JOURNAL PAPER

Motaher, M. B., & Khaled, M. F. I., Bangladesh and the Blue Economy: Its Feasibility, Prospects, Challenges and Solutions, Jahangirnagar University Journal of Business Research (JUJBR), Volume-24, Issue-2, 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.53461/jujbr.v24i02.70

Abstract:

Blue Economy as a concept has gone from being a buzzword addressing ambitions for incentivizing the oceans and marine resources, to being implemented into policies and being a key priority of nations worldwide. The prerequisite for which is sustainable use of the oceans while maintaining environmental integrity. Most coastal countries are naturally in a favorable position to take full advantage of their marine resources within their jurisdiction of EEZs. Bangladesh, a country with a coastline of 710 kilometers, its allotted 200 nautical miles, and rights over the continental shelf area of 1,83,613 square kilometers, is at an advantage for proliferating its blue economic endeavors. The sole purpose of this paper was to generate objective and straightforward solutions based on prospects and challenges of the blue economy, exclusively from the lens of Bangladesh, which includes its abundant marine life, its richness in precious metals and minerals, untapped offshore oil/gas reserves, marine-derived pharmaceuticals, the promising tourism sector and much more. The paper integrated substantial data from various existing literature exclusive to the oceans/blue economy. The data derived from the previous researches were then integrated into the paper to discuss the blue economic prospects for Bangladesh, and how ambitious the country can realistically become. The prospects were then followed by addressing key existing challenges the country needs to tackle to further expand its oceans economy sectors. Finally, the paper reaches its zenith of sharing its set of recommendations Bangladesh may integrate as national policies for public-private economic collaborations, strengthening bilateral and multilateral agreements between key investor/friendly nations, reaching objective solutions, focusing primarily on emboldening the blue economy sectors of Bangladesh.

Motaher, M. B., & Khaled, M. F. I., Indo-Pacific Strategy Under a Second Donald Trump Presidency in the United States: Current Trajectory and Future Path, Journal of Governance Security & Development (ISSN No: 2708-2490), Volume-5, Issue-2, 2025. doi: 10.52823/THVX7161

Abstract: 

The Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) has been a key US foreign policy goal during the 2010s. The strategy has evolved from a traditional 'Island Chain Strategy' to a more comprehensive approach that is grounded in security and values. Given Trump's explicitly hostile economic and security approach against China, the IPS has become more important than ever. This article examines the concept and development of the IPS under President Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, and its probable evolution under Trump 2.0. It examines what Indo-Pacific nations expect from this policy and its implications under Trump. The IPS is a strategic asset for the US and its regional allies, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. The results suggest that the IPS's mission has always been to build strong alliances based on democratic ideals, guarantee freedom of passage, and discourage regional dangers like Chinese and North Korean aggression (Grossman, 2024). The analysis concludes, based on political occurrences and pertinent data, that a second Trump administration may not change the IPS considerably.  Trump may escalate his economic policies on China. The study concludes with policy recommendations to improve the IPS under Trump 2.0, including improved economic engagement with South and Southeast Asia, sustaining defense partnerships with Japan and South Korea, and addressing Pacific Island nations' environmental and developmental needs.

Motaher, M. B., & Khaled, M. F. I., THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS: AN ACCOUNT OF THE REGION'S DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF THE 1997 PEACE ACCORD, NDC E-JOURNAL (National Defence College E-Journal), ISSN: 1683-8475, Vol. 04, No. 01, pp.101-132, December, 2024. doi: DOI: https://ndcjournal.ndc.gov.bd/ndcj

Abstract: 

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) is diaphanously one of the most significant regions of Bangladesh, dominantly due to the diversity stemming from the multiple ethnic tribes inhabiting the region, namely the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Mro, Khumi and more. The CHT’s abundance of natural resources such as oil, gas and hydropower has rendered the region very prominent to Bangladesh’ national economic policies. However, sustainable peace in the CHT has always been fleeting throughout its recorded history. Such aspirations made assimilation under the unitary "Bengali" nationalism very difficult, resulting in a 22-year-long insurgency by the hill tribe insurgents against the Bengali groups and the Bangladesh government. To end hostilities and ameliorate relations, the government signed the landmark Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord with the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti (PCJSS) in 1997. Despite it being more than two decades since the signing of the peace agreement, full implementation of all the Accord's contents had not been realized at the time of conducting this research. This research pursues an in-depth field exploration of the status of development, growth, prosperity, intergroup relations and perceptions held by both the Pahari people and the Bengalis in the CHT. It also conducts a thorough review of the implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord, and examines the most recent status of its implementation.  The study records primary data derived from observing the region’s physical conditions and developments, the opinions of the inhabitants, both positive and negative from its field explorations. The study uses secondary sources to justify and supplement the primary data. Finally, after elaborated analysis and discussion, the research formulates and shares policy recommendations for the authorities concerned to expedite the process of the full materialization of the contents of the CHT Peace Accord.
Keywords: Chittagong Hill Tracts; CHT; CHT Peace Accord; Jumma, Pahari; Ethnic group, Chittagong Hill Tribes, Bangladesh.

Motaher, M. B., & Khaled, M. F. I.,, A STUDY ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS IN BANGLADESH: THE CONTEXT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVING INVESTMENT INFLOW, Journal of International Affairs, BILIA, VOL-25, ISSUE-2, pp.1-40, 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.58710/jiaV25N2Y2023.

Abstract

Infrastructure Development is undeniably linked to macroeconomic upward shifts and the progress of a country. Existing infrastructure not only aids in economic growth but also attracts foreign direct investments and foreign businesses to attractive countries. Evidence through research has found that developing nations of the South, especially Africa and South Asia, tend to rely on the developed countries of the Global North to fund their infrastructural projects through grants, loans and investments. Bangladesh, a country situated in South Asia, has immense potential for growth, development and investment. However, the country requires foreign investments to develop domestic infrastructure. But in comparison to its neighbours in the South and Southeast, the inward foreign investments are quite measly in nature, below 1% of the total GDP of Bangladesh. This study examines both the past and present conditions of foreign direct investments in the country, as well as the specific drivers behind them. The paper crucially focuses on the investment performances of specific countries, such as the US, UK, Japan, India and China. The study emphasises the importance of bilateral relations to improve infrastructure development through foreign investments. The study then highlights specific obstacles behind Bangladesh’s underwhelming inward investments. Lastly, the study presents policy recommendations to address bottlenecks in the way Bangladesh receives a larger, more resilient and sustainable influx of foreign direct investments.

Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, Foreign Investment, Bangladesh, FDI, IFDI, Infrastructure, Infrastructure Development, US-Bangladesh, India-Bangladesh, China-Bangladesh, EU-Bangladesh, UK-Bangladesh, Japan-Bangladesh.

Motaher, Mostakim Bin and Khaled, MD Farhan Intisher, Bangladesh vis-à-vis the Indo-Pacific Strategy: Exploring the Country’s Priorities and Prospects, Journal of International Relations, ISSN 2221-5743, Volume XIII, pp.41-74, 2022.

Abstract:

The Indo-Pacific region is an area of contention and critical debate between two of the biggest global powers; the United States and China in their relentless efforts to exert influence in the region. The Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) is the creation of the United States of America, which envisions itself having a substantially germane presence in the region by strengthening ties with the countries of this part of the world. The strengthening process for includes economic partnerships, cross-border collaborations, regional data localization, environmental cooperation and so on. IPS has been seen as the US's undisputable ambition to replace the overpowering dominance of China's presence and influence in the region. As observed, the Asian Giant's presence in the form of financial investments in the Indo-Pacific area concretely binds the countries to China, and strengthens bilateral partnerships between the formers and the latter. Bangladesh, being an important actor in the region has garnered much interest for the Indo-Pacific allies (i.e. Australia, France, Japan etc.) to integrate the country into the Strategy and embolden their regional influence to a greater extent. This paper focuses on the prospects of the Indo-Pacific Strategy in relation to Bangladesh. Despite not being a founding member of the IPS, Bangladesh is still a country of great importance to the United States for their strategic aspirations. The paper notes that Bangladesh itself is studying the prospects of joining the Indo-Pacific Strategy. However, the strategy, coupled with its economic framework, the IPEF, strategizes a position of "seeming antithesis" to China. This strategy flagrantly contravenes Bangladesh's tenet of "Friendship with All Countries". The paper then discusses Bangladesh's own agendas and primary priorities; most notably the Rohingya refugee crisis, infrastructural development, trade security, implementing green energy to address Climate Change and so on.  The paper explores whether or not the Indo-Pacific Strategy goes against Bangladesh's foreign policy principles of neutrality in global contentions. Upon analyzing a substantial number of data, the conclusion signifies that Bangladesh should adhere to its traditional approach for maintaining its strategic autonomy in foreign policy, and as well make a realistic assessment of the benefits and risks that the IPS may portend for it.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific Strategy, IPS, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, IPEF, Indo-Pacific Outlook, IPO, Bangladesh, USA, China, Foreign Policy of Bangladesh, Bangladesh-US Relations, Bangladesh-China Relations.

Motaher, Mostakim Bin, Possibilities of Local Integration of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh, The Jahangirnagar Review, Part-C 32 (ISSN 2306-3920), XXXII, pp.pp 503-520, 2021.

Abstract: 

Approximately 1.2 million Rohingya are stranded in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, vulnerable and unsure of their destiny. Bangladesh confronts numerous issues in sheltering this vast number of Rohingyas. In terms of the UNHCRs suggested solution to the refugee issue, voluntary return, resettlement, and local integration are extremely difficult to implement in the case of Rohingyas. No authority can predict when voluntary repatriation will start, as Myanmar shows no interest in taking back the Rohingyas, and as per current Bangladesh government policy, no matter how difficult it is for them to accommodate the Rohingyas, they will not repatriate them forcefully. Further, the Rohingyas want to return to Myanmar, but only if the Myanmar government changes the discriminatory laws and accepts them as citizens. Likewise, resettling the Rohingyas in another country is also not possible, as the Bangladesh government considers this a pull factor, and also, the refugee selection criteria of third countries make the resettlement process more complex. Based on these circumstances, this study examines the possibilities of Rohingyas integrating locally in Bangladesh. It examines the perspectives of the Rohingya, the government of Bangladesh, and the host communities on local integration. The study demonstrates that the Rohingya, the GoB, and host communities oppose local integration, although some IGOs, such as the World Bank, support it. Furthermore, the study implies that economically integrating Rohingyas into camps can be a short-term solution as long as voluntary repatriation is undertaken. To investigate this further, a complete field study is required.

Motaher, Mostakim Bin, The Rohingya Crisis- Uncertain Future of the Rohingya Ethnic Minority in Bangladesh, The Jahangirnagar Review, Part-C, Volume XXXI, ISSN 2306-3920, pp.pp 523-541, 2020.

Abstract: 

Bangladesh has shown a great level of generosity by opening its door for the Rohingya ethnic minority, which is sadly lacking in many parts of the world, including in this particular region of South Asia. Bangladesh hosts nearly 1.1 million Rohingyas who have fled the persecution in Myanmar. Among these, the majority took shelter in the last few years of massive oppression directed by the Myanmar military forces. Further, they live in cruel conditions in the camps and need severe help. The fate of the Rohingya refugees in the camps of Cox’s Bazar is insecure and uncertain. This article aims at highlighting the two most critical issues about the Rohingya crisis, which are: one of the most critical aspects of the crisis- ‘the repatriation process’, which did not come into sight until now, and the delay of the repatriation process, which add another new dimension in this crisis- ‘Bangladesh’s plan to relocate 100,000 Rohingyas in an island called Bhashan Char’.]

Keywords: Rohingya ethnic minority, Rohingya crisis, Relocation, Repatriation, Human Rights, Safety, Natural disaster, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhashan Char.

Motaher, Mostakim Bin, The Rohingya Conflict: An Analysis through the Lens of the Geopolitical Economy of Resources, RAOWA Review Rohingya Issue, ISSN: 2706-6347, Volume 1, Issue 1, pp.113-176, 2019.

Abstract

The paper aims to reveal the underlying causes behind the recent Rohingya conflict. The paper argues that, instead of only focusing on the ethnic and religious dimensions of the Rohingya conflict, the geopolitical economic dimension of the conflict also needs to be addressed properly. The conflict has a long history and it occurred in different political and economic conditions. From this angle, this research analyses the recent Rohingya conflict from the perspective of the geopolitical economy of resources. It examines the role and activities of the Government of Myanmar (GoM) and military force concerning the recent conflict. Besides, this paper also examines the geopolitical economic interests of China and India in Rakhine state with regards to their unwillingness to stop the conflict. In this study, secondary sources such as books, academic articles, reports of government and non-government organisations and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) database have mainly been used for data collection, which is based on textual analysis. The paper applies the concept of Resource, Resource curse and Resource war along with the analytical framework of ‘Vulnerability, Risk and Opportunity’ by Philippe Le Billon as a tool to explain and analyse the conflict. The research shows that the recent violent conflicts which forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of the Rohingyas from their houses and destroyed many Rohingya villages in Rakhine state have a possible connection with the resources and economic opportunities that are present in the Rakhine state. There is a strong possibility that the resource and economic opportunities influence the GoM and military force to become involved in this conflict. Also, the resource and economic opportunities might prevent China and India from playing an active role to stop the conflict. The Rohingya crisis has been going on for decades, yet it has not been solved. Also, there is no sign of solving the crisis soon. The geopolitical economic perspective of the conflict might be the answer as to why the Rohingya crisis has not yet been resolved.

Key Words: Rohingya Conflict, Rohingya Crisis, Geopolitical Economy, Resource War, Rakhine State, Government of Myanmar, Tatmadaw, China, India.

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BOOK

Ahmed, Rakib; Motaher, Mostakim Bin and Al-Zaman, Md. Sayeed, THE 26TH YEAR OF THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS PEACE ACCORD 1997 UNITY AND UNIQUENESS, Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs (BCIPA), 2023.

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EDITED BOOK

Mostakim Bin Motaher, ECONOMIC REFORMS AND NATIONAL INTEREST, Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, 2025.

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SEMINAR

"Reflecting BRI: Experiences and Lessons from South Asia.", Center for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal, 2024.

The Center for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) hosted a seminar in Kathmandu, Nepal, titled "Reflecting BRI: Experiences and Lessons from South Asia."

I attended this seminar as a speaker to discuss Bangladesh's perspective on and experience with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), titled "Bangladesh's Experience with the BRI." I also participated in the panel discussion titled "BRI: Experiences and Lessons from South Asia."

“Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific Collaboration: Priority Issues and Concerns,”, Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs (BCIPA) and Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2023.
“Roundtable Discussion on The Security and Stability in Rakhine, Myanmar: Impacts on the Indo-Pacific Countries”, Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs (BCIPA) and Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2022.

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WORKSHOP

“Strategic Security Network South Asia Workshop”, Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs (BCIPA) and the Near East and South Asia Center (NESA Center), National Defense University, USA, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2023.

The NESA Center, in partnership with BCIPA, hosted a three-day "Strategic Security Network South Asia Workshop" in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 28 to August 30, 2023.

Role of Constitution in Nation Building, Democracywatch and US Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2013.

In 2013, Democracywatch and the US Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, organized a six-month course on the "Role of Constitution in Nation Building," which I successfully completed.

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OTHER

"Addressing 21st Century Global Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region.", International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), USA, 2023.

In 2023, Mr. Motaher took part in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), organized by the United States Department of State. The program focused on "Addressing 21st Century Global Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region."

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