Experts stress inclusive foreign policy for regional realignment

Speakers at a roundtable on Saturday (3 May) emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation in shaping Bangladesh's foreign policy and urged a strategic realignment in its regional partnerships, particularly with South and Southeast Asia.

They said at the event, titled Bangladesh 2.0: Reimagining Partnerships with South and Southeast Asia was organised by the Center for Policy Analysis and Advocacy (CPAA) at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

President of CPAA and former Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh Dr Shariful Alam presided over the session while the panel featured eminent academics, diplomats, media professionals, and civil society representatives.

Former Jahangirnagar University professor Dilara Chowdhury remarked that since independence, Bangladesh had heavily relied on an Indo-centric foreign policy, which often led to diplomatic setbacks. She called for a shift in paradigm and the need to free the intellectual space from biases that limit sovereign discourse.

"Academics and civil society actors have often supported submissive foreign policy narratives, stifling critical engagement," she said, adding that the country's internal deep state, along with bureaucratic and political forces, have undermined electoral and policy integrity in recent years.

Professor M Shahiduzzaman at International Relations of University of Dhaka stressed the need to consider humanitarian corridors with Myanmar and address confusion within civil society regarding the US Burma Act, which he said could become increasingly relevant for Bangladesh in the Asia-Pacific context.

Director general of SAARC & BIMSTEC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker noted that while South Asia comprises 25% of the world's population, integration remains limited. He stressed leveraging blue economy potential and preparing for post-LDC economic sustainability through stronger markets in ASEAN and neighboring countries.

He also proposed structural reforms in the foreign employment sector to align with future demands.

Executive Editor of Naya Diganta Masumur Rahman Khalili emphasized the need for a robust and independent foreign policy framework, pointing out the ineffectiveness of SAARC and the strategic necessity of deeper ASEAN integration.

Director at South Asian Institute of Policy and Government of North South University

Professor Toufiq M Haque acknowledged recent signs of policy independence but warned against overreliance on India, noting the ideological influence of the RSS on Indian foreign policy, which often contradicts Bangladesh's interests.

He urged greater transparency in foreign dealings and highlighted the importance of engaging China and the UN over Myanmar and the Rohingya issue, instead of solely depending on US-led initiatives.

Brigadier General (Retd.) Mohammad Hasan Nasir criticized the BBIN framework as favoring Indian interests and advocated for China's inclusion to revive SAARC.

He also warned of geopolitical risks in corridor decisions, calling for political dialogue and international consensus.

Former VC of Patuakhali Science and Technology University Professor Abdul Latif Masum underscored the permanence of national interest and called for public consensus to guide future governments in shaping an independent foreign policy.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch, highlighted the need to view Bangladesh's geopolitical role in the context of a broader South Asian map. He advocated for stronger maritime ties with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia and emphasized that corridor decisions must be politically inclusive and negotiated.