BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

FOREIGN POLICY OF BANGLADESH: EMERGING CHALLENGES

Author: Sajid Karim, Mohammad Jasim Uddin

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2016v37n4a3

ABSTRACT

Being placed in between low-income and lower-middle-income country status, Bangladesh aspires to be a developed one by 2041. But there are several emerging foreign policy challenges for the country. This paper limits its scope to some specific challenges i.e., soft power diplomacy and image building, trade in goods and services, attracting foreign direct investment, suiting development assistance with development priorities, ensuring energy security, developing transport connectivity, addressing transnational issues like water security and maritime security, addressing climate change issues and balancing between/ among parties, interests and initiatives. Examining existing literature and interview transcripts and undertaking interpretative approach, the paper tries to develop its main argument - economic issues and economic diplomacy encompassing resource mobilisation will remain crucial to formulate and implement foreign policy agenda of Bangladesh. In mobilising resources, actors concerned with foreign policy of Bangladesh need to work at multiple-levels with proper understanding of internal and external dynamics, policy priorities of vital countries as well as the organisations and instruments to make the policy a success.