Global Conflicts Pose Serious Risks for Bangladesh, Experts Say
Bangladesh faces significant dangers from both the Iran war and ongoing instability in Myanmar. Two international experts highlighted these threats at the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 in Dhaka. They warned about economic impacts and challenges to Rohingya repatriation.
Jin Liangxiang, a Senior Fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, spoke about the Iran war. He said Bangladesh relies heavily on energy imports from the Gulf region. Many Bangladeshi workers also send money home from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Disruptions to oil supplies or rising prices will hurt Bangladesh’s economy. If GCC economies weaken, many Bangladeshi workers might lose their jobs. Mr. Jin warned that Bangladesh’s economy is more vulnerable than those of richer nations.
Mr. Jin advised Bangladesh to prepare for all possible outcomes. He said the Iran war could have bigger global effects than the Ukraine conflict. He noted that Iran has strong military self-reliance, allowing it to fight for a long time.
Steve Ross, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington, spoke about Myanmar. He said the conflict there directly affects Bangladesh’s efforts to send Rohingya refugees home. A lasting peace in Myanmar is very difficult, he added.
Mr. Ross explained that Myanmar’s military cannot be trusted after it removed the elected government. Armed groups also want control of land. This makes a ceasefire unlikely to last, even if one is agreed upon.
The American researcher said Myanmar’s conflict means international attention may stay on the broader war. This could reduce focus and resources for the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh must continue balancing relations between Myanmar’s government and the Arakan Army.
The two-day Bengal Delta Conference 2026 is organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA). Discussions covered economic planning, energy security, and regional cooperation. The conference also looked at women’s work and trade in South Asia.
