[🇧🇩] Foreign policy of the new government after the election

[Saif]

How should we read Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency against global and domestic realities?

Bangladesh winning the presidency of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is a moment of pride that perhaps could not have come at a more appropriate time, given the prevailing spirit of transformation in the wake of the July uprising.

www.thedailystar.net

How should we read Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency against global and domestic realities?

Alauddin Mohammad

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, the newly elected president of the United Nations General Assembly, addresses a plenary meeting of the body at the UN headquarters on June 2. PHOTO: UN livestream screengrab

Bangladesh winning the presidency of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is a moment of pride that perhaps could not have come at a more appropriate time, given the prevailing spirit of transformation in the wake of the July uprising. In other words, it represents a symbolic diplomatic victory for a post-July Bangladesh. The immediate practical benefit is undeniable: greater global visibility for a developing nation standing at a critical geoeconomic crossroads.

As Dr Khalilur Rahman, the foreign minister, assumes this prestigious role, the international community will likely turn a closer eye towards Dhaka. “The role of the president of the General Assembly is no longer simply procedural,” said outgoing UNGA President Annalena Baerbock, and at a certain level, beyond internal bloc politics and calculations within the UN system, Bangladesh’s presidency reflects some confidence in its potential for being a responsible and stabilising state. If we’re being optimistic, the diplomatic elevation could also be leveraged to bring tangible benefits to Bangladesh in the form of greater foreign direct investment, stronger bilateral trade and security agreements, and more strategic partnerships.

But beneath the polished veneer of this international triumph lies a complex web of geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges that also demand scrutiny. Bangladesh is currently facing significant economic headwinds, most notably the near-certain deferment of its LDC graduation and the looming pressure of the recently imposed US tariffs. To navigate these challenges, Dhaka has already entered into a comprehensive US-Bangladesh trade agreement. While perhaps an economic necessity to maintain market access, this pact, however, was rushed through just 72 hours before the February 12 elections, bypassing the traditional avenues of democratic debate. Consequently, it has sparked considerable domestic anxiety. Various groups remain deeply concerned about the concessions made regarding our sovereign policy space. To alleviate this domestic pressure, the BNP government last month signalled its willingness to review the treaty, but to what extent it will be able or willing to revisit its more contentious provisions remains uncertain.

Regionally, the chessboard remains equally concerning. A diplomatic realignment across South Asia is palpable. Pakistan is actively manoeuvring into a strategically advantageous position while our ties with India remain in a state of flux (despite recent positive messaging) thanks to some long-unresolved issues, including New Delhi’s continuous hosting of the fallen autocrat and cronies of the Awami League regime. In this vacuum, Bangladesh must meticulously recalibrate its regional posture. We must secure our access to broader Asian markets. Revitalising a near-dormant Saarc, maximising our geopolitical footprint within BIMSTEC, and aggressively pursuing our bid to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner are no longer optional strategies. They are vital for our economic future. Dr Rahman’s elevation to the UNGA presidency likely offers an avenue through which to project our soft power in the aid of these pursuits. It allows us to step confidently into new regional alignments so as to build robust, reciprocal relations with our neighbours.

Among the threats facing Bangladesh and the region, the Rohingya crisis remains a bleeding wound. The genocide in Rakhine State and the subsequent waves of mass exodus represent a most tragic and destabilising development of the modern era. For years, we have failed to secure meaningful repatriation partly because there was no prominent international advocate consistently championing the issue on the global stage. It simply did not receive the global attention it required. Dr Rahman’s presidency may offer a hope, if not a guarantee, of momentum in this regard. While neutrality is a core component of a UNGA presidency, his elevation could nonetheless help open doors for Bangladesh to recast the Rohingya crisis as a global burden rather than a regional issue.

However, one must balance this optimism with a healthy dose of critical realism. The primary architect of this UN victory, Dr Khalilur Rahman, himself remains a deeply paradoxical figure in our national political landscape. There is no denying his sharp intellect; he is an experienced and highly astute bureaucrat. Yet, his rapid ascent in recent years has been largely devoid of a popular democratic mandate. His track record during the interim period also raised some concerns.

His tenure as High Representative for Rohingya affairs and as national security adviser fell short of public expectations. The Rohingya crisis saw no tangible breakthrough under his watch. Furthermore, his tenure as security adviser was frequently marred by internal frictions. His working relationship with our defence apparatus—the army, navy, and air force—also allegedly lacked the collaborative synergy required to safeguard a volatile nation in transition. Instead of consolidating our internal and external security frameworks, he often found himself at the centre of rumours of destabilising developments, effectively operating as a security adviser on paper.

Perhaps his most defining legacy from that turbulent phrase was orchestrating the aforementioned US trade deal shortly before the BNP integrated him into its cabinet framework. While the treaty arguably secured some strategic advantages, its non-inclusive nature set a troubling and undemocratic precedent for our foreign policy framework. Some therefore perceived him as a technocrat whose manoeuvres aligned more closely with global power blocs than with the organic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, prompting questions about who exactly was lobbying for these outcomes and what degree of our sovereignty we may be silently trading in return.

That said, we must acknowledge that Bangladesh’s global image has often been enhanced by non-political figures. Trailblazers such as Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, and Nobel laureate-turned-Chief-Adviser Muhammad Yunus have consistently elevated our international standing. Dr Rahman’s recent achievement undeniably adds to this record. It serves as a reminder that despite our deep political fractures, Bangladesh possesses the human capital required to shine on the global stage.

But exceptional individuals or achievements cannot permanently substitute for robust, accountable democratic institutions. As Dr Rahman departs to fulfil his duties in New York for one year, a vital opportunity presents itself at home. The government should appoint a strong, elected political representative to helm the ministry of foreign affairs in his absence. This is essential to operationalise the “Bangladesh First” foreign policy doctrine championed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. As for the UNGA presidency, it is up to Bangladesh to extract the maximum advantage possible from what could prove to be an important diplomatic instrument.

Alauddin Mohammad is joint member secretary at the National Citizen Party (NCP) and executive director of the Institute for Policy, Governance and Development (IPGAD).​

 

[Saif]

The Financial Express | First Financial Daily of Bangladesh

Get latest stock share market news, financial news, economy news, politics news, breaking news, Bangladesh economy news at The Financial Express.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh at the helm of global diplomacy
What Dr Khalilur Rahman's UNGA presidency means for the world
Serajul I Bhuiyan

Published :
Jun 12, 2026 23:40
Updated :
Jun 12, 2026 23:40

Khalilur Rahman’s election as the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) president is a big win for Bangladesh. It shows the country is becoming more respected globally. Bangladesh is viewed as a dependable and key player on the world stage, marking a big boost in its international standing.

Today’s big conflicts, wars, climate crises, financial woes, and mass migration are making multilateral organisations look shaky. So, having someone lead the UNGA is crucial. Recently, they picked a Bangladeshi diplomat for the role. This choice shows confidence in Rahman’s skills and hopes that Bangladesh will help tackle these global problems.

For Bangladesh, this victory is historic. For the world, it may prove consequential.

A Return to Global Leadership After Four Decades: Bangladesh’s election to the presidency of the UN General Assembly comes nearly four decades after the distinguished leadership of Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, who served as President of the 41st Session of the UNGA in 1986–87.

Much has changed since then.

Bangladesh of the 1980s was still struggling with the immense challenges of post-independence reconstruction, poverty reduction, and institutional consolidation. Today’s Bangladesh presents a very different story. It has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, a leader in climate adaptation, and an increasingly important voice among developing nations.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s election shows this shift. It signals that Bangladesh isn’t just participating in global talks; it’s becoming a key facilitator, bridge-builder, and agenda-setter in these discussions, too.

Leadership at a Time of Global Fragmentation: Khalilur Rahman’s election comes at a perfect time. The world is facing many crises nowadays – wars, heightened strategic conflicts among major powers, and looming climate disasters that hit the most vulnerable hardest. There are also ongoing refugee emergencies and widening gaps between economic classes, all while faith in our international institutions is fading.

The United Nations itself faces growing questions regarding its effectiveness and ability to address twenty-first-century challenges.

In this environment, the presidency of the UN General Assembly becomes far more than a procedural role. It requires diplomatic skill, political neutrality, and the capacity to build consensus among 193 member states with vastly different interests, priorities, and worldviews.

Bangladesh enters this moment uniquely positioned to play such a role.

Unlike many major powers, Bangladesh is not viewed as a geopolitical rival. It maintains constructive relationships with competing global actors, including the United States, China, the European Union, India, Japan, and countries across the Global South. This balanced diplomatic posture provides Bangladesh with a degree of credibility that is increasingly valuable in an era of polarisation.

Rahman’s presidency, therefore, offers an opportunity to help restore dialogue where divisions have become entrenched.

Elevating the Voice of the Global South: One of the most significant implications of Bangladesh’s leadership is its potential to strengthen the voice of developing nations within the international system.

Bangladesh understands these challenges not merely as an observer but through lived national experience.

Having progressed from one of the world’s poorest nations to a recognized development success story, Bangladesh possesses a unique perspective on poverty reduction, social development, resilience-building, women’s empowerment, and inclusive growth.

Under Rahman’s leadership, the General Assembly can be a crucial space for boosting vulnerable countries’ needs and keeping development high on the worldwide priority list.

Climate Justice - A Natural Area of Leadership: Bangladesh is hit hardest by climate risks, even though the country produces very little of the world’s greenhouse gases. As a result, they face rising sea levels, extreme weather, and flooding more than most others. Plus, they face a much higher risk of being displaced from their homes because of these issues.

Yet Bangladesh has also become an international model for climate adaptation and resilience.

The UNGA presidency provides a powerful platform to elevate discussions on climate justice, adaptation financing, loss and damage mechanisms, and environmental equity. Bangladesh can help bridge the gap between vulnerable countries seeking urgent action and developed nations responsible for much of the historical emissions burden.

As climate impacts hit hard around the world, Bangladesh could provide much-needed moral guidance and practical know-how to global climate talks.

Renewing Attention to Humanitarian Crises: Bangladesh has shown great generosity, especially regarding the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Over a million remain there, making it a massive, ongoing crisis. Sadly, no safe plan for repatriation has emerged after all these years.

As the head of the General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman can help by boosting global engagement and getting more countries to contribute. He can also push to hold the responsible parties accountable and to find lasting solutions.

Additionally, Bangladesh’s leadership on this issue could increase worldwide focus on refugee issues, displacement, migration management, and human security.

More broadly, Bangladesh’s leadership may strengthen international focus on refugees, displaced populations, migration governance, and human security.

A Champion of Multilateralism: Perhaps the most important significance of Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency lies in its symbolic defence of multilateralism itself.

On today’s global stage, individuals engage in many competitive moves and rivalries. At the same time, there’s growing doubt about teamwork. Yet, major issues like climate change, disease, cybersecurity, and economic instability require us to work together to solve them.

Each problem calls for countries working together.

Bangladesh has traditionally advocated for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation on the global stage. This fits well with the UN’s basics.

Now, Rahman steps up just as we really need folks to rebuild trust, encourage conversations, and boost multilateral teamwork.

Enhancing Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Profile: The implications for Bangladesh itself are equally profound. The presidency boosts Bangladesh’s image in global diplomacy, showing the nation is reliable on the world stage. It also shows how professionally our diplomats operate and spotlights Bangladesh’s growing input in international governance.

Being exposed in this way boosts our chances of forming strong bonds with other countries. We could also have a stronger voice in crafting global policies, attracting more development aid from around the world.

For the younger generation, it sends a strong message that leading globally is possible through competence and excellence in diplomacy.

More Than a National Victory: While Bangladeshis understandably celebrate this achievement as a source of national pride, the significance of Khalilur Rahman’s election extends well beyond national boundaries.

His presidency arrives at a time when the world is searching for bridges rather than barriers, dialogue rather than division, and cooperation rather than confrontation.

The United Nations General Assembly remains the most representative global institution ever created. It is the one forum where every nation, regardless of size or power, possesses an equal voice.

The election of a diplomat from Bangladesh to lead that institution sends an important message: that constructive middle powers, developing nations, and consensus builders continue to have an indispensable role in shaping the future of international relations.

Conclusion: Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s leadership at the UN General Assembly shows that Bangladesh is fully immersed in diplomacy, not just barely involved. The nation builds credibility and achieves genuine progress – no doubts about it.

His position also emphasises Bangladesh’s involvement in tackling major global issues. This proves that the nation has grown significantly in managing today’s complex problems.

As conflicts persist, climate threats intensify, and global divisions deepen, the world requires leaders capable of building consensus across political, economic, and ideological boundaries.

Bangladesh now finds itself uniquely positioned to help provide that leadership.

The coming year will test the resilience of international cooperation and the relevance of multilateral institutions. Yet it also presents an extraordinary opportunity.

For Bangladesh, it is a moment of pride.

The UN has a chance here. It demonstrates that real leadership happens when we all work together, not just when powerful nations take charge. So, it shows that teamwork truly makes a difference.

In many ways, Bangladesh’s rise to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly reflects precisely that enduring truth.

Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is Professor and Former Chair, Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, Savannah State University, USA.​

 

[Saif]

What made Ziaur Rahman's foreign policy so distinct?

Bangladesh’s strategic foreign policy foundations and its independent diplomatic trajectory. There was a time when the newly independent Bangladesh was often viewed internationally as a “bottomless basket” or a “failed state,” and the country’s foreign policy was also confined within a narrow...

en.prothomalo.com

What made Ziaur Rahman's foreign policy so distinct?

President Ziaur Rahman assessed international relations not through the lens of ideological allegiance or emotional considerations, but in light of national interests and strategic realities. His approach was fundamentally pragmatic, with the primary objectives of foreign policy being the protection of the state’s security, sovereignty, and national interests.

ANM Muniruzzaman
Retired Major General & BIPSS President

The founding of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in 1985 reflected the ideas and planning of Ziaur Rahman, which is why he is regarded as one of SAARC’s founders. Collected

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was one of the principal architects of Bangladesh’s strategic foreign policy foundations and its independent diplomatic trajectory. There was a time when the newly independent Bangladesh was often viewed internationally as a “bottomless basket” or a “failed state,” and the country’s foreign policy was also confined within a narrow and limited framework.

Bangladesh faced significant challenges in securing meaningful assistance from the West, building effective relations with the Muslim world and the broader international community, firmly advancing its sovereign interests on regional issues, and developing a distinct diplomatic identity.

It was against this backdrop that President Ziaur Rahman initiated a pragmatic and multidimensional restructuring of the country’s diplomacy.

President Ziaur Rahman assessed international relations not through the lens of ideological allegiance or emotional considerations, but in light of national interests and strategic realities. His approach was fundamentally pragmatic, with the primary objectives of foreign policy being the protection of the state’s security, sovereignty, and national interests.

In this context, Ziaur Rahman maintained the continuity of neutrality and non-alignment while simultaneously pursuing a realistic and multidimensional policy of diplomatic engagement whenever national interests were at stake.

The goal of Ziaur Rahman’s foreign policy was to rise above ideological divisions and ensure Bangladesh’s development, security, and international acceptance.

Based on this vision, he took initiatives to rebuild and strengthen relations with the Western world, as well as with countries such as China and Japan. As a result, new opportunities emerged for development cooperation, investment, and economic assistance. Bangladesh’s foreign policy evolved beyond a narrow and limited framework, gradually becoming more diversified, balanced, and interest-driven.

Bangladesh’s presence on the international stage became more visible and active, enabling the country to present itself not merely as an aid-dependent state but as a promising and responsible partner.
One of the defining features of President Ziaur Rahman’s foreign policy was placing economic diplomacy at the center of the nation’s development strategy.

Improving relations with Middle Eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates, was an important part of this strategy.

As a result, new opportunities opened for Bangladesh to enter foreign labor markets. This was later expanded significantly, creating employment opportunities for a large number of Bangladeshi workers abroad.

At the same time, these initiatives laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s remittance-based economy. The role that expatriate income plays today as one of the country’s principal sources of foreign exchange can be traced back to the foundations established during this period.

In addition to economic diplomacy, President Ziaur Rahman regarded the strengthening of Bangladesh’s political and strategic relations with the Muslim world as a major foreign-policy priority.

Bangladesh actively supported the activities of the Al-Quds Committee as a member. During his tenure, Bangladesh’s policy position on the Palestinian issue became more explicit and firm, playing an important role in deepening diplomatic solidarity with the Muslim world.

A symbolic and strategic reflection of this policy was seen in the visit of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Bangladesh, which created a new dimension of mutual trust and cooperation between Bangladesh and the Arab and Muslim worlds.

During this period, in the context of the Iran–Iraq War, which began in 1980, Bangladesh played an active role in the mediation efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Despite the complexities of geopolitical balancing, Bangladesh maintained an acceptable and balanced position and participated constructively in multilateral diplomacy.

These efforts helped strengthen Bangladesh’s diplomatic capabilities and contributed to building its image within the Muslim world as a responsible and moderate state.

In addition, relations with the United States gained new momentum. Development assistance, food aid, and support for the agricultural and infrastructure sectors increased, further integrating Bangladesh’s development framework with the Western development system.

At the same time, a new chapter began in relations with China. During his 1977 visit, President Ziaur Rahman met with Chinese leaders, and military and technological cooperation expanded thereafter. This played an important role in the modernization of Bangladesh’s armed forces.

In regional politics, the Farakka issue was one of the central and most sensitive issues in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Efforts were initiated to find a diplomatic solution through negotiations with India on water-sharing disputes, laying a foundation for future dialogue on regional water-resource management.

At the same time, the 1978 Rohingya Crisis and the influx of refugees following the “King Dragon Operation” in Myanmar’s Arakan region placed Bangladesh under severe humanitarian and diplomatic pressure.

In response, Bangladesh took the initiative, supported by the structured assistance of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to launch a repatriation program, which was partially implemented by 1979.

This is regarded as an important example of diplomatic crisis management during that period. Significant progress was also made in safeguarding maritime security and sovereignty.

Discussions began with both India and Myanmar on defining an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Bay of Bengal and addressing maritime boundary issues, helping to lay the groundwork for Bangladesh’s future blue economy.

Ziaur Rahman’s contribution to defence diplomacy was also far-reaching. Activities undertaken during his visit to Canada in 1972 as Deputy Chief of the Bangladesh Army, along with training and cooperation programs with the United Kingdom, helped strengthen the institutional foundations of the newly formed armed forces.

One of the most important milestones of this institutional development was the establishment of the Military Forces Command and Staff College in Mirpur in 1977, which later evolved into the central institution for military professionalism in Bangladesh.

President Ziaur Rahman also played an important and decisive role in expanding Bangladesh’s engagement with multilateral diplomacy and global institutions.

A major achievement of these efforts was Bangladesh’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 1978. Securing the seat by defeating Japan was regarded as recognition of Bangladesh’s diplomatic capabilities.

During this period, Bangladesh’s principled stance on the Soviet-Afghan War and the Cambodia issue generated positive reactions in the international community.

Bangladesh’s active participation in later United Nations peacekeeping missions can be seen as a continuation of this diplomatic trajectory, the foundations of which were laid during this period.

Strengthening relations with the African continent was also an important aspect of his diplomacy.

Through relationships with leaders such as Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal and Ahmed Sékou Touré of Guinea, Bangladesh developed closer ties with the African voting bloc. This helped strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the United Nations and other international organisations.

At the same time, he advocated for the North-South Dialogue and called for reducing global economic inequality, thereby strengthening the collective voice of developing countries.

One of the most forward-looking aspects of President Ziaur Rahman’s foreign policy was his promotion of the idea of South Asian regional cooperation, which later contributed to the foundation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. He believed that the development and security of South Asian countries could be achieved more effectively not through competition alone, but through a framework of regional cooperation.

As part of this vision, he initiated continuous diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries and worked toward the creation of a common regional framework. His position was ahead of its time in advocating the inclusion of emerging issues such as climate change, tourism, connectivity, border management, drug trafficking, and transnational crime within discussions on regional cooperation.

The establishment of SAARC in 1985 reflected his ideas and planning. For this reason, he is often regarded as one of the founders of SAARC.

President Ziaur Rahman recognised that Bangladesh’s geographic location, situated at te crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, was an important strategic asset.

Taking advantage of this position, he prudently pursued initiatives to strengthen diplomatic relations with countries that are now members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In a changing world order where geopolitics is becoming increasingly complex, the diplomatic wisdom and balanced foreign policy of the late President Ziaur Rahman remain a lasting source of guidance.

His visit to Malaysia in 1976 is regarded as a significant milestone in this policy. Owing to his diplomatic foresight, new employment opportunities emerged for Bangladeshis in the labor markets of Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries. This later played a crucial role in establishing a sustainable foundation for Bangladesh’s remittance economy, a contribution that continues to this day.

Alongside regional and global diplomatic initiatives, President Ziaur Rahman also played an equally important role in strengthening state capacity and institutional foundations.

As part of this effort, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training was established in 1976. Through this institution, labor migration came under a formalized framework, which had a long-term impact on Bangladesh’s economy.

At the same time, the establishment of the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies created an institutional foundation for foreign-policy and strategic research, an initiative considered ahead of its time within the South Asian context.

Ziaur Rahman’s personal diplomacy was another strong aspect of his foreign policy. Through direct communication with heads of state, visits to embassies, and regular meetings with diplomats, he made foreign policy more effective and pragmatic.

His meeting with Jimmy Carter at the White House and their joint press conference in the Rose Garden were viewed as reflections of Bangladesh’s growing importance on the international stage.

At the same time, in addition to institutional development, he recognised the importance of cultural diplomacy. Under this approach, Bangladesh’s folk music, dance, and cultural heritage began to be presented more actively to international audiences, contributing to the expansion of the country’s soft power.

Overall, the foreign policy of the late President Ziaur Rahman represented a multidimensional process of transformation through which Bangladesh gradually evolved from an inward-looking and crisis-driven state into one that adopted an active and balanced position in international affairs. His diplomatic strategies, institutional initiatives, and regional and global outlook left a profound impact on the long-term foundations of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

Even in today’s geopolitical environment, his pragmatic and balanced foreign-policy thinking continues to hold relevance. In a changing world order where geopolitics is becoming increasingly complex, the diplomatic wisdom and balanced foreign policy of the late President Ziaur Rahman remain a lasting source of guidance.

* ANM Muniruzzaman is a retired Major General and the President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS).​