Seminar on “Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: Navigating Pathways in a Shifting World” on 12 October 2026

Press release

Seminar on

Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: Navigating Pathways in a Shifting World

12 October 2026

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a seminar titled Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: Navigating Pathways in a Shifting World, on 12 October 2026 at BIISS auditorium. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as chief guest. Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General, BIISS began the session with welcome remarks and chaired it. Four papers were presented by BIISS researchers Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director, Dr. Sufia Khanom, Research Director, ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, and Ayesha Binte Towhid, Research Fellow.     

Speakers explored the importance of advancing a national interest-driven foreign policy responsive to emerging geopolitical realities while safeguarding national sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Particular emphasis was placed on aligning foreign policy with contemporary defence and security priorities to address emerging challenges and preserve regional stability. The programme examined ways to prioritise Bangladesh’s economic interests within an increasingly uncertain multilateral system, notably amidst the rapid growth of AI, with a view to strengthening economic resilience and expanding international cooperation. Furthermore, significance of upholding ideological commitments and principled values in shaping a consistent credible foreign policy was underscored. Discussions stressed on the need of building a balanced, pragmatic, and forward-looking foreign policy framework that would advance Bangladesh’s national interests while reinforcing its role as a responsible actor in the global arena.

Senior officials from different ministries of Bangladesh, foreign diplomatic missions, media, businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, researchers, representatives from various think tanks, enthusiastically participated in the lecture and enriched it by presenting their valuable opinions, comments, insights, suggestions, and observations during open discussion sessions.