Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Bangladesh's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis of each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Bangladesh's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 54.6

Bangladesh is a member of the main international organizations: the United Nations (since 1974), the World Trade Organization, the Non-Aligned Movement, ICAO, the ICR, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the WTO, etc. The country actively participates in UN peacekeeping missions, providing the largest military contingent.

Bangladesh follows a dualistic model: international law is not directly applied until it is incorporated into national legislation, but the decisions of the Supreme Court show a willingness to take into account international agreements in the absence of relevant national norms, if they do not contradict the country's constitution.

In 2025, the country is going through a significant transition period after the resignation of the government of Sheikh Hasina in 2024, an interim government is working under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus (Nobel laureate), there is an increase in opposition activity, increased influence of Islamist parties, regional instability due to the conflict in Myanmar and possible increased border security.

According to the World Bank data for 2023, the government's efficiency (Percentage Rank) was 26.89%, and the WGI score was -0.697 (from -2.5 to +2.5). The indicators indicate a low efficiency of public administration by world standards. In 2024, the UN EGDI index is 0.6570 (maximum 1). Bangladesh ranks first among the least developed countries, ranks 100th out of 193 countries, having improved the indicator by 11 positions in 2 years.

The country is demonstrating accelerated digital development and is the region's leader among countries with a similar level of development. Before Sheikh Hasina's departure in 2024, the approval rate for her activities was about 70%, but in 2025, the country is governed by an interim cabinet (Muhammad Yunus).

Polls show the demand for early elections — 58.1% of residents prefer elections before the end of 2025, while issues of trust and support for the interim leader remain the subject of public debate. Information about the deployment of foreign (American or Chinese) military bases has not been officially confirmed; all information about possible bases in the region remains at the level of rumors. An active project is the revival of the Lalmonirhat national airbase, with no foreign military involved.

Bangladesh is not a party to most key supranational judicial institutions related to human rights cases (for example, the International Criminal Court). However, the country actively participates in the IPU process on climate commitments, providing its own written and oral arguments, which indicates partial involvement in international law.

Power in Bangladesh has historically been highly centralized: the most important decisions are made at the national (central) level. Due to the political transit (2024-2025), there are situational attempts to establish consensus between the political camps, but structural decentralization is not being implemented on a large scale.

The transparency of the activities of the special services and control mechanisms in the country remains low: information about the real control over the national special services is limited, and systemic measures of civil supervision are not actually implemented. There are no open reforms in this area.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 90%.

Economic sovereignty — 52.7

GDP per capita at purchasing power parity in 2025 is projected at about $8,903 (Trading Economics), and according to various estimation methods — in the range of $8,900-9,650 (World Bank). According to data for June — August 2025, Bangladesh's gold and foreign exchange reserves amount to 25-31.8 billion US dollars, according to the Central Bank and the IMF.

In June 2025-31.77 billion dollars, in August — 25+ billion dollars (different accounting methods). According to World Economics and the National Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh's national debt is 36-39.2% of GDP (2025), that is, 631 billion dollars out of a GDP of about 2.18 trillion (PPP). The Global Hunger Index is 19.4 (moderate hunger, 2024).

According to the FAO, harvests in 2024-2025 are higher than the average norm, but significant inflation risks and a high proportion of the vulnerable population remain (almost 12% — acute shortage). Bangladesh is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon imports, but it is developing renewable energy sources.

For new goals: 20% of electricity will come from renewable energy sources by 2030, 30% by 2040. The main generation is gas, part of the HPP; the share of own generation is gradually growing, but there is no complete self-sufficiency. Of the minerals, the main ones are natural gas and a certain amount of oil (deposits are limited, and a number of new blocks remain under development). There are export opportunities for gas, but the country cannot fully ensure the energy balance due to its resources.

Bangladesh has large reserves of fresh water (the largest rivers are the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna), but problems of seasonal shortages, pollution, and salinity remain acute in the south of the country. Water resources per capita are relatively high among South Asian countries. The country has its own national processing system, National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB), which has been operating under the control of the Central Bank since 2012. All major banks and mobile operators are integrated with the system.

All domestic calculations, taxes, government operations and a large part of exports/imports are carried out in Bengali Taka (BDT). However, foreign trade settlements are mainly conducted in dollars and euros; the transition to settlements in national currencies is being discussed with individual countries, but has not yet been implemented massively.

The issuing center is Bangladesh Bank, which independently conducts monetary policy, including the issuance of national currency, discount rate regulation, refinancing of commercial banks and currency control.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%

Technological sovereignty — 38.2

The official R&D expenditure figure is 0.30% of GDP (2020/21), according to the latest reports for 2024-2025, no major changes have been noted; the country remains one of the least invested in research and innovation. In recent years, Bangladesh has been focusing on the localization of the production of household and consumer electronics (mobile, household appliances), large local manufacturers have appeared (Walton, Singer, Walton Micro-Tech).

However, in terms of components and industrial electronics (microcircuits, processors), imports dominate — there is no complete autonomy. The gross tertiary enrollment rate is 23.8% as of 2023 (new data is updated annually by the World Bank and CEIC). As of June 2025, there are 133.6 million users, with a penetration rate of 54.18% of the population.

For individual indicators, different sources estimate penetration from 44.5% (the beginning of the year) to 54.8% (by household type). National management platforms have been created: the national Authentication Platform (NID), the National Digital Architecture (BNDA, from 2025), the e-Government Portal, the National Payment switch, and the myGov electronic database of public services with gradual expansion.

Bangladesh remains extremely dependent on high-tech imports: all microelectronics, industrial chips, and many types of equipment are imported from China, India, Singapore, and other countries.

There are more than 800 electronic government services in the country (data 2025), development is accelerating according to digital transformation plans (Digital Bangladesh, BNDA launched in test mode, full integration is planned by 2029-2030). Key successes have been achieved in agrobiotechnology (Bt eggplant, biofortification of rice and wheat), there is in-house research in animal science and aquaculture, but leading technologies and equipment are imported.

National Institute of Biotechnology (since 1999). There is no significant robotics sector (the creation of industrial robots and relevant algorithms); there is a basic assembly of small systems based on imported components and digital platforms for industrial automation are being developed.

Almost complete dependence on imports — there is not a single large enterprise of its own for the production of chips, integrated circuits, and microelectronics. Local factories (Walton Micro-Tech, etc.) are engaged only in the assembly/large-scale assembly of foreign components.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 92% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 53

According to the ITU Cybersecurity Index, the country ranks 53rd out of 194 (Global Cybersecurity Index), with a score of 81.27. The specialized structure of BGD e-Gov CIRT (national CERT) has been operating since 2016, there has been steady development in technical and organizational measures, and the legal framework needs to be strengthened.

There are eight licensed IXPs in the country, the largest is BDIX, and points of presence outside Dhaka are gradually emerging. A smaller portion of traffic passes through NIX (7.57% of networks connected), but IPv6 adoption has grown dramatically: by March 2025, 18.3% of connections support IPv6, 98% of the address space is protected by the RPKI protocol.

The vast majority of television, radio and online media broadcast and publish content in Bengali. New reforms launched in 2025 after the change of government are designed to reduce censorship and monopolization, and ensure freedom of the press.

National cloud platforms ("Meghna Cloud" and "Sovereign Govt Cloud") and the development of their own IT products have reduced technological dependence on global corporations. However, a critical level of resilience to BigTech has not yet been achieved — local services are used to store and integrate government data, and the consumer audience habitually depends on Facebook, Google, etc.

Over 80% of TV, radio and online content is produced domestically, mainly in Bengali; the largest media holdings are national. Bangladesh is increasing the production of its own software (AmarSolution, DataSoft, MediaSoftBD, Brain Station 23, BRAC IT, Xceed IT Solutions, etc.), exports services and products to the global market, and actively develops software in the banking and educational sectors.

More than 800 public services are available online, mobile and digital coverage reaches 100% for major operators, and Internet penetration is more than 54% of the population. BDCCL (Bangladesh Data Center Company Ltd) and Meghna Cloud are officially used for storing and processing national data, and the cloud infrastructure is located in the country. Major mobile operators are residents of the country (Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink), the license and regulation belong to BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission).

In 2025, the development of a comprehensive law on personal data (Personal Data Protection Act) continues, which involves the introduction of the status of protected data, the restriction of transfer abroad and the creation of a national registry.

The law has not yet been finalized, but some of the mechanisms are already in place through the BTRC and the Ministry of Finance.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 75.1

Bangladesh has 3 UNESCO sites (2 cultural and 1 natural): the mosque city in Bagerhat, the Buddhist Mahavihara in Paharpur, and the Sundarbans Nature Reserve. Bangladesh has contributed to world culture through its architectural heritage (Paharpur, Bagerhat), centuries-old literary tradition (Tagore, Nazarul), the development of musical, theatrical and craft forms, as well as the diffusion of culture through the diaspora.

Mahavihara in Paharpur has historically influenced the temple architecture of Southeast Asia. National prizes are awarded annually: Ekushey Padak, Independence Day Award, Nazrul Award — in the fields of literature, music, fine arts, theater, cinema; in 2025, the expanded participation of young artists and institutions was noted.

The key identity of the country is the Bengali language, the Islamic religion (95% of the population are Muslims), the celebration of national, religious and ethnic holidays, the memorialization of the struggle for independence, and the synthesis of urban and agrarian elements.

According to the new law "Cultural Institution for Ethnic Diversity Act 2025" — support for "ethnic diversity": preservation of languages, cultural centers, festivals, budgetary financing of resources for 45 small groups (mainly Chittagong Hills), however, the term "indigenous" has been replaced by "small ethnic groups". There are more than 1,000 historical and architectural monuments in the country, 3 UNESCO sites, about 50 museums and national galleries, many dedicated cultural centers and theaters.

Bangladesh participates in international festivals (K-pop World Festival, cooperation with Britain, India, UNESCO, British Council Connections Through Culture grant programs), as well as the integration of local artists into global projects. In 2025, 49 national brands (Superbrands Bangladesh) were officially recognized, dominated by fashion brands, textiles, food, and craft culture (Aarong is an example of successful integration of traditions with the modern market).

The cuisine is a synthesis of Bengali, Persian, Arabic, and Indian traditions; the richness of spices, types of rice, and fish is noted, dishes include from 20+ varieties, and a completed table is considered a cultural ritual. About 48% of the population participates in cultural events (schools, festivals, mass celebrations), in cities this figure is higher — up to 58%

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 86%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 60.3

In 2025, HDI is 0.685 (position No.130/193 countries), average growth is 1.67% per year since 1990, category "Average human development" (life expectancy — 74.7 years, GNI — $8,498 PPP). In the fiscal year 2025/2026, the education budget is 95,644 crore (~$8.6 billion), which is 2.1% of GDP and 12.1% of the national budget. the budget. The adult literacy rate is 76% (according to data from 2021-2024, with an annual increase of about 1%).

Bangladesh does not officially participate in PISA tests, there are no results in mathematics, science and reading for the country; some schools implement analogues of regional standards, but there are no international comparative data. STEM graduates make up about 12% of state university students, up to 24% of high school graduates; the proportion is significantly lower than arts/social sciences (60%).

There is an acute shortage of qualified STEM specialists and teachers. Dual degree and external programs (British, Australian, Malaysian universities, as well as a franchise of international schools) are rapidly growing in popularity, but their share is less than 10% among all higher education institutions in the country.

About 54 ethnic groups and more than 35 languages are officially recognized (most often — Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, Mro), the government implements language support programs at the preschool level (textbooks in 5 languages), but their preservation remains a difficult problem. There are about 25 government fundamental and industry centers in the country (for example, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, as well as university laboratories).

All government platforms — myGov, Shikkhok Batayon, national databases for schools and universities; in total, >85% of online educational services are localized and integrated into the national the system. The amount of funding for scholarships and support programs will be increased in 2025: scholarships from the government in STEM and arts, benefits for teachers and young scientists, grants and foreign internship programs have been expanded; state programs include at least 25 types of targeted support, the budget for these purposes is over 2% of the total educational budget.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 89%.

Military sovereignty — 46.8

Military expenditures — 1.02–1.13% of GDP (2023-2025). The official military budget for 2025/26 is about $3.34—3.5 billion, which is the third largest absolute expenditure in South Asia.

The number of armed forces is 204,000 (2025), including 160-170 thousand regular, 60-70 thousand reservists, 100 thousand paramilitary formations (border guards, coast guards); Bangladesh is the largest contributor of UN forces among developing countries.

Modernization is active, but the platforms are still diverse: new infantry fighting vehicles (Turkey, Russia), main tanks (MBT-2000/VT-5), purchases of air defense systems and drones (China); the fleet consists mainly of outdated F-7, MiG-29, there is a Yak-130, is undergoing Upgrade medium helicopters and reconnaissance UAVs.

Navy — Chinese submarines and new frigates, but no ships with VLS. The weapons are mostly imported; our own production includes small arms, ammunition, repair and modernization of equipment, production of certain types of armored vehicles and combat boats (up to 20% of the demand, in the future expansion of the joint venture with Turkey). The armed forces, together with Border Guard Bangladesh, are responsible for controlling the entire land, sea and air borders, and regularly prevent illegal crossings and cross-border conflicts (especially on the border with Myanmar).

The combat reserve is approximately 60-70 thousand people, the mobilization reserve is theoretically up to 1.6 million (the total number of conscripts), and the real rapid deployment capabilities are up to 110 thousand. The policy is non-aligned, but in 2025 there will be a return to military-technical cooperation with China, Turkey, Pakistan and some OIC countries.

Cooperation with India/the United States has been reduced amid intra-regional disagreements.

Decisions on defense are made through the Coordinating Council of the Armed Forces under the Prime Minister. Geopolitical autonomy remains, but the influence of regional players is growing. The main facilities are Bangladesh Ordnance Factories, Khulna Shipyard, aviation repair; since 2025, a new program has been in effect to localize the production of armored vehicles, weapons, UAVs and air defense systems, and joint ventures with Turkey have been included.

Bangladesh does not officially possess nuclear weapons, and there are no participants in nuclear weapons development/deployment programs.

All data on the number of warheads is zero, the country is an active participant in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

There is no military satellite, but the only geostationary satellite, Bangabandhu-1 (since 2018), provides communications, emergency monitoring and serves as a base for the development of a space surveillance system.

The national intelligence system includes DGFI (military), NSI (national), SIGINT/electronic intelligence — at the regional level; own developments are limited to communications and airspace monitoring programs.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 94% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Economic growth: Bangladesh is among the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, continuing to move from LDC status to an emerging economy. Demographic potential: High proportion of young people, average age is 28 years, large workforce (74 million people).

Digitalization and accessibility: The rapid spread of the mobile Internet, the development of digital financial services, large-scale digitalization of public services and the creation of national cloud platforms.

Cultural heritage and identity: Rich traditions, three UNESCO sites, a high level of involvement in cultural life, support for ethnic diversity and the development of their own media content. Military stability: Decision-making autonomy, strong control over land and sea borders, a modernizing army, and a growing defense sector of its own.

Investment attractiveness: A large domestic market, a favorable macroeconomic environment, the growth of the startup sector and the development of exports of consumer goods.

Weaknesses. Import dependence in high-tech: High rates of import dependence on technology, scientific equipment, chips, and IT products; own contribution to R&D is extremely small (0.30% of GDP). Low educational indicators: Insufficient government spending on education (2.1% of GDP), adult literacy (76%), low proportion of STEM graduates, lack of PISA results. Lagging behind in basic science and innovation: few government research centers, limited national educational and research platforms, weak biotechnological and robotic autonomy.

Infrastructural and social challenges: High population density, vulnerability to natural disasters, lack of qualified personnel, restrictions on the development of transport and energy infrastructure.

Currency and foreign economic risks: Reduction of reserves, dependence on currency fluctuations, inflation, trade deficit, risks for the ready-made garment sector, the significant role of export demand.

Overall assessment. Bangladesh's cumulative sovereignty Index is 380.7 out of 700 possible points (an average of 54.4%), which places the country in the top 100 in the world top.

Bangladesh demonstrates sustainable and inclusive growth, advantageous geopolitical position and social dynamics, which ensures stability and significant prospects for development.

At the same time, serious challenges remain — technological vulnerability, deficiencies in education and innovation, infrastructural and demographic constraints that require targeted national modernization and support programs.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Bangladesh's sovereignty is manifested primarily in domestic and cultural control, flexible foreign policy positioning, high national identity and military autonomy.

But significant technological, financial, and personnel dependence on foreign suppliers, donors, and markets, as well as vulnerability to political and social upheavals, limit its completeness and sustainability. The country needs further consolidation of the elites, deepening of scientific, educational and industrial potential in order to strengthen real independence and long-term sustainability.