FS
FSDS
Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, ndc, psc (Retd.)
Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, ndc, psc (Retd.)
Chairman

Message from the Chairman

Assalamu Alaikum and welcome to the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS). It is an independent and non-partisan platform dedicated to advancing research, dialogue, and policy solutions in support of Bangladesh’s national interests, security, and development. Established with the guiding principle of “Bangladesh First,” FSDS seeks to foster informed discussions, innovative ideas, and constructive engagement among scholars, policymakers, civil servants, security professionals, journalists, business leaders, and members of the civil society.

FSDS was founded to contribute meaningfully in the fields of defense, security, peace, diplomacy, foreign-policy, governance, education, economy, development, and social and public policy affairs. Our mission is to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and generate practical policy options that can support informed decision-making. We believe that national progress is best achieved through collaboration, intellectual honesty, and inclusive participation. Through research publications, policy dialogues, seminars, surveys, and strategic assessments, we aim to create a vibrant platform where diverse perspectives can engage in constructive debate for the common good.

As you explore our work, I invite you to join us in this endeavor. Your ideas, expertise, constructive criticism, and participation are invaluable in helping us build a stronger and more prosperous Bangladesh. Together, let us contribute to a future defined by knowledge, cooperation, resilience, and strategic vision, while advancing the enduring interests of Bangladesh and its people.

Thank you for visiting us.

Advancing Strategic Knowledge for Bangladesh

The Foundation for Strategic & Development Studies (FSDS) is a Dhaka-based independent think tank established in 2024. FSDS conducts rigorous, evidence-based research on strategic, developmental, and policy issues affecting Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region.

Our work encompasses national security, foreign policy, climate change, economic development, democratic governance etc. Through research publications, conferences, seminars, and policy dialogues, we bridge the gap between academic research and evidence-based policymaking.

2024
Established
Independent Research

Producing rigorous, evidence-based research on national security, governance, and development etc.

Policy Engagement

Bridging the gap between research and policy by engaging government, civil society, and international partners.

Capacity Building

Strengthening policy research capacity through training, fellowships, and academic collaboration.

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Partner Institutions

Core Research Areas

Our interdisciplinary research spans six core domains, addressing Bangladesh's most pressing strategic and development challenges.

National Security & Defense

Analyzing Bangladesh's defense policy, military doctrine, counter-terrorism strategies, and border security challenges i...

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Geopolitics & Foreign Policy

Examining Bangladesh's foreign policy, regional dynamics, the Indo-Pacific strategic competition, and Bangladesh's relat...

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Climate & Environmental Security

Investigating climate change impacts on Bangladesh, sea-level rise, climate-induced migration, and resilience-building s...

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Governance & Democracy

Assessing democratic institutions, rule of law, anti-corruption measures, electoral integrity, and public sector account...

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Economic Development & Trade

Researching Bangladesh's economic trajectory, LDC graduation challenges, trade policy, RMG sector competitiveness, and i...

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Cyber Security & Digital Policy

Exploring cybersecurity threats, disinformation campaigns, digital governance frameworks, and Bangladesh's evolving digi...

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Latest Publications

Rigorous research translated into accessible policy insights — journals, briefs, and working papers.

Annual Report
FSDS Annual Report 2025
FSDS  |  Jan 2026
View
Policy Brief
Rohingya Crisis: Regional Implications and Durable Solutions
Dr. Farhan Ahmed, Dr. Nadia Is...  |  Sep 2025
View
Working Paper
Bay of Bengal Security Architecture: Multilateral Frameworks
Dr. Mohammad Hasan, Rumana Akt...  |  Aug 2025
View
Policy Brief
Bangladesh's LDC Graduation: Navigating Trade Preferences
Prof. Rashida Khanam  |  Jul 2025
View

Upcoming Events & Programs

22
Jul
2026
International Conference
Bangladesh Security Outlook 2026: Regional Perspectives

BICC, Dhaka  |  9:00 AM

Details
05
Sep
2026
Workshop
Digital Governance & Cybersecurity Workshop

Hotel Westin, Dhaka  |  9:00 AM

Details
15
Sep
2026
Policy Dialogue
FSDS Annual Dialogue 2026

BICC, Dhaka  |  9:00 AM

Details

News & Analysis

Expert commentary and analysis on Bangladesh's most pressing strategic and development challenges.

Geopolitics
Dr. Mohammad Hasan 28 May 2026 8 min read
The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: Bangladesh's Strategic Position in the Indo-Pacific

As the Indo-Pacific emerges as the defining geopolitical theatre of our era, Bangladesh finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating complex relationships with regional powers w...

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Security
20 May 2026
Rohingya Crisis at Six Years: Regional Stability and the Path to Repatriation
Read More
Climate
15 May 2026
Bangladesh's Climate Vulnerability: From Adaptation to Transformation
Read More
Economy
10 May 2026
Post-LDC Bangladesh: Reimagining Trade Strategy
Read More
Media Coverage
View All
  • Dr. Hasan quoted in The Daily Star on Bangladesh-China relations
    28 May 2026
  • FSDS climate report cited by UNDP Bangladesh in policy paper
    20 May 2026
  • Prof. Khanam featured on BBC Bangla discussing LDC graduation
    15 May 2026
  • FSDS Annual Dialogue 2025 coverage in The Financial Express
    25 Nov 2025
  • FSDS Rohingya policy brief cited in UN Security Council meeting
    10 Oct 2025
Call for Papers
Call for Papers: FSDS Journal Vol. 8 — Deadline August 31, 2026

Submit original research on security, development, and governance topics related to Bangladesh and South Asia.

Submit Paper

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