A legal notice has been sent to the relevant government authorities, demanding the immediate procurement of advanced foreign air defence systems and the launch of research and development initiatives to build a domestic air defence capability.
The notice cites the need to protect civilians from modern aerial warfare threats and to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
Issued in the public interest on Tuesday (March 24), the notice was sent by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan.
The respondents named in the notice include the Cabinet Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, and the Commandant of Bangladesh Ordnance Factories.
The notice places strong emphasis on the national budget, stating that a significant portion is allocated to the defence sector each year. As this funding comes from taxpayers, the public has the right to question whether the armed forces are capable of protecting the country’s airspace, sovereignty, and citizens from foreign missile strikes, air raids, and drone attacks.
It further states that the nature and strategy of modern warfare have changed significantly. Compared to conventional ground battles, aerial attacks using advanced missiles, fighter jets, and drones have become far more intense. However, according to various media reports and defence analysts, Bangladesh currently lacks a comprehensive and effective air defence system.
The notice also warns that regional instability, the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Myanmar, and rising geopolitical tensions could put Bangladesh’s sovereignty at risk. It notes that neighbouring India has already procured and deployed Russia’s advanced S-400 air defence system. To maintain regional balance and deterrence capability, the notice urges Bangladesh to immediately acquire advanced systems such as the US Patriot or equivalent Chinese air defence systems.