Forward-looking international diplomacy with ‘cutting-edge foreign policy activity’

An active member of the UN, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and numerous other international organisations, Bangladesh’s forward-looking foreign policy is one based on the promotion of global peace, stability, co-operation and development. It also pioneered the creation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – an organisation now comprising eight South Asian nations that was officially launched in 1985 to forge stronger ties and greater collaboration in the region. “Economically, financially, we are continuously engaging with the whole world,” says Bangladesh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni. “We are doing a lot, but we can do much more. The potential is huge.”
 

Historically, Bangladesh has been known as a point of international interconnectivity and melting pot of cultures. As a part of the old silk route it had connections with the Far East, the Middle East and Europe. Its geographic location now enables it to act as a bridge between the rapidly expanding regions of South and Southeast Asia. 
 

Relations between Bangladesh and the UK predate the former East Pakistan’s independence by centuries. On 4 February 1972, the UK was one of the first European countries to recognise Bangladesh’s independence, which had been declared on 16 December 1971, and consequently facilitated its quick recognition by other Commonwealth and Western countries. The UK is now one of its biggest sources of foreign direct investment (FDI), remittances and trade. “Our shared history has imparted a commonality of institutions of statecraft, education and political and social values, comments Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, the High Commissioner for Bangladesh to the UK.
 

According to Mr Quayes, Bangladesh’s “value-driven” foreign policy is based on linking the country’s domestic concerns with its solid international relations. He says that the Government’s priorities in its foreign affairs fall into four broad categories: the expansion and diversification of trade, and widening market access; facilitating the flow of FDI; sourcing overseas job markets for human resources and ensuring improved terms of employment; and sustaining official development assistance (ODA flow) – matching ODA to the country’s needs and priorities. “A sustained engagement in climate change negotiations and activism of sorts through the Climate Vulnerable Forum etc. is yet another cutting-edge foreign policy activity,” he adds. “Our accent is on democracy, development, rule of law, human rights and global peace.
 

“I can confidently say that if one were to ask anyone the question: ‘Have you been to Bangladesh lately?’ – with an emphasis on the last word – it would evoke a positive interest."