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Changing Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: Evaluation from the Different

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 Changing Foreign Policy of
Bangladesh
Evaluation from the Different
Political Regime
By Md. Nazmul Islam
he image of an independent although the policy underwent

T and sovereign state depends

on its foreign relations or
foreign policy. However, these
relations are considered important
to a country, are subject to change
for the sake of the country's
interests. Bangladesh has pursued
its foreign relations or foreign
policy since its emergence as an
independent state in 1971,
remarkable changes during the
last 39 years. The provisional
government formed during the
Liberation War drew up an outline
of the foreign relations of
Bangladesh before the country
came into being as an independent
state. According to this outline
Bangladesh declared the
principles of non-alignment,
 June 2017 00

peaceful coexistence, and desires peace not only for the non interference in the
opposition to colonialism, sake of peace but also for the international affairs of others
racialism and imperialism as the strategic consideration of national states (Ministry of foreign
main aspects of its foreign policy. development and security. But affairs,1979). Bangladesh desires
Bangladesh emerging quite late in sometimes it’s wrong on peace not only for the sake of
the International scene, has implementation, because in BD peace but also for the strategic
remained busy defining its role different political regime has consideration of national
and determining its objective from implied different role. So development and security.
different perspectives. But Bangladesh foreign policy is The government has provided a
different regime its foreign policy changing foreign policy, in given mission statement reflecting this,
has changed by the different below I will extent about and is a guide on which its foreign
formula and ideology. Because Bangladesh foreign policy in policy is conducted. It is:
from the birth of BD has different political regime. „ The State shall base its
dependent on different people international relations on the
roles, which are changing the Evolution of Foreign Policy of principles of respect for national
motto of BD foreign policy in Bangladesh sovereignty and equality, non-
different time of their own wish. The foreign policy of Bangladesh interference in the internal
Such as, Sheikh Mujib is based on the Non-Alignment affairs of other countries,
government foreign policy and Movement (NAM). From early of peaceful settlements of
Ziaur Rahman government foreign independent Bangladesh followed international disputes, and
policy were not because of their a principle in her foreign policy respect for international law and
ideology or person interest. that, “Friendship to all, malice to the principles enunciated in the
Introduction none”. Bangladesh has United Nations Charter, and on
The foreign policy population has consistently pursued an the basis of those principles
been clearly articulated in independent non- aligned foreign shall-
Bangladesh by now and everyone policy promoting friendship with all a) Strive for the renunciation of the
knows where we stand (Ahmed, countries of the world on the basis use of force in international
2004). The foreign policy of of mutual respect for sovereignty, relations and for general and
Bangladesh is tied closely to the equality, territorial integrity and complete disarmament;
realities of its economic condition.
Since independence the country
has required a great deal of
foreign assistance in the effort to
keep its people fed and to build,
for the first time, a modern society.
Under these circumstances, it has
been important for successive
regimes to seek good relations
with all nations and to attract
economic aid from every possible
source. Bangladesh has therefore
cultivated good relations with both
the United States and the Soviet
Union, and their respective allies,
but it has remained unaligned with
either superpower. In an attempt
to stimulate regional development
plans, Bangladesh has been
instrumental in organizing regional
economic cooperation in South
Asia. It has also been active in
international organizations,
especially in those dedicated to
solving the economic problems of
the poorer countries of the world.
Foreign policy of Bangladesh is
00 June 2017
b) Uphold the right of every people
freely to determine and build up
its own social, economic and
political system by ways and
means of its own free choice;
and
c) Support oppressed peoples
throughout the world waging a
just struggle against
imperialism colonialism or
racialism.
„ The State shall endeavor to
consolidate, preserve and
strengthen fraternal relations
among Muslim countries based
on Islamic solidarity.
The Constitution embodies the
basic principles of foreign Policy;
that says, the state shall base its
international relations on the
principles of respect for national
sovereignty and equality, non-
interference in the internal affairs
of other countries, peaceful
settlement of international
disputes and respect for
international laws and principles
as enunciated in the United
Nations Charter.
Constitutional Provisions and
Declaration on Foreign Policy
in Bangladesh
The Constitution provides that the
foreign policy of Bangladesh
would be guided by a number of
fundamental principles. These
principles were stated in the
Articles 25(a), (b) and (c) of the
Constitution. These are as follows:
The State shall base its
international relations on the
principles of respect for national
sovereignty and equality, non-
interference in the internal affairs
of other countries, peaceful
settlement of international
disputes, and respect for
international law and the
principles enunciated in the United
Nations Charter, and on the basis
of those principles shall (a) strive
for the renunciation of the use of
force in international relations and
for general and complete
disarmament; (b) uphold the right
of every people freely to
determine and build up its own
social, economic and political
system by ways and means of its
own free choice; and (c) support
oppressed peoples throughout the
world waging a just struggle
against imperialism, colonialism or
racialism.
Dimensions of Relations of
Foreign Policy of Bangladesh
When Bangladesh was freedom
from Pakistan at that time was
polarization which time in the
world are divided into two centric,
one side was USA and another
was USSR. After Second World
War one country depend on other
country, its greatly growth. In BD
after independence have
recognized from various country
such as, USA, UK, India, USSR.
But one time relation with other
state was good but now its not
good as like Russia and
Bangladesh relations. It’s like a
broken and making policy relation
in different time or regime.
Evaluation of Foreign Policy in
Different Regimes
As Bangladesh is dependable to
international aid; so, she always
tries to promote her foreign
relation. Although foreign policy of
Bangladesh is based on
friendship, but strategies were
 June 2017 00

changed in various regimes. recognized Bangladesh. For his

These are as follows- adroitness India take back their
soldiers by 16 March in 1972. He
Sheikh Mujib’s Regime played a vital rule to making a
(1971-1975): close relation with UN.
After independent Sheikh Mujib Sheikh Mujib is the Pioneer of
(the Father of the Bangladeshi foreign policy of Bangladesh. He
Nation) returned from Pakistan also tried to expand foreign
jail. First of all he emphasized on relation to world community, but
the reconstruction of the country some deviated generals of army
as well as achieving international killed him with his family in 15
recognition as an independent August 1975.
state.In dealing with external
actors, Sheikh Mujib had to follow The Zia Regime
a similar policy of balancing the (1975-81):
various groups. During the After the assassination of Sheikh
Liberation War, India and Eastern Mujib, Khondoker Mustaq Ahmed,
blocks countries supported a Cabinet Minister of sheikh mujib
Bangladesh. In the months 0
immediately following
independence, they remained the
staunchest allies. A twenty five
year Peace and Friendship treaty
was signed with India in March
1972. But Bangladesh also
pursued friendly relations with the
Western block countries who
quickly became the major source
of humanitarian and economic
assistance (Jahan, 2000). He also
took some initiatives. Such as-
„ Returning of refugees and
ensuring shelter for them.
„ Reconstruction devastated
economy.
„ Collecting weapons from
freedom fighters which are used
in war.
„ Send back Indian soldiers to
their own country.
„ Sheikh Mujib tried to maintain
close relation with those
countries who helped
Bangladesh in the time of war.
He made a good relation with
USSR. He was very grateful to
India.
Successes of Mujib’s regime:
Sheikh Mujib was able to
achieving concern of international
community about Bangladesh.
India recognized Bangladesh on
6th December and Bhutan
recognized on 7th December in
1971. In the mujib’s period East
European socialist countries
00 June 2017
government took power but it did
not last long. There was a counter-
coup on 3rd November, 1975 in
which Khondoker Mustaq was
removed from power. On the 7th
November 1975, after many ups
and downs General Zia took the
throne. First of all he brought back
discipline among the soldiers.
Then he looked forward. In the
opinion of many observers, Zia,
although ruthless with his
opponents, was the nation's best
leader since independence. A
dapper military officer, he
transformed himself into a
charismatic and popular political
figure. Once described as having
an air of "serene hesitancy and
assured authority," Zia had
boundless energy and spent much
of his time traveling throughout the
country. Zia preached the "politics
of hope," continually urging all
Bangladeshis to work harder and
to produce more. Unlike Mujib, Zia
utilized whatever talent he could
muster to spur on the economy,
and he did not discriminate, as
Mujib had, against civil servants
who had not fully participated in
the freedom struggle. Zia was a
well-known figure who first
emerged nationally during the
independence struggle. Zia also
tried to integrate the armed forces,
giving repatriates a status
appropriate to their qualifications
and seniority. This angered some
of the freedom fighters, who had
rapidly reached high positions. Zia
deftly dealt with the problem
officers by sending them on
diplomatic missions abroad. Zia
made repatriate Major General
Hussain Muhammad Ershad the
deputy army chief of staff. Having
consolidated his position in the
army, Zia became president on
April 21, 1977, when Sayem
resigned on the grounds of "ill
health." Zia now held the dominant
positions in the country and
seemed to be supported by a
majority of Bangladeshis.
One of the most important tasks
Zia faced was to change the
direction of the country. Zia altered
the Constitution's ideological
statement on the fundamental
principles, in particular changing
the Shiekh Mujib emphasis on
secularism to "complete trust
and faith in almighty Allah."
While distancing Bangladesh from
India, Zia sought to improve ties
with other Islamic nations,
particularly Saudi Arabia. The
work opportunities for migrant
labor in Muslim countries were an
incentive for developing such
friendly relations. Similarly friendly
relationship with the west. A major
source of foreign aid, was
emphasized and indeed the
volume of foreign aid increased
s i g n i f i c a n t l y. ( R o u n a q , 2 0 0 0 )
Throughout his regime, Zia
pursued an active foreign policy,
and the legacy of his efforts
continued to bear fruit in the late
1980s. In 1980 Zia proposed a
conference for the seven nations
of the subcontinent (Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) to
0 Ershad tried to make very close
discuss the prospects for regional
cooperation in a number of fields.
This initiative was successful in
August 1983 when the South
Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation was established.
In the regime of the most
development of foreign policy
were:
„ Relations with the Islamic or
Muslim World.
„ Relations with the Chaina.
„ Relations with the India in
different bilateral issues.As-
Gangass issue, South Talporti
Island issue, Problem of Tin
Biga Coridor, Sea boundary
problem in the Bay of Bengal.
After August 1975, there was a
seismic shift in bilateral relations
with India. Meanwhile China and
Saudi Arabia recognized
Bangladesh after the
assassination of Sheikh Mujib and
were prepared role to play in
Bangladesh and President Zia put
more emphasizes on its relation
with China, Islamic and Western
Countries and moved away from
Indo-Soviet axis (Rashid, 2004).
Zia was assassinated in
Chittagong on May 30, 1981, in a
plot allegedly masterminded by
Major General Manzur, the army
commander in Chittagong.
Ershad Regime
(1982-1990):
After Zia regime General Ershad
took the throne in 24th March
1982. In the foreign policy he
followed the methods of his
previous President Zia. General
relation to Muslim Community
especially with Middle East
countries. This is the fact for
degradation of the relation with
USSR. In 1983, fourteen
diplomats of USSR expelled in
Bangladesh.
President Ershad emphasized on
the political and military relation
with China. He nourished
obstinate relation with India. For
his diplomatic weakness some

issues were unresolved. Such as-
South Talpotty, Returning of
Indigenous People, Farakka
project etc. Ershad was able to
making a good relation with
occidental. For a rapport America
helped Bangladesh in 1987and
1988 in natural calamity.
Khaleda Zia Regime
(1991-1996):
After the falling of General Ershad,
Begum Khaleda Zia took the
throne by election. She followed
her husband in foreign relation.
The characteristics of her foreign
policy was –
„ Promoting relation with United
States.
„ Making rapport with China.
„ Making close relation with
Muslim World.
„ To make SAARC as an effective
organization.
„ Maintaining good relation with
India.
„ To increase investment.
„ Emphasize on economic
diplomacy.
„ Begum Zia visited China, India
for promoting economic and
commercial relation. She talked
over unresolved issues with
India. She also visited Malaysia,
Indonesia, Japan, Italy, South
Korea etc. for foreign
investment in Bangladesh.
Successes of Khaleda Zia
Regime:
„ Sending Peace Keeping Force
in UN from Bangladesh.
„ Playing a vital role in SAPTA
Treaty.
„ Playing an effective role on
exporting human resources.
„ To accelerate CHT accord.
(although CHT accord was
signed at Hasina’s regime)
„ To get lease Tin Bigha Corridor
by contacting with India.
„ To sign MOU (Memorandum of
Understanding) with Myanmar
on Rohingiyas issue.
June 2017 00
Sheikh Hasina Regime
(1996-2000):
Sheikh Hasina elected Prime
Minister in 1996. She followed
some method in foreign policy.
Such as-
„ Resolving bilateral problem with
neighboring countries.
„ Economic diplomacy.
„ Commercial investment.
„ Upholding national ideologies.
„ Promoting friendship.
„ Implementing CHT accord in
june02,1997.etc.
„ In 2000 Bangladesh achieved
ICC test status. In Hasina’s
regime Prime Minister of India
H. D. Debgoura, Pelestine’s
President Iasir Arafat, Nelson
Mendela, Bil Clinton visited
Bangladesh to promoting
foreign relation.
Khaleda Zia Regime
(2001-2006):
Khaleda Zia elected as Prime
Minister again in 2001. She
00 June 2017
followed her previous foreign
policy and tried to promoting
these. She tried to lessen border
collision between BDR and BSF.
Pakistan President Parvez
Mosharraf visited Bangladesh to
promoting commercial relation.
Begum Zia visited China,
Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar,
Singapore, Malaysia and United
States to promoting bilateral
relations.
Caretaker Government and
Military Intervention
(2006-2008):
That’s time in Bangladesh has
faced vulnerable situation. In that
time, Bangladesh has no relation
with another country. No treaty or
bilateral relations has organized in
that two years.
Sheikh Hasina Regime
(2009-2017):
Hasina government has mobilized
of his prior foreign policy, specially
relationship with India has develop
increasingly, such as-
„ Transit treaty with India and
0 Bangladesh.
„ Border security with India
„ Tista river conflict with India.
„ Trade Agreement between India
and Bangladesh
„ Defense Agreement in 2017
etc.
Ideology Influence on Foreign
Policy in Bangladesh:
In Bangladesh there have different
criteria which have influence on
foreign policy, such as-
„ Awami League government
main policy is secularism, so its
time India and Secularist
countries relations are good
then the Muslim Countries.
„ On the other hand, BNP is
rightist and nationalist, so that’s
time we see the relationship are
good with Muslim Countries
then the India or other secularist
countries.
„ When AL get power in BD, that
time India relationship with BD
is so much good of another
regime in BD, which we are
following at present
government, but migrant of
labor to middle-east has less,
lack of foreign policy

assumption.
View Analysis
With the changing of time, the
nature of foreign policy of
Bangladesh has changed. The
foreign policy of Bangladesh is
connected to its dire domestic and
economic position. The extreme
poverty that engulfs many
Bangladeshis limits the capability
of the government to act on the
global stage, as priority is that
people need to be fed. However,
these conditions also make it
important for successive political
regimes to maintain good relations
with all nations and to attract
economic aid from every possible
source. Bangladesh has therefore
very friendly relations with global
superpowers such as the U.S.A.
and Japan, but it does not take
sides as to not make enemies.
Bangladesh has been key to
arranging regional economic
cooperation in South Asia, which
has stimulated domestic economic
growth. It has also been active in
international organizations,
especially in those designed to
solve the problems of the poorest
people of the world. Despite its
vast poverty and relatively small
military capability, Bangladesh has
not hesitated to defend its
sovereignty and to take strong
stands on many international
issues. Any hint that India might
try to intimidate Bangladesh has
provoked a fierce response.
Furthermore, Bangladesh has
irritated.
Powerful nations by standing
against them on various major
issues, and relations with both the
United States and the former
Soviet Union have gone through
difficult periods. Bangladesh has
also looked to maintain its Islamic
identity, has encouraged very
friendly relations, and has
attempted to build a worldwide
Muslim community with other
Islamic nations. These friendly
relations it has enjoyed with
View publication stats
Islamic nations have led to the
receipt of economic aid from
wealthy Arab countries.
As an active participant of the
UN, the Non-Aligned Movement,
the OIC, the Commonwealth and
various international
organizations, Bangladesh has
been a part of global politics.
Bangladesh led the formation of
SAARC-a regional co-operation
forum comprising seven South
Asian countries-Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh has also tried to
enhance economic co-operation in
the region, which led to the
formation and implementation of
SAPTA or South Asian Preferential
Trading Arrangement.
Conclusion
Bangladesh has a very pro-active
foreign policy, despite its domestic
problems and extreme poverty.
Regionally it has been
instrumental in securing economic
growth and in arranging trade
agreements. Globally Bangladesh
has been active in its support for
certain agendas, especially those
that help the world’s poorest
people. The phenomenon of
Global warming and Globalization
are also set to have a colossal
effect on Bangladesh so the nation
has been adjusting its foreign
policy to solve these problems.
The Islamic identity of
Bangladesh means that it has
June 2017 00
close relations with other Islamic
nations, and its past as a colony of
the British Empire has resulted in
very close relations with Britain as
well as membership of the
commonwealth. Bangladesh does
not accept dominance by other
nations, but will aim to maintain
friendly relations with the world’s
most powerful nations to stimulate
domestic economic growth and
improve the poverty stricken
situation of its people. If
necessary, Bangladesh will not
hesitate to defend its rights, and
has fiercely responded to
aggression by India in the past.
The genocide committed by the
Pakistan army during 1971 has
not been largely forgotten but
mostly forgiven, and relations
0
between Pakistan and
Bangladesh are strong.
Bangladesh also has good
relations with China. The main
issues facing Bangladesh
currently are Global warming, and
the security situation in the region
with tensions between China,
Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
The War on Terror has not
bypassed Bangladesh either; the
U.S. has monitored the complaints
from India that there are terrorism
camps in Bangladesh.
The writer is PhD Researcher,
Political Science and Public
Administration (English), Ankara
Yildirim Beyazit University,
Ankara, Turkey.