Security experts have urged Bangladesh to strengthen its national security framework by developing stronger defences against subthreshold threats, as modern conflicts increasingly move beyond traditional battlefields. The remarks were made at a roundtable titled ‘Sub-threshold Conflict: War by Other Means,’ organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The event brought together academics, diplomats, former ambassadors, military officials, law enforcement representatives, researchers, and civil society members to discuss emerging security challenges. Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, explained that states are increasingly using cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure, proxy groups, and hybrid tactics to achieve strategic goals without engaging in open warfare.
BIPSS President Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (Retd) highlighted that the boundary between war and peace is becoming unclear. He called for a whole-of-society approach involving military, economic, technological, and social sectors to improve national resilience.
Experts stressed the need to protect critical infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, promote media literacy, and strengthen regional cooperation. They also highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic location and growing digital and maritime systems as areas requiring greater attention. The discussion concluded with calls for stronger coordination among policymakers, security agencies, researchers, and citizens to address evolving threats.