Bangladesh should pursue ‘strategic pragmatism’ in foreign policy: Experts

Bangladesh must pursue a foreign policy based on “strategic pragmatism” and national interest while avoiding alignment with competing geopolitical blocs, foreign policy experts and policymakers said today.

They stressed that Dhaka should focus on economic gains, connectivity, water security and humanitarian concerns while balancing relations with major powers such as China, India and the US.

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The observations came at a discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy in the Changing World Order”, organised by Bangladesh Research Analysis & Information Network (BRAIN) at the Prothom Alo conference hall.

Prof Tanzimuddin Khan of Dhaka University’s International Relations department said Bangladesh was operating in an unsettled global order where the US remains dominant while China’s influence continues to rise.

“The intersection of the Myanmar-Rohingya crisis, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Strategy create a danger that Bangladesh could become a theatre for great power rivalry,” he warned.

However, he said Bangladesh also has significant opportunities if it pursues “multi-vector diplomacy”.

“For Bangladesh, the US is a vital export market, while China and India are critical sources for imports,” he said.

Tanzimuddin suggested Bangladesh engage actively with all major partners while also strengthening participation in multilateral platforms such as ASEAN, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and China’s Global Development Initiative alongside ties with US-led institutions.

He noted that despite geopolitical tensions, economic interdependence among rival powers continues to grow, and Bangladesh should focus on protecting national interests instead of joining any bloc.

BRAIN Executive Director Shafiqur Rahman said the global balance of power was shifting as US dominance declines and China expands its influence.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh must engage with all major powers based on its own development priorities without becoming dependent on any particular country, he said.

Obaidul Haque, associate professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, said Bangladesh’s traditional policy of “friendship to all and malice to none” was no longer sufficient in the current geopolitical environment.

He described the government’s recent diplomatic engagements with Malaysia and China as deliberate strategic choices rather than isolated visits.

Regarding China, Haque said the proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor could become a major long-term opportunity if managed carefully.

“The relationship with China is crucial but should not be based on dependency,” he said, stressing the importance of conducting Bangladesh’s own research before entering major connectivity negotiations.

On India, he said bilateral relations currently require “repair” despite India’s importance for Bangladesh’s economy and energy security.

Dr Amena Mohsin, adjunct faculty member at North South University, said Bangladesh should move toward “multi-alignment” and cooperative diplomacy.

She argued that connectivity initiatives should not be viewed only through security lenses but also through economic and humanitarian perspectives.

On Teesta management, Mohsin proposed a broader regional framework involving Bangladesh, China, India, Bhutan and Nepal to create a “win-win” situation.

She also highlighted migration diplomacy as a major priority and stressed the need to protect migrant workers’ rights while expanding labour markets abroad.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Planning and Finance Dr Rashed Al Titumir said Bangladesh’s current foreign policy was rooted in what he described as a “Doctrine of Ascent” aimed at rebuilding the economy and transforming the country into a middle power.

He said the government’s “Bangladesh First” approach reflected a strategy where Bangladesh adapts to changing global realities to advance development, technology and institutional capacity.

“The foundation of cooperation must be investment for industrialisation, rather than aid or loans,” he said.

Titumir also emphasised science-based regional cooperation on water management, particularly regarding the Teesta and Ganges rivers.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the government was moving away from traditional “pro-anti” foreign policy narratives toward “strategic balancing” and focusing on attracting foreign investment, diversifying trade and strengthening strategic partnerships.

She said the foreign ministry has introduced reforms, including dedicated wings on sports and cultural diplomacy, migration and climate resilience.

The government is also diversifying energy partnerships and labour markets, Shama Obaed said, emphasising maintaining dialogue with India despite unresolved disputes over water sharing, trade imbalance and border killings.

“To resolve quarrels, communication is necessary,” she said.

Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, MP from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stressed the need for stronger parliamentary oversight and national consensus on foreign policy.

“National security and energy security should transcend party lines,” he said.

He also called for more assertive diplomacy and stronger use of international platforms such as the UN to raise issues including the Rohingya crisis.