CGS dialogue: Push for complete overhaul of Bangladesh's foreign policy

Speakers at a policy dialogue hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) on Thursday underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Bangladesh's foreign policy, which they said has remained largely stagnant for over five decades.

They stressed the importance of forging a national consensus, engaging diverse stakeholders-including the diaspora and private sector-and ensuring that the foreign policy reflects domestic interests and democratic values.

As Bangladesh faces shifting global power dynamics, rising economic dependencies, and regional strategic challenges, the speakers called for a dynamic, transparent, and interest-driven approach to foreign relations.

At the CGS dialogue held at the CIRDAP Auditorium, Ambassador Humayun Kabir remarked that in 54 years since independence, Bangladesh's foreign policy has seen no significant reform.

He pointed out that domestic bottlenecks, internal political rivalry, and lack of strategic dialogue were preventing effective diplomacy.

"We can conduct diplomacy abroad, but face difficulties getting deals finalised in Dhaka," he said, noting that Bangladesh stands on "one leg" in terms of export dependency, and has not diversified its energy sources in four decades.

Major General (Retd.) A N M Muniruzzaman emphasised that fascism is systemic and reforming foreign policy would require removing its enablers from within institutions.

He urged inclusion of the private sector in foreign policymaking, prioritisation of climate diplomacy, and revitalisation of SAARC, while warning of impending threats in areas such as cybersecurity, water resources, and maritime policy.

BNP leader Zahir Uddin Swapon stressed the need for a shift in political culture and strengthening regional ties, especially through SAARC.

He underlined Bangladesh's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and growing dependence on external loans, calling for deeper understanding of cybersecurity and long-term planning by any incoming government.

Mojibur Rahman Monju described the current foreign policy situation as increasingly complex.

He acknowledged deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's long-standing alignment with India and called for checks and balances in bilateral ties, cautioning that US tariffs are hurting citizens.

Former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury called for public participation in budgetary decisions and proposed diaspora representation in parliament.

He criticised the absence of a foreign policy commission and stressed building stronger relations with China.

Jayia Party leader Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary argued that foreign policy must be rooted in domestic consensus.

He warned of overdependence on India and inaction on key bilateral issues like water sharing and the Rohingya crisis.

"We must stop acting as agents of others and become agents of Bangladesh," he said.

Mahdi Amin, an adviser to the BNP acting chairperson, said the government had failed to consult stakeholders in making foreign policy decisions.

He called for dignified repatriation of the Rohingya, a strong maritime security framework, and democratic accountability in diplomacy.

Ambassador M Shafiullah stated that the Foreign Ministry must remain the policy centre and be free of political interference.

Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad echoed the call for political consensus and urged leveraging the LDC graduation process rather than fearing it.

Security analyst Major Md Emdadul Islam (Retd.) highlighted the potential risks from escalating tensions between the Arakan Army and Rohingya, citing International Crisis Group findings.

Former foreign affairs secretary Shahidul Islam stressed that sovereignty and integrity have not been prioritised and urged immediate publication of all India-Bangladesh treaties.

Major Gen (Retd.) Amsa Amin questioned the role and effectiveness of Bangladesh's foreign intelligence apparatus while Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah called for Track 2 diplomacy and criticised the erosion of the principle of "friendship to all, malice toward none".

Shafqat Munir of BIPSS criticised the lack of a coherent foreign policy in the past 16 years and the poor remuneration and training of diplomats.

He proposed establishing a dedicated diaspora diplomacy wing and moving beyond outdated slogans in foreign policy.

M S Shekil Chowdhury described embassies as underperforming and called for including trade experts in foreign policy spaces. He said the merger of politics and trade has hampered business interests and Bangladesh must catch up strategically.

Gonosonghoti Andolon's Zonayed Saki said decisions must now be driven solely by national interest and require a strong political framework. Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haq Nur questioned the rationale behind buying 25 Boeing aircraft to please the US, and warned of rising tensions with India.

Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili criticised the shift from balanced diplomacy to selective alignment and the lack of skilled personnel in government. She warned of looming shocks from LDC graduation and unresolved water-sharing issues.

Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of Nationalist Democratic Movement, noted the poor quality of service at embassies and alleged continued influence of past regimes in foreign missions.

He condemned the signing of NDAs by the interim government without public transparency, and insisted that Bangladesh must clearly redefine its relationship with India.

The session was moderated by Zillur Rahman, president of the Centre for Governance Studies.

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