The Geopolitics of Energy Security in Bangladesh: A Critical Review

Abstract

Bangladesh, a small country in South Asia, has undergone significant economic development in the past 50 years since its inception. This can be attributed to its transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy, with the energy sector playing a pivotal role in facilitating this shift. An in-depth investigation of Bangladesh's energy landscape (i.e., energy mix, regulations, reforms, and policies) reveals that it is dominated by imported fossil fuels, which rely on international alliances. Such a scenario exposes Bangladesh's energy security to geopolitical threats. By drawing on the geopolitics of energy security, the study analyzes the extent of recent global energy dynamics, the geopolitical behavior of major energyproducing countries, and international alliances that influence Bangladesh's energy security. The study reveals six potential channels through which the adverse effects of geopolitics affect Bangladesh's energy security. Based on holistic discussion, we recommend a few policies to mitigate or diminish the adverse impact of geopolitics and thereby ensure sustainable development and the projected energy transition in Bangladesh.