“Friendship to All, Malice to None” is the main motto of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. It portrays Bangladesh’s intention to the external world that they seek to keep foreign relations through the respect of the sovereign state, regional integrity, not interested in interfering in others’ internal issues, and peaceful settlement of any international disputes. The most fundamental principles of Bangladesh’s foreign policy are to keep its own flow for economic enrichment rather than focusing on any sort of hostilities. Practically, Bangladesh can not avoid India’s interference regarding implementing its foreign policies according to its own needs. But from the aftermath of 5th August, 2024, to before 12th February’s 13th national elections, Bangladesh dealt with a new phenomenon of diplomacy to maintain external relations. Notably, the whole circumstances have changed after the new government’s sworn in. So, Bangladesh is now wavering in a transition period regarding its foreign policy formulation and execution.
By Md. Al-Amin
The key component of the Awami League’s foreign policy emphasizes maintaining peaceful, cooperative, and balanced relations with all countries, regardless of global power rivalries. Under this approach, Bangladesh has sought to avoid alignment with any single power bloc while protecting its national interests. Awami League’s foreign policy agenda has often been viewed as India-centric in terms of internal and external political relations, emphasizing close strategic and security cooperation with India. At the same time, its economic diplomacy has leaned significantly toward engagement with China, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, and investment projects. This dual approach reflects a pragmatic strategy—politically aligning closely with India for regional stability while economically partnering with China to support development and growth—alongside maintaining broader global engagement.
The newly elected government’s foreign policy is expected to be firmly grounded in the principles of national interest, strategic positioning, and equal sovereignty. It will prioritize safeguarding Bangladesh’s core political, economic, and security interests while strengthening its role in regional and global affairs. Emphasizing balanced and independent diplomacy, the government is likely to maintain constructive relations with major global and regional powers without aligning exclusively with any single bloc. A Bangladesh-centric approach will guide decision-making, ensuring that all external engagements—whether economic partnerships, security cooperation, or multilateral participation—directly contribute to the country’s long-term development, stability, and strategic autonomy. Historically, the government is going back to the “Look East policy” which means Bangladesh is looking forward to engaging its external relations with Japan, South Korea, ASEAN countries, Australia and New Zealand. Islamic sentiment will be the core component of this government’s foreign policies to enhance relations with Middle East countries regarding security, investment, expatriate workers, etc. Another Main idea will be to keep a distance from any sort of hostilities among India, China and America that works to gain Bangladesh’s interest when needed.
In implementing foreign policy with the United States, Bangladesh must strategically focus on increasing investment opportunities, strengthening cooperation in collective security, and expanding partnerships in digital security. At the same time, issues such as press freedom, democratic governance, and human rights should be addressed through constructive dialogue to maintain mutual trust. A balanced, interest-based approach will help ensure a stable and mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S.A. In dealing with China on foreign policy matters, Bangladesh should prioritize transparency in investment agreements to ensure accountability, sustainability, and long-term economic benefits. All engagements should remain development-centric, focusing on infrastructure, industrial growth, technology transfer, and economic diversification. A pragmatic and carefully managed approach will help maximize development gains while safeguarding national interests. In implementing foreign policy with India, Bangladesh must maintain a firm and strategic position on key issues such as transit arrangements, water-sharing disputes, and border management. Transit cooperation should ensure mutual economic benefits and protect national interests. Water-sharing agreements must be fair, sustainable, and based on international norms to safeguard Bangladesh’s environmental and agricultural needs. At the same time, border conflicts and security concerns should be addressed through strong diplomacy and effective coordination to ensure stability and sovereignty.
In dealing with major powers, Bangladesh must need to carefully assess the strategic implications of its economic and political engagements. With the United States, Bangladesh’s trade relationship remains heavily dependent on RMG exports, while the U.S. often emphasizes FDI, broader investment access, and the democratization of institutions. If American strategic or governance expectations are perceived as unmet, there is always a possibility of trade pressure, including tariff measures. On the other hand, engagement with China requires caution regarding debt sustainability and long-term financial obligations linked to large infrastructure projects. Similarly, relations with India demand a firm and balanced approach, particularly concerning border management, water sharing, and concerns over interference in internal matters, while ensuring Bangladesh receives its rightful share in bilateral agreements. Therefore, Bangladesh’s foreign policy must remain pragmatic, balanced, and strongly rooted in national interest to avoid overdependence on any single power bloc.
Bangladesh should remain cautious about being drawn into geopolitical rivalries among China, USA, Russia, and India. Its foreign policy should be guided by its own Indo-Pacific strategic outlook, carefully balancing engagement with initiatives such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), without aligning exclusively with any bloc. At the same time, Bangladesh should prioritize a “Look East” policy to diversify exports and attract greater FDI. Strengthening economic diplomacy with South Korea, Japan, ASEAN countries, Australia, and New Zealand can reduce overdependence on limited markets and ensure sustainable, balanced economic growth.
Md. Al-Amin is an educator. He completed his post-graduation from the Department of International Relations at Rajshahi University,Bangladesh. His research interests are Diplomacy, Foreign policy, Border conflicts, and Security issues.
