Bangladesh Foreign Policy

Bangladesh, located in South Asia, has a foreign policy that is shaped by its
historical experiences, geographic location, and regional dynamics. As of my last
knowledge update in September 2021, here's a comprehensive overview of
Bangladesh's foreign policy:
Historical Background: Bangladesh's foreign policy is deeply influenced by its
history. It gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a war of liberation, and its
foreign policy focuses on preserving and promoting its sovereignty and national
interests.
Regional Engagement: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC): Bangladesh is an active member of SAARC and seeks regional cooperation
on issues such as trade, poverty alleviation, and regional stability. It has hosted SAARC
summits and worked toward enhancing regional connectivity.
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC): Bangladesh is a member of BIMSTEC, a regional
organization aimed at promoting economic and regional integration among countries
surrounding the Bay of Bengal.
Rohingya Crisis: The Rohingya refugee crisis, stemming from Myanmar's
persecution of the Rohingya minority, has had a significant impact on Bangladesh's
foreign policy. Bangladesh has sought international support for the Rohingya refugees
and has been engaged in negotiations with Myanmar to repatriate them safely.
Diplomacy and Foreign Relations:
Neighborly Relations: Bangladesh maintains friendly relations with its
neighbors, particularly India, with which it shares a long border. It has improved
diplomatic ties with Myanmar, despite the Rohingya crisis, and is involved in regional
diplomacy.
China: Bangladesh has cultivated strategic ties with China, focusing on
economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and trade. The China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other initiatives have increased connectivity between
the two countries.
United States: Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the United States
and seeks to expand trade and investment ties. The U.S. is a significant development
partner for Bangladesh.
Russia: Bangladesh has also been strengthening its diplomatic ties with Russia,
exploring areas of cooperation in trade, defense, and energy.
 Economic Diplomacy: Bangladesh has pursued an active policy of economic
diplomacy, focusing on trade and investment. It has sought to diversify its trade partners
and has explored new markets beyond its traditional partners.
International Organizations: Bangladesh is a member of various international
organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It actively participates in these forums to
advance its interests and advocate for global issues.
Climate Change and Environment: Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable
countries to climate change due to its low-lying geography. As a result, it has become a
vocal advocate for climate action on the international stage, seeking support for
adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Security and Counterterrorism: Bangladesh has worked with international
partners to address security and counterterrorism concerns. It has cooperated with
countries like the United States and India on issues related to counterterrorism and
regional security.
Multilateralism: Bangladesh strongly supports the principles of multilateralism
and international cooperation. It plays an active role in various United Nations bodies
and has contributed to peacekeeping missions.
Humanitarian Diplomacy: Bangladesh has engaged in humanitarian diplomacy
by hosting and providing assistance to Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in
Myanmar. It seeks international support for their safe return and rehabilitation.
Economic Diplomacy and Growth: Bangladesh has experienced significant
economic growth over the past few decades. Its foreign policy has placed a strong
emphasis on economic diplomacy to bolster its economic development.
Textiles and Garments: The textile and garment industry has been a driving
force behind Bangladesh's economic growth. The country is one of the world's largest
exporters of textiles and apparel. Its foreign policy has aimed to expand market access
for these products.
Trade Agreements: Bangladesh has pursued trade agreements with various
countries and regions to diversify its export destinations and reduce trade barriers. It is
part of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) and the South Asian Free Trade Area
(SAFTA).
International Aid and Development Partnerships: Bangladesh has actively
engaged with international development organizations and donors to secure financial
assistance for infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and social welfare
programs. It has worked closely with institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), and international development agencies to finance and
implement development projects.
 Foreign Investment and Industrial Zones: Bangladesh has sought foreign
direct investment (FDI) by offering incentives to foreign companies. It has established
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract FDI and promote industrialization. The
country's foreign policy aims to create a conducive environment for foreign investors
and encourage technology transfer and job creation.
Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation: Bangladesh's foreign policy
includes fostering bilateral relations and economic cooperation with key partners. For
instance:
India: Bangladesh has enhanced economic cooperation with India,
including trade facilitation and connectivity projects like the India-Bangladesh
Friendship Pipeline and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
China: Bangladesh's ties with China have deepened through projects like
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI). These initiatives have the potential to boost infrastructure development
and trade.
Resilience and Turnaround of the Economy: Bangladesh has achieved
remarkable economic resilience and turnaround. The country has been recognized for
its ability to bounce back from natural disasters and economic challenges. Factors
contributing to this resilience include a diversified economy, a growing manufacturing
sector, a youthful workforce, and a focus on agricultural productivity and food security.
Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Bangladesh's foreign policy and
economic initiatives have aimed at improving social development indicators. It has
made significant progress in reducing poverty, achieving gender equality, and improving
access to education and healthcare. International partnerships have supported these
efforts, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Challenges and Future Directions: Despite its economic successes,
Bangladesh faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, political instability, and
environmental vulnerabilities. The government's foreign policy continues to address
these challenges and seeks partnerships for sustainable development.
Bangladesh-Israel Relations: No Formal Diplomatic Relations: As of my last
update, Bangladesh did not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. This lack of
diplomatic recognition stems from historical and geopolitical factors, as well as the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Position on the Palestinian Issue: Bangladesh has consistently supported the
Palestinian cause and recognized the State of Palestine. It has expressed solidarity with
the Palestinian people in their pursuit of self-determination and an independent state.
Non-Recognition Policy: Bangladesh has maintained a policy of not
recognizing Israel as a state. This stance is rooted in its support for the rights of
Palestinians and solidarity with Arab countries that do not have formal diplomatic
relations with Israel.

Humanitarian Aid: Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Bangladesh,

like many countries, has provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinian territories and
participated in international efforts to alleviate suffering in the region.
In conclusion, Bangladesh's foreign policy is driven by its commitment to
safeguarding its sovereignty, promoting regional stability, and advancing its economic
and developmental interests. The country has demonstrated a pragmatic and
multilateral approach to diplomacy while addressing key challenges, including the
Rohingya crisis and climate change. As the global landscape evolves, Bangladesh will
continue to adapt its foreign policy to meet new challenges and opportunities.
Bangladesh's foreign policy plays a pivotal role in its economic development. By
engaging in economic diplomacy, attracting foreign investment, fostering international
partnerships, and addressing key challenges, Bangladesh has managed to achieve
impressive economic growth and reduce poverty. The country's continued focus on
these aspects will be crucial in shaping its economic future and enhancing its position
on the global stage.