BNP's foreign policy: Friends, Not Masters
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has articulated that its foreign policy would be guided by the principle of ‘Bangladesh Before All,’ asserting that beyond its borders Bangladesh has friends, not masters.
In every aspect of foreign policy, Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, national interests, national security and people’s welfare will receive top priority, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said while unveiling its Election Manifesto 2026 at a city hotel on Friday.
According to the manifesto, BNP views the international arena as one of partnership, not subordination, asserting that beyond Bangladesh’s borders there are “friends, not masters.”
The party commits to pursuing a self-respecting, active, and responsible global role based on equality, fairness, mutual respect, and international norms.
About bilateral and multilateral relations, BNP has pledged to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with all countries on the basis of equality, pragmatism, mutual interests, and adherence to international laws and regulations.
The party has reiterated a non-interference policy, stating that Bangladesh will not interfere in the internal affairs of any other state and will expect that no other state will interfere in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Effective diplomatic initiatives will be taken to resolve bilateral and multilateral disputes.
Regarding economic diplomacy, BNP would put special emphasis will be placed on economic diplomacy.
BNP plans to expand market access and conclude preferential trade agreements with international economic organizations, alliances, and emerging regional blocs.
“Strategic partnerships will be pursued to attract foreign direct investment, facilitate technology transfer, and increase value addition in domestic industries,” the Manifesto said.
The manifesto also highlights strengthening labour and migration diplomacy to enable skilled Bangladeshi manpower to access global markets Regarding global trade and strategic partnerships, the party has committed to intensifying engagement with major global powers and key trading partner countries.
Diplomatic efforts will focus on export diversification, exploring new markets, and safeguarding tariff and trade benefits.
BNP also plans to expand trade relations with South America and Africa, both to secure raw materials for agriculture and industry and to diversify Bangladesh’s trade portfolio.
Regional strategic partnerships will be enhanced to address Bay of Bengal geopolitics, climate change – related disasters, maritime and coastal security, freedom of navigation, and peaceful dispute resolution.
About relations with Neighbouring States, BNP has reaffirmed its commitment to building cooperative and friendly relations with neighbouring countries based on equality, mutual respect, and understanding, emphasizing that such relations are essential for collective regional progress.
About transboundary rivers and water resources, BNP focused on ensuring a fair share of water from the Padma, Teesta, and all other transboundary rivers remains a key priority in BNP’s foreign policy agenda.
Mentioning about border security, the manifesto states that any attack on Bangladeshi citizens is unacceptable.
BNP has promised strong measures to prevent border killings, push-ins, and other unlawful activities.
Legal action will be taken regarding foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh, while smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking along borders will be strictly suppressed.
Regarding regional and international engagement, BNP aims to play a stronger role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region while contributing to economic prosperity.
The party has pledged to work closely with regional partners, continue efforts for full ASEAN membership, and revive SAARC as an effective regional platform.
At the same time, Bangladesh will pursue stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries and economic blocs across the Americas, Europe, East Asia, the Far East, Africa, and Oceania.
Highlighting its historical ties, BNP has underscored the importance of deepening relations with Middle Eastern countries and the wider Muslim world, committing to sustained diplomatic engagement in international forums.
BNP has proposed forming strategic partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, aiming for economic integration by combining Gulf surplus capital with Bangladesh’s productivity and human resources.
The partnership would focus on food security, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cooperation in military industry and training.
Putting Rohingya crisis as its top priority, BNP blamed the failure to begin repatriation over the past eight years on what it termed the ineffective foreign policy of a government lacking popular mandate.
Citing its role in resolving the crisis in 1978 and 1992, BNP pledged to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar with full citizenship rights through robust diplomatic efforts with neighbouring countries and international partners.
Soft Power, Sports, and Cultural Diplomacy
For long-term national development and enhanced people-to-people contact, BNP plans to emphasize soft power, sports diplomacy, and cultural engagement.
To implement its foreign policy agenda, BNP has pledged to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through additional recruitment, expanded overseas missions, and comprehensive training to strengthen manpower, management, and institutional skills.
The manifesto presents foreign policy as a central pillar of BNP’s broader governance vision, framing diplomacy as a tool to safeguard national interests while positioning Bangladesh as a confident and responsible actor on the global stage.