The Future of Bangladesh - Myanmar Relationship and it's Effect on the Region

Introduction

1. Bangladesh-Myanmar relations officially began from 13 January 1972, the date on which Myanmar, as the sixth state, accorded recognition to Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. Since then, friendly relations had been prevailing between both the countries with some occasional ups and downs. The historical links between both the countries can be traced back beyond nineteenth century. Despite the ethnic and linguistic differences, both the countries have had traditional commercial and cultural ties since long. Besides, both the countries were under the British-India control for a considerable period of time.

2. Although categorized as part of the Southeast Asia, Myanmar is a geographic junction for the overlapping south, southeast and East Asia regions. Myanmar covers only 256 kilometers of common borderline with Bangladesh on her west. Since independence, Myanmar has experienced military regime for about three decades. The SLORC, which is essentially a military government, has been ruling Myanmar since 1988.

Myanmar

English: Myanmar Armed Forces Emblem

Tatmadaw Command Structure as of 2005

3. Despite some discords on various issues, the present relationship between the two countries can be described as cordial. There are all the possibilities that the diplomatic, cultural and economic relationship between these two countries will improve further. But, the chances of any future political and military conflicts between the two can not be ruled out. Myanmar's recent development of her armed forces and some of her activities compelled Bangladesh to draw a new threat perception. However, in the outbreak of any hostile relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar ; the regional countries may array a different formation because of their certain strategic, political and economic interests.

4. An overview on Myanmar examines the geography and demography and the recent developments in Myanmar. The paper also analyses the existing relationship with a view to finding the sources of possible misunderstanding and future relationship between the two countries. Finally, the...