‘Bangladesh First’ takes shape in 180 days

The first 180 days of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government have brought a marked shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, with Dhaka seeking to navigate a complex diplomatic landscape under its new “Bangladesh First” doctrine.

The policy places national interest, strategic autonomy and economic diplomacy at the centre of foreign engagement, reflecting an effort to establish Bangladesh as an independent actor as the influence of any single power declines.

The government has secured several diplomatic gains, most notably the election of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Yet its most difficult tests lie ahead, particularly in resetting ties with India, securing the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and translating diplomatic outreach into concrete economic benefits.

The India relationship is likely to be the defining test of the doctrine as Dhaka moves from the previous emphasis on “friendship to all, malice to none” towards a more interest-driven approach.

A major early test came with the escalation of conflict in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in early 2026.

Dhaka adopted what observers described as “calibrated neutrality”, expressing concern for the safety of Bangladeshi citizens and urging restraint from “all concerned parties”.

The government’s decision not to name an aggressor or identify Iran as the primary victim reflected a cautious diplomatic calculation, aimed at preserving working relations with both the United States and Gulf countries while protecting Bangladesh’s economic interests.

This balancing act was also evident in Bangladesh’s decision to join the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance to help protect navigation through the Red Sea from Houthi naval blockades.

The Red Sea is a crucial trade route to Europe, while Saudi Arabia remains Bangladesh’s largest overseas labour market and a major source of remittances.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the decision was intended to address maritime security challenges rather than isolate Tehran, stressing that Bangladesh’s role would remain defensive.

The most sensitive foreign policy challenge, however, remains India. Bilateral relations deteriorated following the political upheaval of August 2024 and the subsequent flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.

Her continued political and media presence has further complicated ties.

There have nevertheless been early signs of a pragmatic reset. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephone call to Tarique Rahman on 13 February, shortly after the general election, was seen as recognition of Bangladesh’s changed political reality.

The BNP government has sought to replace what it describes as a relationship centred on a particular political party with a State-to-State partnership based on sovereign equality, national dignity and mutual interests.

A possible visit by Tarique Rahman to India has been discussed, although Dhaka has indicated that such a trip would require a “propitious environment”, including progress on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and suspected killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi.

Energy diplomacy has also become an important component of the government’s diversification strategy.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant reached a major milestone on 28 April with the start of uranium fuel loading.

The Russian-designed facility, comprising two VVER-1200 reactors, is expected to generate 2,400MW, strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on costly fossil-fuel imports.

Despite geopolitical disruptions pushing the project cost to Tk1.39 trillion, Dhaka remains committed to its completion.

During his June meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Dr Khalilur Rahman sought Moscow’s support for Bangladesh’s membership of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Dhaka is also seeking to diversify investment and pursue trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Türkiye has emerged as another important partner.

Talks between Dr Khalilur Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan focused on a “new era” of bilateral relations, with a target of increasing trade to $2 billion.

The two sides also discussed broader defence cooperation, including defence manufacturing.

Türkiye has supported Bangladesh’s Rohingya response and its bid for the UN General Assembly presidency.

At the same time, Dhaka is attempting to maintain a careful balance between China and the United States.

China remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and a major source of infrastructure investment.

During Tarique Rahman’s June visits to China and Malaysia, 17 memorandums of understanding were signed covering trade, investment, artificial intelligence, healthcare and regional connectivity.

Dhaka has also urged Beijing to address the bilateral trade imbalance by increasing imports from Bangladesh.

However, this engagement must be balanced against Bangladesh’s strategic and economic ties with Washington, particularly as around 80 per cent of the country’s exports go to Western markets.

Bangladesh has also faced a 10 per cent US tariff, taking the total tariff burden on garment exports to 25.62 per cent.

Nevertheless, high-level engagement with Washington has continued, highlighted by US Special Envoy Sergio Gor’s July visit, including meetings with Tarique Rahman and a visit to Rohingya camps.

The Rohingya crisis remains one of the government’s biggest diplomatic challenges.

With more than 1.2 million refugees in Bangladesh, humanitarian operations face a funding shortfall, prompting a prioritised appeal of $710.5 million, 26 per cent lower than previous requirements.

Dhaka is seeking to move from “patient hosting” towards “proactive repatriation”, including through China’s mediation and engagement with Myanmar’s National Unity Government.

Myanmar has recently agreed to accept more than 300,000 Rohingya from the camps once security conditions improve, although implementation remains uncertain.

Economically, the government secured an extension of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation date to 24 November 2029, preserving trade advantages for another three years.

Dhaka is also negotiating the EU’s GSP+ scheme and pursuing free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries.

Regionally, the BNP government has expressed interest in reviving SAARC while seeking stronger engagement with ASEAN and BIMSTEC.

Relations with Pakistan have also improved through renewed political and economic engagement, despite unresolved historical issues.

Overall, the first 180 days indicate a shift towards interest-based, diversified and transactional diplomacy without formally aligning with any major power.

The government has expanded Bangladesh’s diplomatic space and pursued new partnerships.

But the success of the “Bangladesh First” doctrine will ultimately depend on whether Dhaka can turn these initiatives into tangible economic gains, secure Rohingya repatriation and manage the competing interests of India, China and the United States without compromising its strategic autonomy.