‘Bangladesh First’ policy prioritizes national interest, sovereignty

BNP-led government's 'Bangladesh First' foreign policy marks a shift from the previous Awami League regime's subservient diplomatic posture, prioritizing national interests, independent decision-making, and balanced international partnerships centered around citizens.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said, "We prioritize our own people's interests before considering the interests of any other nation's citizens or government—that is the key difference. We are putting our people and national interests first."

Shama noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's diplomatic vision builds upon the principles of slain President Ziaur Rahman, whose foreign policy held Bangladesh's national interests as the central consideration.

The state minister emphasized that Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its independent diplomatic stance while maintaining constructive relations with competing geopolitical blocs.

"Bangladesh First does not mean Bangladesh alone. The objective is to expand friendship and cooperation without compromising national interests," she stated.

Shama added that Bangladesh aims to build fruitful ties with India, China, the US, the UK, European nations, Muslim-majority states, OIC members, and ASEAN countries.

Describing the approach as "pragmatic and realistic," Shama highlighted that Bangladesh's strategic position along the Bay of Bengal opens new avenues for economic partnerships. She underscored the government's focus on economic diplomacy to boost foreign direct investment (FDI), manufacturing, technological growth, and employment generation.

Addressing questions on balancing geopolitical initiatives, she said partnerships will be evaluated based on the benefits they bring to the country. She added that participation in multilateral frameworks like the Indo-Pacific, BRICS, SAARC, and BIMSTEC is not contradictory.

Former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury welcomed the 'Bangladesh First' policy as a positive departure from the previous government's subservient approach.

Anwarullah, who served as Bangladesh's ambassador to Bahrain from 2003 to 2006, criticized the former regime for overemphasizing relations with India at the expense of national interests, giving concessions such as transit facilities without safeguarding sovereign priorities.

He remarked that the policy should embody "friends, not masters," asserting that no foreign nation, regardless of size or power, should dominate Bangladesh. He also advised against joining military alliances while encouraging economic agreements, export diversification, and expansion into non-traditional markets like agricultural produce and fish exports.

Former foreign secretary and diplomat M Humayun Kabir noted that the success of the policy depends on internal strength, institutional capability, and diplomatic bargaining power.

Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), stressed that an independent foreign policy requires political and social cohesion, good governance, and a strong economic foundation, urging objective assessment of national needs over emotional rhetoric.

Meanwhile, State Minister Shama Obayed reaffirmed that reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remains a key regional priority.

She confirmed that a roadmap for SAARC's revival has already been presented to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, adding that both SAARC and BIMSTEC can function side by side to foster regional trade and connectivity.

Source: BSS

-SA