Foreign policy of Bangladesh: key principles

Bangladesh's Foreign policy refers to a government's strategy and approach in dealing with other countries and international actors. It encompasses a wide range of diplomatic, economic, military, and cultural interactions that Bangladesh engages in to promote its interests, protect its national security, and maintain peaceful relations with other nations.

It is shaped by principles such as Friendship to All, Malice to None, non-alignment, sovereignty protection, economic development, and cooperation on issues like climate change and humanitarian concerns.

Bangladesh's Foreign policy goals and priorities vary from country to country and can be influenced by factors such as historical relationships, geopolitical considerations, economic interests, cultural ties, and domestic political dynamics.

Bangladesh's foreign policy is shaped by several principles that influence its interactions with other nations, regional organizations, and global forums.

Foreign policy of Bangladesh

The foreign policy of Bangladesh is mainly governed by the constitution. It is derived from the following provisions of the Constitution of Bangladesh, international law and organizations such as the United Nations.

1. Article 25 of the Bangladesh constitution states,

• Respect for national sovereignty and equality of other states.
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
• Seeking peaceful resolution of international disputes.

Respect for international law and the principles laid down in the Charter of the United Nations shall be the basis of the international relations of the State.

• a. States shall refrain from the use of force in international relations and shall strive for general and complete disarmament.
• b. It shall uphold the right of every nation to freely determine and form its own social, economic and political system.
• c. Will support the struggle of oppressed people all over the world against imperialism, colonialism and apartheid.

2. The State shall strive to consolidate, preserve and strengthen brotherly relations among Muslim countries on the basis of Islamic solidarity.

3. Article 63 of the Bangladesh constitution lays down the principle of declaration of war. For example, war cannot be declared without the consent of Parliament, nor will the Republic participate in any war.

4. Article 145(a) of the Bangladesh constitution deals with foreign treaties, stating that “all treaties with foreign countries shall be submitted to the President.

5. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter states that "in international relations, all Member States shall refrain from the threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State".

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh and as a member state of the United Nations, Bangladesh has formulated its foreign policy on these principles.

Key principles Bangladesh's foreign policy

1. Friendship to All, Malice to None:

Bangladesh aims to cultivate friendly and cooperative relations with all countries, irrespective of their size, power, or ideology. The country seeks to promote goodwill, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

2. International Peace and Security:

Bangladesh is committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, which include the promotion of international peace and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

3. Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity:

Bangladesh is committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It works to resolve border issues and disputes through peaceful negotiations and dialogue with neighboring countries.

4. Non-Interference and Non-Aligned Position:

Bangladesh adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. It maintains a non-aligned foreign policy stance, avoiding alignment with any power bloc or military alliance.

5. Respect for International Law:

Bangladesh upholds international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. It abides by its obligations under international agreements and treaties.

6. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes:

Bangladesh is dedicated to resolving disputes through peaceful means, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. It seeks to avoid conflicts and tensions through diplomatic channels.

7. Economic Diplomacy and Development:

Economic diplomacy is a central aspect of Bangladesh's foreign policy. The country seeks to enhance economic cooperation, trade, and investment with other nations to foster its own development and improve the well-being of its citizens.

8. Global Cooperation on Climate Change:

Bangladesh, as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, emphasizes the importance of global cooperation to address this challenge. It advocates for strong climate action, adaptation measures, and financial support for vulnerable nations.

9. Humanitarian Principles:

Bangladesh prioritizes humanitarian principles, including the protection and assistance of refugees and displaced populations. This is evident in its handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis and its support for other humanitarian causes globally.

10. Participation in International Peacekeeping:

Bangladesh is a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, reflecting its commitment to international peace and security. The country's peacekeepers participate in conflict zones around the world to uphold peace and stability.