IPGAD National Discourse Series: Towards a Comprehensive Foreign Policy of Bangladesh
IPGAD National Discourse Series on Towards a Comprehensive Foreign Policy of Bangladesh
November 1, 2025, Dhaka
The Institute for Policy, Governance and Development (IPGAD) organized another round of its National Discourse Series on “Towards a Comprehensive Foreign Policy of Bangladesh” at the Bronze Room of The Westin Dhaka on Saturday, November 1. The session, moderated by IPGAD Research Director Md Mostafa Hossain, brought together a diverse lineup of political leaders, former diplomats, academics, defense experts, and foreign policy experts.
The event set out to explore how Bangladesh’s future foreign policy could be reshaped to better serve national interests in an increasingly complex global landscape. As part of a continuing series, the discussion aimed to set the tone for what the organizers described as “the beginning of a broader national conversation” on Bangladesh’s global positioning.
Reclaiming ‘Bangladesh First’
In his inaugural address, Dr Isharaf Hossain, Chairman of IPGAD, revisited the idea of a “Bangladesh First” policy once seen during the late 1970s and early ’80s. He lamented that the approach had been neglected in the past decade and a half, urging that any new government formed in the coming months should revive this as a cornerstone of future diplomacy.
Ambassador Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), praised the initiative, calling foreign policy “a subject often left unexplored.” He reflected that while the nation’s founding ideals of 1971 were not fully realized, the movement of July 2024 carried their unfinished aspirations forward. Stressing the need for professionalism, he warned against running foreign affairs like any other ministry. He added that Bangladesh must deepen its understanding of the world’s 192 states and prepare for post–LDC graduation challenges.
Aspirations, Regions, and Institutions
BNP Organizing Secretary Shama Obayed linked her party’s foreign policy outlook to the legacy of the late President Ziaur Rahman, who initiated SAARC as a regional mechanism for cooperation. She said Vision 2030 and the 31 Points of Tarique Rahman emphasized justice and equity, values she said were missing in the last 15 years. “If institutions like Parliament are weak, foreign policy fails by default,” she remarked, adding that Bangladesh First should be the anchor principle.
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Abul Hasan Chowdhury called for diplomatic pragmatism, quoting Nelson Mandela’s line that “your enemy doesn’t have to be my enemy.” He warned against nepotism and described Indian media narratives as a barrier to genuine bilateral dialogue.
Maj Gen (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Chairman of the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), said the old motto “friendship to all, malice to none” sounds noble but often proves “too utopian.” He called for a shift toward a clear “Bangladesh First” approach.
Human-Centered and Fact-Based Policy
Dr Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said foreign policy must create real change in people’s lives. She emphasized that Bangladesh should take a fact-driven stance and even serve as a safe haven for persecuted journalists and other citizens of foreign countries.
BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Ashim criticized the previous government’s “Hilsha diplomacy,” saying it failed to reflect balance or long-term goals. He called for a comprehensive, non-aligned strategy that strengthens regional links through SAARC, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN, while amplifying Bangladesh’s voice on climate justice and migrant rights.
Reimagining Regional Engagement
Prof. Dr. Ali Ashraf from Dhaka University’s Department of International Relations urged the reactivation of SAARC and diversification of Bangladesh’s export portfolio beyond garments. He suggested new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, high-end textiles, and peacekeeping—particularly through civilian roles.
Former High Commissioner Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mahmud Hussain argued that the country must train specialized diplomats, following the models of India and Singapore. “Politics often stands in the way,” he noted. Referencing Henry Kissinger, he said true diplomacy must consider defense and technology, especially in the age of AI.
Looking Forward
Dr Razia Sultana, Senior Research Fellow at BIISS, stressed inclusivity and forward-looking engagement. She cited shrinking FDI flows—down by 63 percent—and called for stronger economic stability, soft power, and cultural diplomacy.
Sultan Mohammed Zakaria, secretary of the International Cell, NCP, identified the United States, India, and China as Bangladesh’s three main external challenges, urging strategic balance without nuclear ambitions. He also emphasized cybersecurity and the principle of “strategic engagement to all, hostility to none.”
Dhaka Forum Initiative’s Ashfaq Zaman argued for a new narrative of Bangladesh—one that breaks from the “poor and flood-prone” stereotype. He pointed to Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” as a model of flexibility and resilience, suggesting Bangladesh could present itself as a modern, moderate Muslim nation.
Security expert Air Commodore Md. Shafiqul Islam called attention to the evolving regional defense structure, referring to the Saudi–Pakistan “Islamic NATO” model. “There are no eternal friends or enemies,” he said, echoing the pragmatic tone that ran throughout the event.
Shared Vision
In closing, Alauddin Mohammad, Executive Director of IPGAD, delivered the vote of thanks. He said the platform aimed to bridge ideological divides through open dialogue. “Since July 2024, no one has really spoken about a comprehensive foreign policy. We wanted to change that,” he said.
The discussion, rich with debate and disagreement, underscored a rare consensus on one point—Bangladesh must rethink its place in the world with a clear, self-defined direction.
This report is prepared by Mr. Hibatun Nur (Akib), Research Intern, IPGAD
