Dhaka:Bangladesh's foreign policy must prioritize national interests and the aspirations of its people, rather than being influenced by the competing demands of major global powers, stated Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Jahrat emphasized the importance of leveraging Bangladesh's global partnerships in trade, investment, and economic cooperation, while maintaining flexibility in its international engagements. These remarks were made during a fireside chat titled 'Bangladesh's Foreign Policy in a Changing World,' organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in Dhaka.
Jahrat, who is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), highlighted the significance of economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, and enhanced institutional capacity, especially as Bangladesh transitions from the least developed country (LDC) category. She also stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering lasting relationships across countries and political parties, and in reinforcing collaboration between parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
BIPSS President Major General (Retd) A N M Muniruzzaman discussed the rapid changes in the global order, characterized by increasing multipolarity, geopolitical competition, and the restructuring of global supply chains. He noted that these developments present both strategic challenges and opportunities for Bangladesh, given its strategic location between South and Southeast Asia and the growing geopolitical significance of the Bay of Bengal.
Muniruzzaman emphasized the need for strategic autonomy and pragmatic multi-alignment to maintain constructive partnerships with global powers while protecting Bangladesh's sovereignty. He also underscored the importance of climate diplomacy and humanitarian responsibilities, advocating for climate justice and sustained international engagement to address the Rohingya crisis.
The event, moderated by Shafqat Munir, Vice President and Senior Fellow of BIPSS, was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, civil society representatives, and journalists. Discussions included the necessity for pragmatic regional relations, institutional support for migrant workers, and efforts to address irregular migration and protect the rights of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.
Participants also highlighted the interconnectedness of foreign policy and national security, addressing issues such as energy security, border management, cybersecurity, and regional stability. Shafqat Munir called for maintaining strategic autonomy through diverse partnerships and proposed the establishment of a National Security Council to enhance coordination between foreign policy and national security.