Bangladesh Armed Forces - Role of The Military

Role of The Military

The Bangladeshi Forces fully structured by September 1971, organised itself officially as the Bangladeshi Armed Forces comprising Bangladeshi Army, Bangladeshi Navy and Bangladeshi Air Force. The current strength of Bangladeshi Army is estimated to be more than 250,000+ personnel, while Bangladeshi Air Force consists of more than 24,000 personnel and Bangladeshi Navy with 18,000 personnel . The forces perform traditional military missions. The Bangladeshi Coast Guard under the Home Ministry, plays a stronger role in the area of anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and protection of offshore resources. Recognition of economic and fiscal constraints has led to the establishment of several paramilitary and auxiliary forces, including the 67,000 member Border Guard Bangladesh and the 4,000 member Ansars and Village Defense Parties Organization. The Border Guards Bangladesh, under the Home Ministry, are commanded by army officers who are seconded to the organization.

In addition to traditional defense roles, the military has been called on to provide support to civil authorities for disaster relief and internal security. The military of Bangladesh fought tribal insurgents in Chittagong Hill Tracts since mid 1970s. In November 2008, Bangladeshi 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 Bangladeshi military is recognized as a disciplined and well-trained national institution that can tackle critical national phases. A 2,300-member Bangladeshi Army contingent served with coalition forces during the 1991 Gulf war. Bangladesh is currently the highest contributor (with 15,638 troops, as of September 2012) to United Nations peacekeeping operations, with an infantry battalion in UNIKOM (Kuwait), an engineer battalion in UNTAET, (East Timor) and another infantry battalion service in Sierra Leone in May 2000.