How a National Security Adviser can strengthen Bangladesh's defences
As Bangladesh confronts evolving security threats—from cyber risks to regional instability—the appointment of a National Security Adviser marks a significant step towards building a more integrated and strategic approach to national security
In a move that signals the government's growing emphasis on coordinated national security policy, Chief Adviser's High Representative on Rohingya and Priority Issues, Dr Khalilur Rahman, has been appointed as the National Security Adviser. According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on 9 April 2025, Dr Rahman will now support the chief adviser in overseeing matters related to the Ministry of Defence, alongside his current responsibilities concerning the Rohingya crisis. His appointment marks an important step towards institutionalising a more comprehensive approach to national, regional, and strategic challenges.
Today's challenges demand a broader understanding of national security—encompassing not only traditional defence but also cybersecurity and economic resilience. In this context, the creation of a position like a National Security Adviser (NSA) is crucial to coordinate the country's defence, foreign affairs, international economic policy, and intelligence operations.
The role of a National Security Adviser
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At present, Bangladesh urgently needs a National Security Adviser to support the chief adviser or head of state/government. The role would bridge domestic and foreign policy and integrate traditional security with emerging concerns such as cyber threats and food insecurity.
Eventually, Bangladesh may establish a full-fledged National Security Council. Such a council could include the president or prime minister, the ministers of foreign affairs, home affairs, finance, and information, along with the chiefs of the three armed forces, including the chief of army staff, and other relevant ministers depending on the agenda.
The NSA would be tasked with monitoring both internal and external threats, coordinating government responses, and planning for crisis management. This position could prove pivotal in Bangladesh's current VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environment.
Unlike the advisers on home and foreign affairs—who have statutory authority over their ministries—the NSA would provide daily strategic counsel directly to the government, independent of vested bureaucratic interests. As principal adviser on national security, the NSA would oversee a wide range of issues, including food security and cybersecurity, and play a key role in coordinating national efforts against internal sabotage, external threats, and artificial food crises.
Recognising the critical role of the NSA, most countries have created such positions and often institutionalised them within National Security Councils to align domestic and foreign policy. Examples include Jake Sullivan (USA), Jonathan Powell (UK), Jody Thomas (Canada), Ajit Doval (India), Moeed Yusuf (Pakistan), Musaid Al Aiban (Saudi Arabia), and Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE). These individuals actively coordinate defence, intelligence, foreign affairs, and economic policy at the highest level of government.
Security adviser vis-à-vis Defence adviser
It is to be noted that the above National Security Advisers are not typical military personnel. They don't have any military background and training. They are very globally oriented individuals and have strong knowledge and experience in international affairs (geopolitics). Some people confuse the Security Adviser position with the Defence Adviser role. A Defence Adviser can be an ex-military person, which we always have: a retired high military official.
Neighborhood Issue
We have to look at our map and try to maintain good relationships with all countries and our neighbours in particular. At present time, this is proving to be exceedingly difficult due to our sentiments toward India. It is the neighbourhood we are threatened in, and it is the neighbour we are somewhat attacked by (at least through media).
At the same time, it is the neighbourhood we would trade in; it is the neighbourhood that constitutes the supply lines, transport routes, ecology zones, and shared climate crisis. We live in our neighbourhood.
If we are feeling that our neighbours (e.g., India, Myanmar) are hostile and that we can make friends halfway around the globe, we may become disappointed. The fact is that the neighbourhood does not change; it is the reality.
Under the current scenario, we should honour the emotions and sentiments of our people. Moreover, we should ensure national sovereignty and respect for equality. We need to have a good negotiator who has experience in manoeuvring our leverage towards the neighbours who are hostile towards us.
On behalf of the Government, the person with a strong personality, courage and sincerity will proactively work and send the message of "what the neighbourhood issue is" to them.
Dr Sajjad M Jasimuddin is Professor (Professeur senior) at Kedge Business School and Head of the Geopolitics Strategy Lab (France). Dr Jasimuddin previously held faculty positions at several universities based in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the UAE, and China.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
