Our defence expenditure
Once a mighty military power, Britain is now talking of major defence cuts to contain the budget deficit. The 5-month-old govt. under David Cameron made no bones about the unpleasant decision his govt. is about to take in view of the hard facts and ground realities.
The British PM is no novice and is very well briefed on the requirements under the changed geo-political scenario in the present conflict ridden world.
According to informed sources, the UK is spending a staggering US$ 59 billion every year on its defence and plans some 25% cut, which may sound threatening to its men in uniform but a practical necessity under the changed conditions. Iraq and Afghan war has bled the US and UK economy badly. The good part is that the British PM has the guts to call a spade a spade. He had all the facts and figures at his disposal before he even ventured suggesting the cuts.
In Bangladesh, now that we have a democratic govt. in power committed to change the fate of the people and the country, we should give it time to deliver services. We should review the role of Bangladesh Armed Forces and its budget. Renewed friendship with India and Myanmar, and the changed ground realities call for a serious look into our defence expenditure including the size of the troops and armaments. Air force jet fighters, naval frigates, military tanks and artillery guns are all offensive weapons. With no enemy in sight the policymakers should revise our defence budget for the good of the country.
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