Expert mission on HCoC to Bangladesh - HCoC

Supporting the Hague Code of Conduct

an FRS project funded by the European Union

Expert mission on HCoC to Bangladesh

19 July 2017

On 19 July 2017, the FRS conducted an expert mission to Bangladesh to discuss and debate the HCoC. This event was covered by the local newspaper BD Chronicle.

This mission was part of a series of targeted national visits.

AGENDA

WELCOMING REMARKS

Dr. Jean-François DAGUZAN, Deputy Director, Foundation for Strategic Research
Andrzej KNEIFEL, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Poland to India, (HCoC Chair)
E. Ambassador Pierre MAYAUDON, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh
Chief Guest: Lieutenant General Md. Mahfuzur RAHMAN, rcds, ndc, afwc, psc, PhD, Principal Staff Officer, People’s Republic of Bangladesh

I/ THE HCoC AGAINST THE PROLIFERATION OF BALLISTIC MISSILES: UNIVERSALITY, IMPLEMENTATION & VISIBILITY

SPEAKER:

Benjamin HAUTECOUVERTURE, Senior Research Fellow, Foundation for Strategic Research

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:

Presentation of the Code: its main provisions
The concrete meaning of implementing the HCoC
The HCoC in Asia: positions and evolution
Relevance of joining the HCoC in relation to Bangladesh non-proliferation policies
Successes and challenges of the HCoC in today’s environment

II/ CURRENT TRENDS CONCERNING BALLISTIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGIES & PROLIFERATION GENERAL & REGIONAL VIEWS

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Jean-François DAGUZAN, Deputy Director, Foundation for Strategic Research
Brigadier General Mohammad MAHBUBUL HAQ, PBGM, ndc,afwc, psc
Noor Mohammad SARKAR, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA)

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:

The current regional state of play in the ballistic-missile field
Issues arising from dual-use technologies and related strategies

III/ CURRENT TRENDS CONCERNING SPACE LAUNCH TECHNOLOGIES & CAPABILITIES: DYNAMICS OF SPACE LAUNCH & FUTURE USES OF SPACE APPLICATIONS

SPEAKER:

Dr. Serge PLATTARD, Senior Resident Fellow, Honorary Professor of University College London, Chair of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Committee on Space Security

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:

Space developments in South Asia
The characteristics of the development of space launch technologies
The evolution of the satellite industry and its impact upon the space launch sector

CONCLUDING REMARKS

August
2015

Other publications

The Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation: “Lessons Learned” for the European Union Draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities

Concerns about the harm caused upon orbiting space objects – whether intentional or accidental – have increased in recent years, as well as the emerging awareness that the security and safety of national satellites – of vital importance for modern societies but at the same time so vulnerable – relies on a collective effort. In December 2008 the EU responded to these concerns by adopting a Draft Code of Conduct (EU Draft CoC) for outer space activities.

March
2022

The Hague Code of Conduct in the Middle East

The HCoC holds special significance in the Middle East as the region is fraught with the development of ballistic arsenals, the use of missiles on the battlefield and the proliferation of such systems towards both states and non-state actors. Moreover, several ballistic missile programmes have been closely associated with WMD acquisition.

May
2023

The HCoC and Strategic Risk Reduction

As a multilateral instrument, the HCoC holds a particular place in a global architecture of measures that attempts to reduce the destabilising nature of ballistic missiles. By promoting transparency about policies and launches, it aims to limit the risk of misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and worst-case assessments.