‘Bangladesh First’ marks paradigm shift in foreign policy

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said “Bangladesh First” policy marks a paradigm shift in the country’s foreign policy, placing national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect and regional harmony at the centre of Bangladesh’s engagement with the international community.

In an exclusive interview with BSS, the Adviser said the policy, framed as “Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all,” is not an isolationist approach but a pragmatic strategy to protect national interests while maintaining constructive and mutually beneficial relations with all countries.

He said Bangladesh wants to pursue an independent foreign policy based on dignity and equality, while remaining open to international cooperation, investment and partnerships.

“The Bangladesh First policy means putting Bangladesh’s interests first, but Bangladesh for all,” the Adviser said, stressing that national interest and global integration are not contradictory.

The Adviser said promoting harmony with neighboring countries is a major priority of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

He pointed to the participation of South Asian envoys at a recent Iftar gathering as an example of the government’s efforts to strengthen regional engagement and rebuild trust.

He said Bangladesh seeks neighborly relations based on mutual dignity, equality and respect, rather than dependence or subordination.

He said Bangladesh would continue to pursue a foreign policy that contributes to regional stability instead of confrontation.

The Adviser said Bangladesh also wants to play a constructive role in an increasingly divided global environment.

Referring to Chittagong Port, he said the government is opening up the country’s strategic assets to investment and cooperation from different parts of the world.

He said Bangladesh does not want its strategic infrastructure to become the exclusive sphere of influence of any particular country.

Bangladesh’s objective, he said, is to build an “inclusive world” rather than a “divided world”, allowing countries from different regions to cooperate for mutual benefit.

He said such an approach would help Bangladesh strengthen its position as a bridge between different economic and geopolitical interests.

On Bangladesh-US relations, the Adviser described the bilateral relationship as excellent and said Bangladesh is seeking greater cooperation in areas of strategic and economic importance.

He identified energy, pharmaceuticals, science and information technology as key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Bangladesh wants to attract greater US investment in the energy sector and expand pharmaceutical exports to the US by supplying high-quality medicines at competitive prices, he said.

The Adviser said greater cooperation in science and IT would also support Bangladesh’s technological advancement and digital transformation.

Drawing a parallel with US President Donald Trump’s emphasis on national interest, he said Bangladesh’s “Bangladesh First” approach similarly seeks to place national economic and strategic interests at the centre of policymaking.

The Adviser said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is increasingly being linked with economic diplomacy, investment and development.

He said the government is undertaking regulatory reforms to make Bangladesh more attractive to international investors, including making the Single Window system functional and introducing time-bound tracking and tracing mechanisms.

These measures, he said, would reduce bureaucratic delays and provide greater transparency and predictability for foreign investors.

The Adviser also stressed that Bangladesh’s international image depends on the strength of its institutions at home.

He highlighted judicial independence and respect for the rule of law, saying the government does not want political rhetoric to interfere with judicial processes, particularly in sub-judice matters.

He criticised what he described as provocative and misleading statements concerning judicial proceedings and said Bangladesh must demonstrate institutional stability and respect for the rule of law.
Bangladesh, he said, will protect its national interests while maintaining friendly relations with neighbours, engaging with major global powers and welcoming investment and cooperation from countries across the world.

He said the country’s foreign policy is ultimately aimed at creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous Bangladesh that can contribute to regional harmony and global cooperation, including collective efforts to address climate change.

The Adviser said Bangladesh wants to be recognised as a reliable and inclusive international partner-one that puts its own national interests first while respecting the interests and dignity of others.