They said apart from enhancing military capability, good governance with the participation of civil society and consensus on national issues are needed for national security.

The seminar on 'National security of Bangladesh in the new millenium' was organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (Biiss) at its auditorium in the city yesterday.

In a keynote paper titled 'Traditional security of Bangladesh in the new millenium', Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain said lack of consensus on national issues and absence of political direction is one of the problems of our security.

"Lack of resources for modernisation of armed forces has to be kept in view while building our security," he added.

Sakhawat said diplomacy is the first line of defence, but our diplomacy is reactive rather than proactive.

Referring to India's initiative to erect barbwires along the border, he said Bangladesh today perceives a threat from its biggest neighbour.

"Should we stand tall as sovereign country or to remain subservient to a dominant South Asian power?" he posed a question.

In another keynote paper titled 'Non-traditional security in Bangladesh in the new millenium', Abdur Rob Khan, research director of the Biiss, said a link-up of traditional and non-traditional security system is important.

He said deterioration of law and order, inflow of small arms and alleged activities of insurgents, and the activities of the outlaws are the major non-traditional security issues in Bangladesh.

Rob said only focus on state-centric military-based security may lead to double insecurity and jeopardise human security.

Speaking at the seminar as chief guest, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar said security of country might be undermined by both internal and external factors.

"Strengthening of military capability depends on social and economic factors of a country," he added.

The Speaker laid emphasis on the civil society and strong consensus on national issues for security.

Biiss Chairman Mufleh R Osmani, Director General Mohammad Abdul Matin, former diplomats and academics also addressed the seminar.