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Dhaka must tread a tightrope to uphold its global diplomacy 

Published : Monday, 17 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 633
Md Abu Saim
With its geopolitical landscape and strategic location, Bangladesh finds itself at the crossroads of maintaining balanced relationships with major global powers-such as China, the United States, and India. Each of these countries plays significant roles in Bangladesh's economic and political tracks, while challenges remain in maintaining Dhaka's independent and pragmatic foreign policies, aligning with its best national interests. Beyond major powers, Bangladesh must also deepen ties with regional countries such as Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan, as well as with the Muslim world and exploring opportunities in ASEAN bloc.

Bangladesh-China Relations: Stability amid Shifting Priorities: China has been a key development partner for Bangladesh over the past two decades, particularly in infrastructure, trade, and defense cooperation. Although with the rise of the interim government, many observers claim that Dhaka is currently more focused on strengthening ties with the United States, Bangladesh-China relations remain intact. Often large-scale infrastructure projects are represented as the hallmark of China-Bangladesh collaboration, however, several factors continue to sustain positive engagement between the two nations.

One of the key challenges Bangladesh is currently facing is to have a recovery from the ongoing economic crisis. Finance adviser, in his recent statement said, Bangladesh is on the path of economic recovery. However, Foreign Adviser, during his visit to China has persuaded China to extend the loan-repayment period for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is grappling with the challenge of navigating its economic recovery amid a prolonged financial crisis. In a recent statement, the Finance Adviser affirmed that the nation is on the road to economic recovery. On top of that, during his visit to China, the Foreign Adviser engaged in diplomatic negotiations, urging Beijing to extend the loan repayment period to ease financial pressures. However, existing Chinese projects, including power plants, bridges, and industrial zones, continue to drive strong economic ties between the two nations.

Despite economic caution, trade between Bangladesh and China remains robust. China is Bangladesh's largest import partner, with supplying machinery, electronics, and industrial materials essential for economic growth. Bangladesh and China share a deep cultural and historical bond that goes beyond economic cooperation. Academic exchanges, people-to-people connections, and medical diplomacy-such as China offering medical treatment options for Bangladeshis in Kunming-continue to strengthen ties.


Bangladesh-India Relations: The Need for Balanced Engagement: India and Bangladesh share deep historical and economic ties. However, a key challenge in their relationship is ensuring that it remains mutually beneficial, based on equality, justice, and shared prosperity. One of the lessons India must learn from its past policies is not to rely solely on a single political actor in Bangladesh. For decades, New Delhi maintained close ties primarily with the Awami League, often sidelining other political and civil society actors. However, to ensure long-term stability in bilateral relations, India must engage with Bangladesh's broader political landscape.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, must assert its national interests by addressing longstanding issues such as fair water-sharing agreements, trade imbalances, and border security concerns. Institutional mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure a structured and transparent dialogue between the two nations.

Bangladesh and India remain significant economic interdependencies. India remains one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners, and connectivity projects such as rail and road links between the two nations are essential for regional trade. However, Bangladesh must ensure that such cooperation is based on mutual benefits rather than unilateral gains for India.

While relations with China, the US, and India are crucial, Bangladesh must also strengthen its ties with other regional and global players to diversify its diplomatic and economic partnerships under the new leadership of the interim government.

Institutional Reforms: The Key to Strengthening Bangladesh's Global Standing: While foreign policy is crucial, Bangladesh must also focus on internal reforms to enhance its credibility on the global stage. Institutional stability, economic resilience, and strong governance will be the foundation of Bangladesh's success in international diplomacy. A transparent and accountable political system will help Bangladesh gain greater global legitimacy. Reforms aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, judicial independence, and press freedom will strengthen its democratic credentials. The country must also take firm action against corruption and financial crimes unlike the previous government. Moreover, Bangladesh should focus on diversifying its economy by reducing over-reliance on any single country. Expanding sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy will make it more resilient to global economic shifts.

Bangladesh's foreign policy must be built on strategic balancing, economic pragmatism, and diplomatic agility. While maintaining positive ties with China, the US, and India, it must also foster deeper relationships with regional and global partners. Institutional reforms, economic diversification, and a strong commitment to democracy may definitely position Bangladesh as a formidable actor in global politics in near future.

The writer is a former student of International Relations at Dhaka University


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