Bangladesh Maritime Dispute With India And Myanmar: A Review
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 18
- 1 min read
Humaira Adiba Kotha, Department of Law & Human Rights, University of Asia Pacific,74/A, Green Road, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Shafiul Azam, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian 116023, China
ABSTRACT
The maritime boundary disputes of Bangladesh with its neighbors, India and Myanmar, have long-standing historical, legal, and geopolitical significance. Located at the northern tip of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh faced challenges in asserting its maritime rights due to its unique concave coastline and overlapping claims with the other two nations. This article examines the geographical and legal dimensions of these disputes, highlighting the critical role of international adjudication through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). By analyzing the judgments in these cases, the study underscores the application of the equidistance/relevant circumstances method in achieving equitable resolutions. Comparative insights are drawn from other notable maritime disputes, such as the South China Sea and the Chile-Peru cases, to contextualize the outcomes. The analysis reveals the strategic, economic, and legal implications of these judgments for Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of international law in fostering regional stability and cooperation. The article concludes with a discussion of challenges and future directions for sustainable maritime governance in the Bay of Bengal.
