Bangladesh’s foreign affairs have been shaped by its strategic location in South Asia, its history, and its economic and geopolitical goals. Since gaining independence in 1971, the country's foreign policy has emphasized diplomacy based on peace, regional cooperation, and economic development. Bangladesh follows a policy of "Friendship to all, malice towards none," a principle initially laid out by its founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Here are some key aspects of Bangladesh’s foreign affairs:
1. Bilateral Relations
Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with a wide range of countries, balancing between major global powers and regional neighbors.
a) India
India played a crucial role in the independence of Bangladesh, providing military, economic, and diplomatic support during the 1971 Liberation War. Today, India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km border, making it one of the longest land borders in the world. Their relationship is generally positive, with cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, counter-terrorism, and connectivity projects like rail, road, and waterways. However, occasional disputes arise, such as those related to water sharing (Teesta River) and border security.
b) China
Bangladesh and China enjoy a strong and growing relationship. China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and a significant source of infrastructure investment, including projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is also a key supplier of military equipment to Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh balances this relationship with its ties to India and the U.S.
c) United States
The U.S. is an important partner for Bangladesh in terms of trade, investment, and development assistance. Bangladesh exports a large volume of textiles to the U.S., making it a vital trade partner. The two countries also cooperate in areas like counter-terrorism, regional security, and disaster response. However, concerns over human rights and governance have sometimes led to criticism from the U.S.
d) Pakistan
Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have been strained since the 1971 Liberation War. Issues like Pakistan’s reluctance to fully acknowledge the atrocities committed during the war, and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis (Biharis) in Bangladesh, continue to affect bilateral ties. Despite these challenges, diplomatic and trade relations exist, albeit on a limited scale.
e) Myanmar
Bangladesh and Myanmar share a border, and their relationship has been significantly affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis. Since 2017, more than a million Rohingya refugees have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh due to persecution by the Myanmar military. This has strained relations, although both countries have engaged in discussions about repatriation and regional security.
2. Multilateral and Regional Diplomacy
Bangladesh is an active participant in various regional and international organizations.
a) United Nations (UN)
Bangladesh is a strong advocate of multilateralism and plays an active role in the UN. The country is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, which enhances its global standing. Bangladesh also champions issues like climate change, sustainable development, and the rights of least developed countries (LDCs) in international forums.
b) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
As a founding member of SAARC, Bangladesh plays a key role in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia. However, political tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, have limited the effectiveness of SAARC. Bangladesh has shifted its focus to other regional initiatives like BIMSTEC.
c) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
BIMSTEC connects South Asia and Southeast Asia and includes Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal. Bangladesh sees BIMSTEC as a platform to enhance trade, connectivity, and energy cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
d) Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Bangladesh is an active member of the OIC, advocating for the rights of Muslim-majority countries. The country has sought support from OIC members, particularly regarding the Rohingya crisis, calling for international pressure on Myanmar to address the situation.
3. Economic Diplomacy
Economic diplomacy is a major focus of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. The country aims to expand trade, attract foreign investment, and foster development partnerships.
a) Trade and Export
Bangladesh is one of the world's largest exporters of textiles and garments. It seeks to enhance trade relations with the European Union, the United States, China, India, and other countries. Trade diversification is a key objective, with the government encouraging exports beyond the textile sector.
b) Investment and Development Partnerships
To support its growing economy, Bangladesh seeks foreign investment in key sectors like infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and information technology. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are significant investors in Bangladesh. Additionally, Bangladesh engages with international financial institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund major development projects.
4. Geopolitical Challenges and Strategic Balancing
Bangladesh is strategically located between two major powers, India and China, and must navigate its foreign relations carefully.
India-China Rivalry: Bangladesh maintains friendly relations with both India and China, despite the growing geopolitical rivalry between the two. The country has successfully balanced these relationships by engaging in economic and defense cooperation with China, while maintaining deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with India.
U.S.-China Tensions: As U.S.-China competition intensifies, Bangladesh has sought to avoid taking sides, focusing instead on national interests. It values U.S. support in areas like trade and security but continues to welcome Chinese investments.
5. Climate Change Diplomacy
As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Bangladesh is a vocal advocate for climate action. The country has played a leading role in global discussions on climate change adaptation and financing, especially for countries at risk of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
- Bangladesh is a founding member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), which consists of countries most affected by climate change. It advocates for greater international support to address climate-related challenges and has called for stronger global commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s foreign policy is characterized by a balanced approach to global and regional powers, with a strong emphasis on economic diplomacy and development. The country plays an active role in regional cooperation, climate change advocacy, and peacekeeping, while carefully navigating the geopolitical complexities of South Asia.