Ayesha Farid

Ayesha Farid is a regional security specialist focusing on South Asia, with over a decade of experience analysing inter-state tensions, cross-border insurgency, and regional power dynamics. She has worked with leading policy think tanks and academic institutions, offering nuanced insights into the complex security challenges shaping the subcontinent. Ayesha’s expertise spans military doctrines, border disputes, and regional cooperation frameworks, making her a vital contributor to BDMilitary’s coverage of South Asian strategic affairs. She leads the Geopolitics & Diplomacy section at BDMilitary. Ayesha holds a dual master’s degree — a Master in International Relations from the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, Spain, and a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Canada — combining deep academic insight with practical policy expertise.

Strategic Implications for Bangladesh Amid U.S. Warnings on China’s Military Posture

Posted on 31/05/202531/05/2025 by Ayesha Farid

Reading Time: 4 minutesAt the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning against any Chinese attempt to “conquer” Taiwan, declaring such actions would result in “devastating consequences” for the Indo-Pacific and the world. Emphasizing Asia as the Trump administration’s priority, Hegseth sought to reassure U.S. allies Continue Reading

Bangladesh Should Join China-Led Global Mediation Initiative

Posted on 30/05/202530/05/2025 by Ayesha Farid

Reading Time: 3 minutesBangladesh Should Join China-Led Global Mediation Initiative to Counter Regional Pressure and Assert Strategic Autonomy. Bangladesh faces a complex strategic environment shaped by its geography and the conduct of neighbouring powers. It shares borders with both India and Myanmar. Relations with each remain delicate, influenced by unresolved disputes, cross-border security Continue Reading

From Liberation to Leverage: The Arc of Bangladesh–India Economic Relations

Posted on 30/05/202530/05/2025 by Ayesha Farid

Reading Time: 3 minutesSince the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, trade relations with India have followed a complex trajectory shaped by geopolitics, structural inequalities, and diverging economic priorities. The early years, especially from 1972 onward, were grounded in political goodwill, marked by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace. However, Continue Reading

Islam and Bangladeshi Nationalism: A Pillar of Identity, Unity, and Sovereignty

Posted on 28/05/202528/05/2025 by Ayesha Farid

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn the complex socio-political mosaic of South Asia, the ideological foundation of national identity has long been a contested space. Bangladesh, born through a bloody struggle in 1971, stands as a nation where language, culture, and faith intertwine in unique ways. While Bengali linguistic identity was the immediate rallying point Continue Reading

General Waker retreats, Dr Yunus consolidates support

Posted on 26/05/202526/05/2025 by Ayesha Farid

Reading Time: 4 minutesAnalysis of General Waker-uz-Zaman’s Remarks and Institutional Response Preface: Overview of the Officers’ Address and Reported Remarks On 21 May 2025, the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, delivered a closed-door address to officers at the Dhaka Cantonment parade ground. While journalists were not invited and no official transcript was Continue Reading