Foreign Policy and External

Relations of Bangladesh
 Foreign Policy of Bangladesh
Foreign policy refers to the intentions, plans and activities of a
state regarding the world system and its environment. Every
country have to stay in a strategic position to manage their
foreign policy. The various achievements and international image
of a country depend on its foreign policy. Where the influence of
leadership plays an important role in the successful
implementation of foreign policy.

Foreign policy guides the activities and relationships of one state

in its interactions with other states. The development of foreign
policy is influenced by domestic considerations, the policies or
behavior of other states, or plans to advance specific geopolitical
designs.

Foreign Policy of Bangladesh aims at securing its economic,

social, and political and security interests which together we call
national interests.
 Constitutional Provisions on Foreign Policy
The foreign policy of Bangladesh emanates from a number of
provisions of the Bangladesh Constitution. These provisions are
stated in Article 25 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.
 Principles of Bangladesh Foreign Policy
There are some principles maintained under the foreign policy of
Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a member of various international key
organizations such as the UN, the NAM etc. So the principles of
Bangladesh foreign policy can't be controversial with the principles
of these organizations. There are four basic principles of Bangladesh
foreign policy. They are given below:
Friendship to all and malice towards none:
Bangladesh being a poor country is dependent on the foreign aid
which is provided by the states with various ideologies. That is why
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said: 'We are a small
country, we want friendship to all and malice towards none.'
Respect to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity
of other states:
Bangladesh is a member of United Nations. The UN charter
mentioned in article 2(4) that 'All Members shall refrain in their
international relations from the threat or use of force against the
territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any
other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations'.
Non-intervention in the domestic matter of any state:
Article 2(7) of the UN Charter mentioned that, 'Nothing
contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United
Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within
the domestic jurisdiction of any state... As a member of
United Nations, Bangladesh included this policy in to her
principle of foreign policy which gives assurances to others
about Bangladesh's friendly respectful character.
World Peace:
Bangladesh wants peace in international arena, and it
formulated world peace as one of the basic principles of her
foreign policy as it is also related to her national security
and development. There are various significance of this
principles such as Bangladesh believes in peaceful
cooperation, peaceful settlement of conflicts and peaceful
changes in international arena.
 Objective of Foreign Policy
Self-preservation:
Self-preservation is the most vital interest of
Bangladesh. A state self-preservation refers to the
maintain of its sovereignty political independence and
territorial integrity. Its is inexorably linked with the
protection of national security.
Economic advancement:
The next objective of the foreign policy of Bangladesh
is economic advancement. The cause of our economic
advancement would be better served through the
procurement of critical raw materials and other goods
as well as obtaining favorable foreign makers for our
export items.
Safeguarding as well as augmenting national power:
Another major objective of the foreign policy of Bangladesh is
the safeguarding of our national power. It considers of number of
elements including natural resources food and energy generation,
etc. It is vital for Bangladesh to exercise full control over its total
resource as well as to deny any foreign country any clime to any
resource in the territorial waters.
Ideology:
Every modern state follows some ideology .It is the persistence
endeavor of Bangladesh to see that unity among the non-aligned
countries is maintained and movement get stronger day to day.
National prestige:
No country for all that can remain happy with its self-
preservation and economic advancement only. Bangladesh must
uphold its own prestige and a favorable image in the world which
is possible only through achieving economic development and
thus standing on its own feet as a self respecting nation.
Determinants of Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy
Bangladesh's foreign policy is determined by certain basic
factors which have impact on foreign policy formulation.
Geography:
Geography has put Bangladesh as a neighbor of India and
Myanmar in three sides except the south with the Bay of
Bengal. Moreover, Bangladesh is sandwiched between two
rising Asia's giants, India and China. It is a challenge for
Bangladesh as to how to maintain a delicate balance of
relations between China and India.
Population:
Bangladesh has a huge population of nearly 160 million
squeezed into a territory of 147,570 square kilometers.
Foreign policy of Bangladesh is largely affected by this
population negatively because government can't create a
highly dynamic foreign policy because of population.
Public Opinion:
Public opinion is another dominant factor in the formulation
and conduct of Bangladesh foreign policy. It is a dynamic
process and the decision-making process would invariably
take into account the public opinion both in the prevalent
domestic and international scene.
National Interest:
The foreign policy of a country can be considered as a
complex and dynamic political course that it maintains in
relation to other states to protect its own national interest.
Preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity,
economic security, energy security, environmental
preservation and internal peace and cohesion are the
important elements of national interest. Bangladesh has a
vital stake that neighboring countries remain peaceful, stable
and friendly or at least not unfriendly towards
Economic security:
This is another priority and includes some minimal expected
level of economic welfare for the population in the country. To
advance economic development, growth of export, flow of
foreign investment, increase of official development assistance
(foreign aid) imply that Bangladesh has to develop close
relations with western countries for their assistance and support.
Islamic Identity:
The majority of the population is Muslims. They are
sentimentally tied with Islamic Umma (brotherhood) and wish to
maintain special relations with Islamic countries. So religious
identity of the population played a very important role in the
formulation of Bangladesh's foreign policy.
Intelligence Agencies:
Civil and military secret intelligence agencies have a vital role to
play in the process of formulating foreign policy. In Bangladesh,
the impact of the views from the intelligence on foreign policies
appears to be considerable.
Style of Leadership:
Leadership is an important element in foreign policy. The
direction of foreign relations depends on the leader of a
country at a given time. Obviously leadership play vital role
formulating foreign policy. A country’s directives
concerning foreign policy come from leader intended
country.
Ideology:
Ideological beliefs of the ruling parties have always
mattered in shaping foreign policy orientations in
Bangladesh. Incumbent governments align their foreign
policy priorities with the party ideology. Ideology is also a
basic link between political party and foreign policy.
Security Concern:
National security is a fundamental concern for every country
and it major determinant among states for mutual
relationship in international politics.
Military Capability:
Military capability is an important domestic determinant
influencing the foreign policy of a country. It includes the
size of the armed forces, arms and equipment of the forces
and the quality of the manpower of forces. It is urgently
need for the protection and promotion of politico-security
objectives of foreign policy.
Business Groups:
Business groups keep close contact with high ups of the
government to promote their interests in foreign policy
decision making. Business groups have tremendous power
in persuading government to take trade favorable measures
Business communities always want may have secured trade
benefits from the foreign policy decisions taken by
incumbent governments.
Foreign policy during the Liberation War

Support for the liberation war to get

economic and military help in the
war of liberation - for this purpose
the government appointed Justice
Abu Saeed Chowdhury as foreign
spokesperson.

Result:
All three superpowers except China and America
supported the Liberation War. The Soviet Union and
India provided economic and military aid to the
Liberation War.
 Foreign Policy during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s
Government [1972-1975]
In the short span of just over three years,
Bangabandhu succeeded in securing recognition for
the newly independent Bangladesh from almost all
nations of the world.
He also led Bangladesh to successfully bid for and
join the United Nations as its 136th member on 17
September 1974.
Under his leadership, Bangladesh joined all major
international and regional bodies during this period,
thus firmly establishing Bangladesh’s place in the
world stage. .
This was his pragmatic foreign policy, which is
encapsulated in his historic dictum,
‘friendship to all, malice towards none.’
This doctrine continues to define the foreign policy of
Bangladesh till today.
Foreign policy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-
• To gain recognition towards Bangladesh.
• Obtaining economic aid for the reconstruction of war-torn
countries.
• Withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh.
• A reasonable share of the Ganges water by using his personal
equation with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
• Bangladesh’s participation at the OIC conference in Lahore,
• Tripartite agreement of 1974 involving India, Bangladesh and
Pakistan to grant “clemency” to the 195 Pakistani prisoners of war.
• Visit to Washington and membership of the Non-Aligned
Movement during the formative phase.
• All these significant diplomatic moves paved the way for
recognition of Bangladesh by a large number of countries
including Pakistan, the West, the non-aligned and Muslim
countries.
 Foreign Policy during Ziaur Rahman Government
[1977-1981]

• The Zia government's foreign policy was more

inclined towards building strong ties with the
West and the Middle East. During his time, the
main role was played in building relations
with the three blocs of the world.
• Bangladesh became a member of the United
Nations Security Council in 1979 [89] under
Zia's leadership.

▪ Under Zia, Bangladesh prioritized strengthening relations with oil-rich

Arab countries and the OIC. He replaced 'secularism' with 'absolute
faith in God' in the constitution and lifted the ban on religious
politics and visited Saudi Arabia as a state guest in July 1977.
▪ Exports to the UAE, as a result, the export earnings was almost doubled,
from 2,507,000 to 3,834,000.
• Afganistan-Soviet War (1979) and Zia’s role play.
• The Zia government prioritized relations with the US, UK and France.
He had signed two bilateral agreements with France: one on financial
cooperation, the other on cooperation in the nuclear field, particularly
working on the development of a nuclear power plant at Rooppur.
• South Asia expert William B. Milam said, 'It is difficult to imagine what
would have happened to Bangladesh if Ziaur Rahman had been killed in
1975 instead of 1981. A failed state on the model of Afghanistan or
Liberia may result. Zia saved Bangladesh from that fate.
Foreign policy of Ziaur Rahman-
• Signed the NPT in 1979.
• A second water sharing agreement was signed in 1977 between
Bangladesh and India.
• Rohingya agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• Zia wrote to the heads of 7 countries for the formation of SAARC. In
view of which later is formed SAARC.
 Foreign Policy during H. M. Ershad Government
[1983-1990]

At that time General did not change

any foreign policy of Zia’s
government despite BD relation to
Soviet Union was gone in bad
condition because General Ershad had
stopped a Soviet cultural center in
1983 and declared 14 diplomats of
Russian as a persona non grata (an
unacceptable or unwelcome
person.), where China expressed it’s
pleasure to Bangladesh and accepted
Bangladesh as a great friend.
➢ Bangladesh accepted China as a alternative friend to
Soviet union where China had hostile relation to Soviet
union.

➢ BD had good relation to USA because General Ershad

did not change President Zia’s foreign policy. USA
helped the Bangladesh pervasive flood in 1988.

➢ Bangladesh economic condition was dependent on

western assistance pervasively.

➢ Ershad government’s declaration of sate religion as a

Islam was admired by Muslim countries.
Foreign Policy during Khaleda Zia Government [1991-1995]
[2001-2006]
• The Khaleda Zia government for the first time
foreign exchange was made partially convertible in
the country and foreign exchange reserves also
reached a record high.
• Rapid growth in export earnings and remittances
from expatriate workers, rapid development of
industrial and telecommunication sectors, upward
trend in foreign direct investment.
• BNP government, according to its own judgment,
considered the United States, China and the Muslim
world to be important with regard to foreign policy.
• In the wave of liberalization, globalization and
privatization Bangladesh also moved towards
enhancing trade and investment for the economic
development of the country. These developments
added extensive economic content to the foreign
policy of Bangladesh.
• More importance was given to trade, and a roving
trade representative of the country was appointed.
• In the economic interest of the nation, the policymakers of
Bangladesh would come closer to India for regional and
bilateral economic cooperation.
• India handed over the Tin Bigha on a lease and opened it
for use by Bangladeshi passengers and vehicular traffic on
June 26, 1992.
• Khaleda Zia came to power for the second time (2001-
2006). This tenure Bangladesh took 'look East' policy,
maintained and reconstructed relationship with China,
Myanmar and Bangkok. This government also maintained
good relationship with the Muslim world/OIC countries.
• Transit/transshipment/gas pipeline
• Foreign exchange reserves crossed USD 3 billion in 2004-
05 from USD 1 billion in 2001. Remittances sent from
abroad nearly tripled in five years to exceed $5 billion in
2006.
Foreign Policy of Sheik Hasina (1996-2000)
(2009-Onward)
• Sheikh Hasina brought dynamism in
Bangladesh foreign policy. In fact, the
peace-centric foreign policy becomes
pertinent for world peace, stability, and
prosperity.
• To make Bangladesh a developed country by
2041, the constructive, cooperative and
peace-centric foreign policy of Hasina can
play leading role.
• In 1996, a 30-year Ganga Treaty was signed
with India.
• Recognition of International Mother
Language Day on February 21 by
UNESCO.
• The signing of a historical agreement with
• Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009 and provided political
stability in Bangladesh.
• This has also helped Bangladesh to maintain a consistency in
foreign policy pattern/priorities.
• Implementation of land border agreement with India and
exchange of enclaves.
• Taking development projects with the help of various countries
including India-China-Russia-Japan.
• Signing of TICFA agreement with US.
• Bangladesh got 111 enclaves whether India got 52 enclaves on
31 July, 2015.
• Bangladesh won the maritime disputes and got huge maritime
boundary in 2012 and 2014 with Myanmar and India.
• Counter terrorism
• Climate Change
• International migration and remittances
 Relationship with India
• The relations between the two countries have been characterized as
a special relationship although some disputes remain unresolved.
• The historic land boundary agreement was signed on 6 June 2015
which settled decades old border disputes, while negotiations are
still ongoing over the sharing of water of the transboundary rivers.
• In recent years, Bangladesh has seen rising anti-India sentiments
among its citizens due to the Indian government's perceived anti-
Muslim and anti-Bangladeshi activities like India's interference in
Bangladeshi politics, killings of Bangladeshis by Indian BSF,
Citizenship Amendment Act, rise of Hindutva in India as well as
India's reluctance in solving the water disputes in common rivers
with Bangladesh.
• In 2021, massive protests in Bangladesh against the state visit by
Indian PM Narendra Modi to the country led to the death of at least
14 people.
 Relation with USA & China

The United States is proud to partner in

Bangladesh's development success. Over the
last 50 years, Bangladesh's economy
expanded from a largely agricultural society to
one with the potential to become a major
participant in global supply chains.

Over the past 45 years, the relationship between China

and Bangladesh has been developing, with mutual
cooperation and friendship on both sides. In the
international arena, Bangladesh has, to the best of its
capacity, maintained unwavering support for the "One
China Policy" and China's peaceful rise.
 Relation with Russia & Japan

Russia is a true friend of Bangladesh. Diplomatic

relations between the two countries were established
between Bangladesh and the Soviet Union on 25 January
1972. Bangladesh has an embassy in Moscow, with the
two countries enjoying close military, economic and
political relations. This relationship is contributing to the
development of Asian regional politics, economy, and
culture. Bangladesh's relations with Russia are historic.

Japan-Bangladesh Relations. Japan recognized the

People's Republic of Bangladesh on February 10th, 1972,
soon after its independence. Japan was thus one of the
earliest countries to officially recognize Bangladesh.
Warm friendship has been fostered between our two
peoples since then.
Thank you