BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

BANGLADESH’S PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: NAVIGATING CHANGING POLITICAL DYNAMICS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Author: Razia Sultana

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2025v46n2a2

ABSTRACT

This paper explores Bangladesh’s pursuit of membership in various regional arrangements in the wake of the political transition that Bangladesh experienced on 05 August 2024. The paper contends that participation in multiple forms of regional arrangements will advance Bangladesh’s economic interests and help to ease bilateral relationships with major global powers, namely India, China, Russia, and the USA. The paper has set up a linkage between regional arrangements and strategic decision-making freedom. The study analyses that in recent times, Bangladesh has sought to engage in several regional frameworks, taking into account its geo-strategic realities and changing global circumstances. By analysing the data sourced from experts and stakeholders across various fields as well as reviewing the secondary literature, the study evaluates the potential benefits of nine regional arrangements (e.g., ASEAN, BRICS, COMESA, EAEU, etc.) for Bangladesh. Simultaneously, considering the complexities inherent in the structure of regional arrangements, and domestic and global factors, the paper assesses some key challenges that Bangladesh may encounter. Notwithstanding those key challenges in mind, the findings of the paper recommend that Bangladesh’s joining of regional arrangements will reinforce strategic leverage for the country. However, before joining any new platform, Bangladesh must have some preparations in certain areas related to foreign policy, diplomacy, and economic strategy.