Page |1

Introduction: The Foreign Policy of Bangladesh are the Bangladeshi

government's policies in its external relations with the international community. The country pursues a moderate foreign policy that places heavy reliance on multinational diplomacy, especially at the United Nations and WTO. Since independence in 1971, the country has stressed its principle of friendship towards all, malice towards none in dictating its diplomacy. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Bangladesh has tended to not take sides with major powers. Since the end of the Cold War, the country has pursued better relations with regional neighbors. Inspired by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision for a Switzerland of the East, the Bangladesh government has begun to translate the ideal into a foreign policy that pursues regional economic integration in South Asia and aims to establish Bangladesh as a regional hub of transit trade in Asia.

The Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: The image of an independent and

sovereign state depends on its foreign relations or foreign policy. However, these relations, which are considered important to a country, are subject to change for the sake of the country's interests. Bangladesh has pursued its foreign relations or foreign policy since its emergence as an independent state in 1971, although the policy underwent remarkable changes during the last 25 years. The provisional government formed during the WAR OF LIBERATION drew up an outline of the foreign relations of Bangladesh before the country came into being as an independent state. According to this outline Bangladesh declared the principles of nonalignment, peaceful coexistence, and opposition to colonialism, racialism and imperialism as the main aspects of its foreign policy. Immediately after the country's independence these principles of Bangladesh were reiterated by the then Foreign Minister during his first visit to India in January 1972. In following these principles of foreign policy Bangladesh took a different stand on the issues of colonialism, imperialism, racialism

Page |2

and non-alignment in contrast with the foreign policy of the Pakistan period. It is worth mentioning that from the very beginning Pakistan considered it important to seek close relations with the western countries including the United States, and it also joined the military alliances called SEATO and CENTO formed through the initiative of the United States. As a result, the foreign policy of Pakistan was regarded as pro-western and vitiated with cold-war attitudes by India, a founder member of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as by other countries. At that time AWAMI LEAGUE was a supporter of this foreign policy, and Prime Minister HUSEYN SHAHEED SUHRAWARDY, an Awami League leader, was of the opinion that it was sensible of Pakistan to side with the mighty United States in pursuing its foreign policy. However, East Pakistan Awami League amended its political manifesto, and in the party's constitution published in 1969 it pronounced its unequivocal support to an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, a policy of peaceful coexistence, and to all the movements of the world against imperialism, colonialism and autocratic rule. A progressive section of the main party and its students' front played a key role in shifting the party's position with regard to foreign policy.

Constitutional provisions and declaration on foreign policy:

The CONSTITUTION provides that the foreign policy of Bangladesh would be guided by a number of fundamental principles. These principles were stated in the Articles 25(a), (b) and (c) 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

Page |3

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'. The amendment to the Constitution introduced through Martial Law proclamation by ZIAUR RAHMAN, who came into power after the fall of Awami League and Mostaq government in August 1975 and November 1975 respectively, made an addition to it. A newly appended Sub-article 25(2) stated: 'The State shall endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity'. The policy on declaration of war was mentioned in Article 63 of the Constitution which states that war shall not be declared, and the Republic shall not participate in any war except with the assent of the JATIYA SANGSAD (Parliament). Article 145(a) on foreign treaty states: 'All treaties with foreign countries shall be submitted to the President who shall cause them to be laid before Parliament, provided that any such treaty connected with national security shall be laid in a secret session of Parliament'. As regards foreign policy it was declared at the outset that Bangladesh would be the Switzerland of the East, that is to say, it would seek friendly relations with all the states. From these statements it can be assumed that there were endeavours to build up an impartial image of the state so far as foreign relation is concerned. These pronouncements resulted from an idealistic point of view, and it was not possible for the post-Awami League governments to implement them. As Bangladesh could not remain as impartial as Switzerland with regard to different international issues (which is also not possible in reality), nor it could establish diplomatic relations with the Arab countries and Israel at the same time. Besides, such a concept of impartiality on the part of a small and economically dependent country can be taken as a mere theoretical concept.

Page |4

Changing foreign policy of Bangladesh since 1971 : Foreign policy is not

formulated in a vacuum but is based on certain ingredients such as, history, geography, religion, culture and natural resources. Being endowed with a small land territory compared to a huge population of the country, foreign policy needs to be devised on an objective assessment of Bangladesh's strength and weakness. It is inextricably connected with promotion of national interests, reflected through national aspirations and wishes. Bangladesh people fought the Liberation War in 1971 to achieve emancipation from deprivation and uplift their economic advancement to make the society egalitarian in a democratic and non-communal political

Page |5

entity where multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual people would live in peace and harmony. Contemporary practice acknowledges that although governments do not bear the whole burden of bilateral relations, governments lay down policies and remain responsible for responses to issues between countries. The foreign policy stands on two pillars: security and development. Security means not only territorial security but security of energy, food, water, environment and persons. Development means creating an environment and infrastructure where foreign investment and trade with foreign countries are accentuated and national budget and official development assistance are used for removing poverty, malnutrition, availability of primary health care, human resources development and creating employment. During the last forty years, Bangladesh foreign policy has gone through three phases which are described as follows: The first phase of foreign policy commenced after 16th December 1971. It is noted that the direction of foreign policy of Bangladesh did not begin with a clean slate because the impact of foreign policy during the provisional government could not be shaken off easily. The second phase began after August 1975 and the direction underwent a drastic change after the tragic assassination of the founder of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The third phase was to reset and balance foreign policy with neighbours, economic and military powers and the pragmatic direction of policy has continued until today with some nuances and variations, depending on the political ideology of the government in the country.

Page |6

Let me discuss the salient points of each phase of foreign policy in the following paragraphs.

First Phase:
The provisional government found it necessary to consider the responses of major powers after the military crackdown on the people of Bangladesh on the 25th March 1971 and during the difficult period, India and the Soviet Union with its allies lent their support to the War of Liberation of the people of Bangladesh, while China and the US Nixon administration supported Pakistan. Naturally, the provisional government had aligned with India and Soviet Union and its allies in East European countries. Bangladesh government leaders and people were grateful to these countries for the assistance they extended to them during the War of Liberation. The role of China and of the US was disappointing and public was not in a mood to enter into government to government relationship immediately with these countries. The Indo-Soviet support has an impact on Bangladesh foreign policy after independence. Relations with India and Soviet Union became more consolidated with the passing of each day after independence. Immediately after birth of the country, Bangladesh had sent its Ambassadors to India, Soviet Union, German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and Yugoslavia, signalling Bangladesh's close engagement with these countries. Sheikh Mujib declared that Bangladesh would be the Switzerland of the East and by this declaration he meant that Bangladesh would steer clear from the Cold War and would remain non-partisan in the tug of Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. However non-partisan policy, many argue, was nipped in the bud because of the conclusion of the 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty.

Page |7

The Treaty was counter to this concept of distancing from two great rival powers because India had a similar Treaty with the Soviet Union in August 1971 and as a result, Bangladesh was perceived by the Western countries to be within the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union. During the period, Bangladesh was confronted with largely four foreign policy issues:(a) repatriation of Bengali civilian and military officials, held up in Pakistan in camps, to Bangladesh (b) recognition from foreign states (c) admission into the UN and (d) trial of the 195 Pakistani military prisoners of war, alleged to have committed genocide and crimes against humanity on Bengali population. Except the trial of Pakistani military officials, Bangladesh steadily and patiently pursued a pragmatic policy to integrate the country with international community as an equal partner. With the admission of Bangladesh into the UN in September 1974, Bangladesh leaders had succeeded their goal in putting the country in international stage. Pakistan recognized Bangladesh in February 1974. The Trilateral Agreement of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan of April 9, 1974 led Bangladesh to grant clemency to the 195 Pakistani prisoners of war held in India to be repatriated to Pakistan having regard to the appeal of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to forgive and forget the mistakes of the past.( Paragraph 15 of the Agreement). Sheikh Mujib was keen to develop friendly relations with the USA and in January 1972 granted full diplomatic status to the US Consul General who was stationed in Dhaka, although the US had not recognized Bangladesh at that time. (The US recognized Bangladesh in April, 1972). Sheikh Mujib knew that main source of aid to the new country would come from the USA. His visit to Washington in September, 1974 sent a strong message to the world that Bangladesh had moved away from the perceived Indo-Soviet alliance.

Page |8

His attendance to the Non-Aligned Conference in September 1973 in Algiers and his participation in the Islamic conference in Lahore (Pakistan) in March 1974 was motivated by his desire to widen and broaden relationship with other developing countries including Islamic nations. Second phase: The 1975 change of the government after the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujib had drastically altered the direction of foreign policy. With the change of government, Saudi Arabia and China recognized Bangladesh. The emphasis of foreign policy was shifted from Indo-Soviet alliance to China and Islamic countries. Equally India saw the change of regime with deep suspicion and when President Zia took over after 7th November as the strong man of the country, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a hard line in negotiations in bilateral issues. No bilateral issue moved to positive outcome until Morarji Desai became Prime Minister in 1977. However when Indira Gandhi resumed power in 1980, the old hard line towards Bangladesh was adopted. President Zia met one-to one with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in New Delhi in 1980 but the meeting ended reportedly with candid exchange of words between them. Some analysts believe that the sour relations with India led President Zia to come up with the idea of SAARC when he found that none of the India's neighbors were happy with India's big brotherly attitude. The SAARC had a long gestation period because of suspicion of India and Pakistan to it. Finally it came into existence in 1985 at the Dhaka Summit.

Page |9

Relations with the Soviet Union had soured when Bangladesh protested some of the undiplomatic activities of the Soviet Embassy and expelled many Russian diplomats during President Zia's regime. During the period although Bangladesh's relations with India and Russia were at the bottom of the ladder, it secured a seat in the Security Council in 1978, defeating Japan thus reflecting a positive image in the international community.

The third phase:

The third phase saw to reset in some ways working relations with India under President H.M. Ershad who came into power in March 1982 through a military coup. The direction of foreign policy was to strengthen with all powers, especially with the US, China, Japan and Islamic countries. The relationship towards Russia remained rather lukewarm. Some analysts argue that to placate the local Islamic forces and Islamic countries in the Middle East, President Ershad amended the Constitution inserting that the State religion of the Republic is Islam, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony During the Ershad regime there was a tilt towards Iraq as against Iran and the country failed to secure a seat in the UN Security Council (Malaysia was elected) although Bangladesh became the President of the UN General Assembly. President Ershad is missions and it is more than 10,000 topped the list of credited for sending being continued with in 13 countries at countries in sending troops to the UN peacekeeping enhanced number of troops of present. This year, Bangladesh its personnel for peacekeeping

P a g e | 10

missions. It has become an important component of foreign policy and the country has attained a good standing in the comity of nations. During the UN General Assembly session in 2010, both the Secretary General Ban ki-moon and President Obama conveyed their appreciation of the role of Bangladesh peacekeeping forces to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After 1991 when BNP formed the government after elections, it found difficult to engage in working relationship with India to resolve bilateral issues but followed the policy of strengthening bilateral relations with China, Japan, and Islamic countries. Furthermore balance was restored in relations with both Iraq and Iran. In 1996 the Awami League returned to power and had maintained good relations with India. For example, the 30-year Ganges Water Treaty was concluded with India in 1996 and with cooperation with India, the Peace Agreement with Tribal Representatives on Chittagong Hill Tracts was signed in 1997. On international stage, Bangladesh for the second time was elected in 1999 for a two-year period at the UN Security Council. Thereafter the BNP came into power in 2001 and formed a coalition government with the Islamic parties and relations again with India became stagnant deteriorated. In September 2004, the then Bangladesh Foreign Minister, at a public workshop for Young Indian Journalists organized by a private think-tank in Dhaka, went all the way to criticise India's policy towards Bangladesh in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner.. The unexpected outbursts reportedly hurt the sentiments of India and this episode brought bilateral relations to their rock-bottom. Relations with other countries were consolidated by bilateral high level visits. However the period was rocked by series of bomb explosions by

P a g e | 11

extremists within the country and such violent incidents had a negative image on international community. It failed to bag the post of Secretary General of OIC (Turkey was elected).

Current direction: The direction of foreign policy aims at maximizing national human and natural endowments in pursuing cooperative policies with countries in the region and beyond and it seems to follow Lord Palmerston's doctrine that there are no permanent enemies or eternal allies and what is permanent is national interests. Sheikh Hasina visited India, China, South Korea and Japan during 2010 apart from a few European countries. She visited Bhutan as well. It is speculated that she might visit Russia and other countries in 2011. She had participated in a number of multi-lateral conferences and meetings of inter-governmental organizations and presented among others,

P a g e | 12

not only Bangladesh's environmental woes due to global climate change but also attainment of a middle-income country by 2021. The visit of Bangladesh Prime to a new vista of cooperation with India, Nepal, and Bhutan other South Asian nations and However the the grant of ground that obtaining any Minister to India in January 2010 has led by agreeing to the regional interconnectivity and use of Bangladesh ports by India and China.

main opposition party (BNP) has voiced its opposition on transit rights and use of Bangladesh ports to India on the the agreement is tilted heavily in favour of India without concrete benefits for Bangladesh.

Meanwhile in terms of the Delhi communiqu, it is reported that the government is planning to establish road and rail links with Nepal and Bhutan along with India and Myanmar as part of the move for regional connectivity. China expressed it support and assistance in establishing regional connectivity through Myanmar to Kunming (Yunnan province) from Bangladesh, first by road and then by railways. In recent times Prime Minister has underscored the direction of foreign policy towards Africa. It is timely and appropriate. The continent with 54 countries was not in the radar screen of foreign policy for a long time. Only five Bangladesh diplomatic missions exist in Africa, three in Arab northern Africa. Many Bangladesh diplomatic missions opened in the 70s & 80s in Africa have been closed, such as , in Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Many African countries are sparsely populated and have vast agricultural farming lands. Bangladesh may take the advantage of such factors in sending people for farming on lease-hold lands in African countries.

P a g e | 13

Bangladesh's low-end merchandise together with pharmaceuticals may enter into large African market. Bangladesh's private sectors together with government may take initiative to achieve these objectives by organizing trade missions and exhibitions in African countries. Furthermore, Bangladesh needs to engage with countries of Latin and Central Americas. The diplomatic missions of Bangladesh opened in the 70s in Brazil and Argentina have been closed years ago. It is time that Bangladesh government may seriously consider in opening missions in several countries in that part of the world as part of economic and cultural diplomacy.

Lack of continuity of foreign policy:

Regrettably there is no continuity of foreign policy of Bangladesh as there has been no consensus on direction of core foreign policy. It has often been affected by political complexion of party in power. If one government pursues close relationship with a particular country, that direction is changed by a government belonging to another party. It is quite natural that opposition parties will have different views on certain issues but on core issues of national interest, there ought to have been a bi-partisan policy which is formulated by the government in power in consultation with other political parties. Furthermore debate in foreign policy is almost absent in Parliament. In fragmented society and divisive political environment, such course has not been put in practice by successive governments in power. In the light of the above background, many foreign policy experts in the country say that Bangladesh has no 'foreign policy' but only 'foreign relations' which respond only to external situations as they arise.

P a g e | 14

A foreign policy is successful if it is proactive and result oriented. It must not respond only to situations but plans ahead of strategy so that no situation surprises the country within the region or globally. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have a full-fledged Research Division that will prepare goals of foreign policy for short and long term, say five, ten or twenty five years and submit to the government which thereafter will be debated with representatives of mainstream political parties to reach bi-partisan consensus. Many observers find that the confrontational nature of domestic politics has hindered bipartisan agreement on foreign policy direction and the absence of consistency or continuity of direction of foreign policy is one of the stumbling blocks in smooth implementation of pro-active and pragmatic policy in taking advantage of Bangladesh's geographic location, sandwiched between the two rising powers such as India and China as well as connecting South Asia with South East Asia.

..The End ..