite lauding the role of the military, is nevertheless not keen to explicitly formalize or legitimize the role. It is beyond doubt that disaster management is a function of governance. The role of military is secondary. Again as the Prime Minister rightly pointed out during the First India Disaster Management Congress held in November 2006, Our disaster management administration is an integral part of overall administration. We cannot improve the quality of disaster management in isolation. Nor should we create parallel structures at the cost of regular administration. An improvement in disaster management has to be an

integral part of the improvement in governance at all levels, especially in district administration. From times immemorial, the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary forces have always done a commendable job, when called to aid civil authorities, especially, in the wake of natural calamities or man-made disasters. Although, the armed forces are supposed to be called upon to intervene and take on specific tasks only when the situation is beyond the capability of civil administration, in practice, they have been the "core of the government response capacity" in a major disaster. The Armed Forces are trained to react in emergencies, and are the biggest rescue and succor providing organizations, capable of moving swiftly to any part of the country, in the shortest possible time. The ability to react in the emergencies and work against time is in built in their training schedule. Both the government and the public repose tremendous faith in the armed forces and believe that all emergencies and crises can be handled by the armed forces. In the past decade, the country has witnessed frequent and intense natural disaster leading to large scale of destruction, death, disability, diseases, panic and fear among the people at risk. The growing tendency of over ensuring, and not having faith in own civil setup to deal with emergencies, has led to frequent deployment of the armed forces sometimes thought to be unjustified. Nation building activities- Role of Srilankan Armed Forces According to the top leadership of the Sri Lankan defence forces, peace time army has a responsibility to provide military assistance to civil authorities, if it has the resources and expertise to do so.Having completed the war two years ago, srilankan army stabilizing and consolidating the areas that were liberated. Where, the displacement was high, they had a heavy responsibility to help the people. A peace time army is basically involved in its routine duties such as in house training and assisting the government in national level projects, where the help of the security forces are required. The Army is generally known as the custodian and saviour of the nation. In this context, the Army needs to help the government in times of contingencies.The Army has huge resources and they are planning to help nation development in a big way. The Army does not want its soldiers to be in barracks and they bear the brunt of development activities and thereby the government can save lots of money. The Lankan Army is successfully meeting the challenge of being a peace time Army.The main challenge is to provide the basic facilities required by the soldiers. The Lankan Army which had a man-power of over 120,000 was further expanded by an additional 80,000 during the conflict.

Today they have a force of over 200,000 and need to provide facilities for each and every soldier in the Army. The members of the Defense forces of Sri Lanka are proud of what they have done and are doing in rebuilding the nation. In Srilanka people have a great respect to the Security forces because they cant forget the fact that it was the Army that saved their lives from the clutches of the LTTE. Even before ending the war, they helped the people in the liberated areas to return to their day to day lives. The army has launched development projects including infrastructure for the betterment of their future. The army is building peoples houses and cleaning their wells. Sometimes soldiers help these people with their money. People have now realized what the soldiers are really doing. The people now know how humane is the Lankan Army and all the assistance is very much appreciated. They have much respect for the soldiers and they appreciate their contribution. The recent example was the disaster relief given by the security forces during the floods and landslides. People in the East openly say that had it not been for the Army they would not have survived.

Nation building activities- Role of Pakistan Armed Forces Pakistan is a developing country riven with ethnic and religious tensions. Pakistan enjoys close ties with China and shares an antipathy and distrust of India. Half of Pakistan disappeared to form an independent Bangladesh following its disastrous 1971 war. The Pakistan Army a total strength of 520000, larger than that of the United States, with a reserve element of 500,000 who have a reserve obligation up to the age of 45 years.The primary role of the military is to defend the country against all internal and external threats. It is trained, organized and equipped accordingly. However, its strength in manpower, discipline and flexible organization, makes it a suitable force for employment in developmental projects.Several Pakistan army organizations performed functions that were important to the civilian sector and contributed Rupees 179 billion in last five year in term of revenue/taxes. Pak Army helps the nation almost everywhere .Some of its major roles for nation building is as under: a.Natural Disasters: In times of natural disaster, such as the great floods of 1992, and the recent earthquake, army engineers, medical and logistics personnel, and the armed forces played a major role in bringing relief and supplies. The army also engaged in extensive economic activities. Most of these enterprises, such as stud and dairy farms, were for the army's own use, but others

performed functions beneficial to the local civilian economy. Army factories produced such goods as sugar, fertilizer, and brass castings and sold them to civilian consumers.

b.National Logistic Cell: Several army organizations performed functions that were important to the civilian sector across the country. For example, the National Logistics Cell was responsible for trucking food and other goods across the country; the Frontier Works Organization built the Karakoram Highway to China; and the Special Communication Organization maintained communications networks in remote parts of Pakistan.

c.Anti Narcotics Force (ANF): ANF combated narcotics in a manner that today Pakistan is almost getting free of this ugly disease. The Pakistan army stands today as the most organised, potent and influential institution in the country. It has a cohesive and task-oriented profile with a strong esprit de corps. Military leaders, both retired and serving, take an active role in the country's administration and economy.

d. Rescue and Relief: Earthquake Pakistan Army was spread out at 80 key points in the quake zone, its engineers opened vital routes including the one from Abbotabad to Muzaffarabad through lightening overnight efforts, medical teams and relief supplies reached out to people in the remotest areas to provide food and medical treatment. 50,000 troops of Pakistan Army were moved quickly in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe and they restored communication infrastructure in the difficult mountainous region through round-the-clock work e.Political Influence: It is argued that the Pakistans military, ideally, should disengage itself from political functions. But the army is unlikely to change its character, though it might leave day to day governance functions to a civilian regime. Despite this fact, the Army will remain a key player in the political order in Pakistan

National Development Activities-Role of Thai Armed Forces Thai Army participates on nation development activities in accordance with Kings directive "The Armed Forces should take up the development role simultaneously with the security role.Development within Armed Forces and other national aspects to the extent of its

capabilities,either to cooperate,to assist or to support".Thai Army has a directorate of Civil Affair,established in 1982,headed by a Major General.The directorate has four developments Divisions for each of four Army areas.These are operating units with the tasks to support national development work and assist in disaster relief.The Engineer Division plays an important role in assisting the development divisions when the latter cannot cope with the assigned load of works.The Engineer Division usually undertakes construction of large projects like airfields,deep-sea ports,roads,tunnels,dams etc.Besides,Thailand also faces major narcotics and illegal migration challenges, it is noted that military forces play an active role in providing intelligence and law enforcement services there. In northern Thailand, the government has appointed the northern area commander to be director of the countrys counter-narcotics center.The Thai military also plays a major role in promoting environmental security. It engages in two major projects: campaigns for environmental protection and engagement in conservation projects.

Lessons Drawn from the Armed Forces of other nations On the basis of the above discussions, it has been observed that the civil military relations in India has been very ideal and non-interrupted civil control of the military has been maintained. Whereas, the Indian Army has contributed to nation building activities in many aspects, especially disaster management and infrastructural development. Despite the involvement in counter-insurgency wars with the Tamil Liberation Tigers, the Lankan army was engaged in nation building activities.Even after the end of counter insurgency war, the SriLankan army is still engaged in nation building and economic activities, which is highly lauded by the citizens of Srilanka. Since the inception of Pakistan, the Pakistan Armed Forces were involved in various nation building activities and also stood beside the population during distress and disaster. But it has to be noted with caution that on various occasions, the Pakistan armed forces took over political power, impeding the democratic process. In Thailand, the army has a history of being engaged in different types of non-conventional roles including nation building activities, anti-smuggling and countering terrorism and drugs trafficking etc. Corruption and involvement of security forces into easy earning from the drug curtel sometimes made their role controvercial.

Section-VII: Conclusion

The year 2009 has been a landmark year for Bangladesh. It has ushered in a new democratic era, a government firm on sustaining democracy and a vision of unprecedented far sight for the future. Bangladesh strides forward to be a fast developing middle income country by 2021, by transforming this nation through a comprehensive approach of inclusive development, democraticization, regional economic integration and building a knowledge-based society. Vision 2021 reflects the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. These aspirations seek national development to realize the vast potential of the country. National development essentially includes the establishment of a truly participatory democracy in Bangladesh. Because in order to fulfill the aspirations of its people, in order to transform its society into an economically inclusive and prosperous society, Bangladesh requires a functional and sustainable democracy with a pro-people defence force engaged in nation building, to ensure the equality of citizens, efficient governance, social empowerment and the economic upliftment of the masses.

Bangladesh is also fortunate to have an armed force that has not just been in great service to the nation, but also to the community of nations. As one of the leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh armed forces have, over the past decade, actively taken part in the reconstruction of war ravaged countries across the world and have earned the respect, admiration and trust of the peoples of those countries. In a country that frequently faces the wrath of nature in the form of devastating floods and cyclones; the Bangladesh armed forces play an instrumental role in disaster management. From supplying relief and reaching the most remote areas to facilitating rehabilitation and providing immediate medical treatment, the armed forces perform their duties by deeply caring for the needs of victims. In fact, such is the interaction and cooperation between civil and military actors during such times of natural calamity, the area of disaster management is, without a doubt, a field of effective military contribution in nation building.

During the last two years of emergency rule, the Bangladesh Armed Forces also performed its due

role in aiding the civil administration to maintain law and order and in preparing for national elections. The nation recalls their successful formulation of a comprehensive voter list with photograph and establishment of national ID card system during the period of the emergency. The use of technology and army personnel in making the voter list instilled a higher degree of public confidence in the preparation for national elections. Bangladesh finally held a historic election at the end of 2008, an election described by international observers as the most free and fair election in the history of our country. Thus, it is no denying a positive role of the defence forces in the democratization of Bangladesh. The professional conduct shown by armed forces in the past decade and the loyalty they have proven to the democratic process, Bangladesh certainly holds the potential to formulating national strategies to scale up engagement of armed forces in nation building activities.Military has the expertise and dedication to undertake multifarious development projects at micro and macro level.They may employed in various human development need as people are the centerpiece of development,infrastructure development ,disaster management and in aid of civil administration duties It is high time to engage in frank discussions to identify and deliberate on the challenges to the national security and national development of Bangladesh and to explore the responses to these challenges. It must always be kept in mind that no security can be achieved without development or no development is possible without ensuring security.Therefore security means development said by Robert Mc Namara. Thus, the defence force can be deployed in national development with caution so that they do not lose their combat agility and the main objective of developing and maintaining a defence force is not jeopardized.

Section-VIII: Recommendations

Armed forces in Bangladesh is one of the most costly national institutions which need to be maintained to safeguard national sovereignty for external as well as internal security threats.

Furthermore, the armed forces of Bangladesh are a vast reservoir of manpower and resources that are well trained, organized and disciplined. Despite the fact that the primary challenge of Bangladesh Armed force is to undertake a wide range of conventional roles, time is high up to formulate a policy for the best use of peacetime military in Bangladesh. It is therefore recommended that: i) Economic development should be considered as one of the strategy options for strengthening national security. ii) Bangladesh should strive to continue to develop a fully professional modernized armed force in order to remain prepared to perform the primary task at all times. iii) A comprehensive defense policy should be formulated in the light of external and internal security threats.Since the non-traditional threats to the security of Bangladesh are looming large,the military has to be organized,trained,equipped and employed for the non traditional task. iv) There should be clear cut transparent policies to engage the armed forces in nation building activities such as: Disaster Management, Construction of roads, embankments, aforestation, port management, human resource development, management of health hazards, infrastructural development, rural community development, aid to civil administration, UN peacekeeping operations and socio-economic development. v)Armed forces should be requested only to support immediate rescue operations. vi)Assistance should be requested only in such situations which are beyond the managing capabilities of the civilian administration. vii)Armed forces should not be requested to stay for longer periods of duration.

Annexs: A. B. List of project work of Bangladesh Army Completed and current state of Armed Forces deployed in Peace Keeping mission.

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