CGS Discussion on Foreign Policy: Emphasis on Strengthening Internal Politics

Experts at a discussion organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) emphasized that Bangladesh’s foreign policy cannot succeed without a stable and strong internal political framework. They stressed the need for political consensus and robust domestic governance to bolster the country’s diplomatic efforts. The event, titled “Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction,” was held on Thursday morning at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka as part of CGS’s ongoing series on foreign policy.

M Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, said, “Dialogue is crucial for democracy. The government shapes foreign policy, but the biggest obstacle to our diplomacy is Dhaka itself. Decisions begin and end in Dhaka. If Dhaka is not stable, blaming our foreign missions is futile. Our main issue is the lack of consensus. We need agreement on the framework of relations with other countries, focusing on identity, security, and economy. Integrating people’s aspirations into these elements will strengthen our foreign policy.”

Major General (retd.) ANM Muniruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), remarked that the aspirations of the recent “revolution” have not been reflected in the Foreign Ministry. He said, “To restructure, the ministry must remove elements complicit in fascism. The private sector should be involved in foreign policy, not just bureaucrats. SAARC needs to be revitalized.” Highlighting the importance of water and river diplomacy, he added, “We are about to face new challenges in water-sharing. We must think about aligning with other countries strategically.” Zahir Uddin, an advisor to the BNP Chairperson, stated, “We export heavily to the US and Europe, but we’ve become overly debt-dependent. We need to deeply understand cybersecurity. SAARC is our only viable option for deepening regional ties.” AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman noted, “Leaning too heavily toward the US, China, or India is complex. We must balance relations with India and adopt a principled stance in foreign policy, accepting good initiatives and rejecting bad ones based on truth and evidence.” Jatiya Party General Secretary Shamim Haider Patwary said, “There’s a lack of consensus among political parties on foreign policy. We need diaspora-friendly policies, and our country must determine its own policies.” Mahadi Amin, an advisor to BNP’s Acting Chairperson, emphasized, “During Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s time, decisions were made through consultation. We need to return to that approach.” Parvez Karim Abbasi, Executive Director of CGS, opined that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is currently in crisis. He said, “The reality is that we’re caught in the competition between China and the US. When Russia and Afghanistan faced crises, Pakistan created a humanitarian corridor, leading to ongoing issues like drug and arms trafficking. We must learn from this.” Former diplomat Munshi Faiz Ahmed stressed the need for consensus among political parties on foreign policy, stating, “Foreign policy depends on internal strength. We need clear political and economic guidelines.” Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement, said, “The interim government must be accountable. We need to balance foreign policy with India, the US, and China, and redefine our relationship with India.” Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, remarked, “I doubt whether we’ve had a foreign policy for the last 16 years. Diplomats’ salaries are low compared to other countries. Just as reforms are being initiated in other sectors, similar efforts are needed in foreign policy.” Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Gana Sanghati Andolan, said, “We must make decisions based on national interests and establish a political framework for this.” Nurul Haque, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated, “We need to strengthen internal politics before focusing on foreign policy. Did we have the capacity to buy 25 Boeings? That was done to please the US. I believe there will be minor conflicts with India, similar to those between Thailand and Cambodia.” The event was moderated by CGS Chairman Zillur Rahman, who said, “Foreign policy is critical for our security. Our relations with the US are still strained, and balancing ties with China and India is essential.” Other speakers included former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former diplomats M Shafiullah and Shahidul Islam, security analyst Major (retd.) Md. Emdadul Islam, Major General (retd.) Amsa Amin of Ethical Society Bangladesh, Dhaka University Public Administration Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Chairman of the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshis MS Sekil Chowdhury, and AB Party Assistant Member Secretary Nasreen Sultana Mili.