We must remember that the United States is one of Bangladesh’s primary export markets. The European union is also among them. Japan has been one of Bangladesh’s most reliable development partners for many decades. India is Bangladesh’s most important neighbour, with a lengthy border, shared rivers, trade, communication, energy, and border security—interdependence cannot be denied. Altogether, Bangladesh and its economy are tied and dependent on relationships with many countries and powers.
In such a reality, an effective path for Bangladesh is not to align itself with a specific sphere of regional and global politics. Instead of becoming part of one party’s strategic rivalry, it is effective for smaller and medium countries to maintain parallel relationships with competing nations while keeping national interests in mind and balancing relationships with multiple powers.
I mentioned earlier that within the Chinese visit of the Prime Minister, there is a message of focusing on the country’s economic and commercial interests. We have to wait and see how Bangladesh maintains this continuity with other countries. However, it would not be accurate to consider this visit as the beginning of a major change in diplomacy or foreign policy. Because no single visit can determine the direction of diplomacy. It is determined by a series of steps and decisions and a long-term strategy. The challenge ahead for Bangladesh is to ensure a mature, confident, and pragmatic foreign policy or diplomacy.
#AKM Zakaria is a Deputy Editor at Prothom Alo.
*The opinions expressed here are the author’s own.
#This article, originally published in Prothom Alo print and online editions, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.