Unlike Myanmar, Bangladesh has always focused on economic development instead of focusing on military. Our defense spending to GDP ratio is the smallest in the region at barely 1.2%.there is clear opportunity cost to fighting Myanmar which is why it has not happened
This means we have ample room to rapidly increase military spending & still sustain our nation.
The same can't be said for Myanmar, as they already spend more than twice the percentage of GDP compared to Bangladesh, which is unsustainable for a war-torn, poverty-stricken country.
Unlike us,it is virtually impossible for them to ramp up defense spending without suffering serious economic consequences.In fact, if you'll notice, their military budget has been actually decreasing in the recent years.
I have posted this in earlier thread.I think it's relevant to this topic.Yup.
In all honesty, its unfortunate.
If BD were to engage in an "arms race" with Myanmar, they will both be losers.
Enriching those outside the region at the detriment of the common people in both nations.
But what Myanmar did was undeniably hostile.
And for that Bangladesh needs to address its military at this point unless there is regime change next door.
I guess one thing is clear, Bangladesh's friendship to all malice to none approach should no longer be valid.
We have focused for far too long on the economy and only the economy.That's why militarily we don't have many cards to play without losing what we have achieved so far.In a war, our infrastructure, ports and centres of commerce would be the first thing to be targeted and we have done next to nothing so far to adequately protect them.So, now that our leaders have gotten a reality check, we're playing catch up with the rest of the region regarding military & firepower.Even though we could have at least ensured military superiority over at least Myanmar considering our economy that's more than 4X bigger.
It was a glaring mistake on the part of our civilian and military policymakers. "Friendship to all & malice to none" is a bullshit philosophy that no longer works in the present world.But what is done is done.
The good thing is, government & military top brass seem to have come to their senses after the Rohingya debacle.
That's why you see BA getting Kasirga MLRS & SAM system from Turkey, Apaches fom USA.BN taking measures to build warships ranging from LPCs to semi stealth corvettes to frigates and also starting the process to make anti ship missiles in house.BAF going for jets like EFT and Rafale.
Most importantly, they're diversifying their sources.No longer it is a free lunch for China & Russia.All three branches are now pivoting toward Western equipments, for better or worse.
These were unthinkable just a few years ago.
You'll also have to remember, geographically we're in an unfavorable position in the region.We don't have any borders with a reliable ally or a Muslim country.Both of our neighbours are threats to our sovereignty.Except for the sea in one side, we're effectively surrounded by enemies on all sides.
So we'll have to wait.We'll have to be patient, bide our time and play our cards right.It might seem like cowardice to some and leave bitter taste in the mouth for others.But it's the price we'll have to pay in order to survive in this hostile neighborhood surrounded by vultures.
As the situation is right now, in a war, Bangladesh has much more to lose than Myanmar.