[🇧🇩] Geopolitical Importance of Bangladesh

[Saif]

India, US both need a stable Bangladesh

However, regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for a stable Bangladesh lies with its own people.

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Geopolitical Insights
India, US both need a stable Bangladesh

VISUAL: FATIMA JAHAN ENA

Before returning to Bangladesh and assuming the mantle of leading the interim government, Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with India's NDTV, stated that if Bangladesh becomes unstable, it will affect West Bengal, Myanmar, and the entire northeast India.

Now, West Bengal is bogged down in protests over a horrific case of rape and murder, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declaring that she is "ready to resign." The state of Manipur is on red alert as recent drone and rocket attacks have triggered a fresh wave of ethnic violence. Meanwhile, "Myanmar is plumbing the depths of the human rights abyss," according to James Rodehaver, United Nations human rights chief of the Myanmar team. If the situation in the Bay of Bengal does not seem like a powder keg ready to explode, one must be truly blind.

However, the recent visit of a US delegation to Bangladesh offers some hope that the world is concerned with the evolving situation in the region. By the time this column is published, a bilateral meeting will have taken place between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. On September 15, the inter-agency US delegation that met with the chief adviser included Brent Neiman, assistant secretary for the Department of Treasury; Donald Lu, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; Änjali Kaur, USAID deputy assistant administrator for Asia; and Brendan Lynch, assistant US trade representative.

During the visit, USAID signed a development agreement worth over $200 million with the interim government to support Bangladesh in advancing development, strengthening governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities for the Bangladeshi people to build a brighter and more prosperous future. From 2021 to 2026, USAID has committed nearly $1 billion in support.

Sources in the finance ministry indicate that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) may provide $900 million in budgetary support to Bangladesh by March 2025. Earlier this month, the interim government also requested $1 billion from the World Bank for the energy and power sector, along with another $1 billion for banking sector reforms. This is part of a broader effort to secure $8 billion from multilateral lenders and development partners to replenish the country's foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the economy.

One of Prof Yunus's key strengths is his appeal in the West, which is likely a significant factor in the potential inflow of foreign currency to support the interim government. These developments are critical at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing significant internal unrest. There are speculations that many forces, both within and outside the country, are actively working to discredit the government in any way possible, whether through inciting violence by exploiting religious sentiments, dividing the population with bad-faith identity politics, or organising misinformation campaigns to obscure the truth and paint the nation in the worst possible light.

The Yunus-Biden bilateral meeting, as well as the recent visit by the US delegation underscore the country's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development and political stability under the interim government. By signing a development agreement through USAID and subsequently holding a bilateral meeting, the US has made it clear that it recognises the strategic importance of Bangladesh. Washington's backing, however, isn't just economic; it's also a strategic signal to regional powers that the situation in Bangladesh is of global concern. This development aligns with US interests in South Asia, particularly regarding regional stability, which is a cornerstone of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for the stability of a nation lies with its own people. While geostrategic partners like the US and India can offer financial support and diplomatic engagement, it is up to the people of Bangladesh to ensure that their nation remains stable.

India, as Bangladesh's closest neighbour, also has a vital role to play in ensuring that its own security interests align with Bangladesh's stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government must ensure that extremist voices within India do not agitate the situation across the border. For instance, recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the militaristic language and posturing by other political actors do not bode well for diplomatic de-escalation and mutual cooperation. Indian policymakers should exercise caution so that domestic issues are not exploited to create friction between the two countries.

More importantly, India must adopt a balanced approach, combining diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh and ensuring that no internal forces within India undermine efforts for stability. Given the ethnic and religious diversity in India's northeast region and Bangladesh's proximity, any instability in Bangladesh will most definitely spill over, affecting not only West Bengal but also states like Assam and Tripura. It's in India's own security interest to support the interim government in Dhaka, providing assistance where possible to counter both external and internal threats.

Regardless of the nature of international involvement, the ultimate responsibility for the stability of a nation lies with its own people. While geostrategic partners like the US and India can offer financial support and diplomatic engagement, it is up to the people of Bangladesh to ensure that their nation remains stable. Some questions have already been raised about the competence of the interim government and its lack of urgency. This is not a good sign. It will need to navigate each new political challenge promptly and carefully, ensuring that democratic institutions remain functional and that extremist groups are not able to exploit any governance vacuums. It should also pave the way for an election that is free, fair and inclusive, which in itself is a daunting task.

In these unstable times, civil society and the media, in particular, will need to step up their activities drastically, countering the ongoing waves of misinformation campaigns and holding the reality on the ground for all of the world to see. The youth, intellectuals, business communities and political parties have a significant part to play in ensuring that polarisation does not destabilise the country further. This is a critical moment for Bangladesh; the future rests in the hands of the Bangladeshi people. The people who came out on the streets and gave their lives to dethrone an autocrat must now step up again and resist divisive forces. This is the only way to remake Bangladesh into a more prosperous and peaceful nation.

Zillur Rahman is executive director at the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and a television talk show host.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s strategic crossroads in 2025 and beyond

Bangladesh’s policy must be one of strategic pragmatism, recalibrating alliances to safeguard its interests and promote long-term prosperity.

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Bangladesh’s strategic crossroads in 2025 and beyond

VISUAL: MONOROM POLOK

Amid global geopolitical shifts, there is a fascinating parallel between modern developments and ancient end-time prophecies. Islamic eschatology—which foresees an alliance between the Muslim world and the Roman Empire (current Christian world or its subset) against a common adversary—offers a thought-provoking lens through which we can look at the shifting alliances between East and West today. Whether this ally or adversary is symbolised by Orthodox Russia or the Catholic/Protestant West (EU/US), the essence of these historical and eschatological narratives alludes to a deep, enduring alliance between Muslims and Eastern/Western powers. As power dynamics in the global arena continue to evolve, Bangladesh stands at a crucial juncture in the emerging contest between the US/EU-led West and the Russia/China-led East, as both vie for closer ties with the Islamic world. In this new geopolitical order, Bangladesh, with its rising economic clout, strategic location, and cultural connections, is uniquely positioned to play an important role both as a leader in the Muslim-majority world and as a mediator between East and West.

This potential harks back to the transformation seen in the US-Japan relationship following World War II. Once bitter enemies—marked by Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and the US's atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—the two nations forged one of the strongest alliances of the 20th century. This remarkable reconciliation was driven by mutual recognition of shared interests and pragmatic cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic growth and security. The US-Japan alliance thus emerged as a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific. Similarly, Bangladesh, despite its historical tensions with Pakistan and regional challenges, has the opportunity to transcend past conflicts and build new alliances that emphasise mutual benefits, particularly in trade, security, and energy. Just as the US and Japan rose from the ashes of war to become strong allies, Bangladesh, along with its promising neighbours, could forge partnerships that not only promote regional stability but also enhance the country's global standing.

To that end, Bangladesh's policy in 2025 and beyond must be one of strategic pragmatism, recalibrating alliances to safeguard its interests and promote long-term prosperity. It should engage in a multi-faceted approach, strengthening its relationships with regional neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. These countries, often overlooked in traditional discussions on South Asia's geopolitical landscape, hold immense potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that can enhance Bangladesh's regional influence.

For example, Nepal and Bhutan offer untapped opportunities in the energy sector. With Bhutan's vast hydropower resources and Nepal's potential for renewable energy, Bangladesh can diversify its energy sources through collaborative initiatives that provide sustainable solutions for all parties. Already, Bangladesh's role in providing educational opportunities to Nepali students, particularly in medicine, has quietly fostered deeper ties, with these graduates addressing healthcare shortages in Nepal and serving as cultural and professional bridges between the two countries, thereby strengthening Bangladesh's soft power and bilateral relations.

Similarly, Bangladesh's relationship with Pakistan, despite historical tensions stemming from the 1971 war, holds significant promise for future cooperation. While these two nations have long been relatively estranged, focusing on shared interests such as trade, infrastructure development, and climate resilience could serve as the foundation for a renewed relationship. Pakistan's nuclear expertise, for instance, could help Bangladesh expand its energy portfolio through civilian nuclear cooperation, enhancing energy security within the framework of international regulations much like the collaborations seen between historically adversarial states like India and the US in their landmark 2008 nuclear deal.

Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties with smaller neighbours like Sri Lanka and the Maldives by offering expertise in areas such as disaster management and climate change adaptation. Leveraging its experiences in managing the Rohingya crisis and the Delta Plan, Bangladesh can solidify its role as a regional strategic leader.

At the same time, Bangladesh's relationship with India, its largest and most influential neighbour, remains pivotal in shaping its regional strategy. Although this relationship has faced challenges following the fall of Awami League in August, the two countries share common security concerns and economic interests that necessitate collaboration. Longstanding issues over water sharing, border disputes, and trade imbalances should be addressed through sustained diplomatic engagement. As I have noted in a recent column, India cannot afford to undermine Bangladesh. Fostering a balanced partnership is vital not only for our bilateral well-being but also for broader regional stability in South Asia.

Moreover, Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties with smaller neighbours like Sri Lanka and the Maldives by offering expertise in areas such as disaster management and climate change adaptation. Leveraging its experiences in managing the Rohingya crisis and the Delta Plan, Bangladesh can solidify its role as a regional strategic leader.

On the global stage, Bangladesh must maintain and even expand its relationships with powers such as the US, EU, Russia, and China while avoiding over-reliance on any single power or market. The US and EU remain vital trade partners, especially for Bangladesh's garment industry, with the EU's GSP facility playing a crucial role in its growth. However, as global competition for influence intensifies, Bangladesh must diversify its diplomatic and economic ties, engaging with both Western and Eastern blocs while preserving its autonomy and flexibility. While China's investments through the BRI initiative are significant, Bangladesh must learn from the experiences of other countries burdened by Chinese debt and avoid excessive dependence. A balanced approach to these relationships will enable Bangladesh to navigate its way through an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, and maximise its economic potential while safeguarding its sovereignty.

Beyond global partnerships, Bangladesh's role as a mediator between other regional powers could become one of its most significant geopolitical assets. Positioned as a neutral party, Bangladesh can facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two rivals whose tensions have long destabilised the Middle East. As a moderate and the third-largest Muslim country in the world, Bangladesh can leverage its diplomatic relationships with both nations to foster greater unity in the Muslim world, thus positing itself as a unifying force. Through active participation in organisations like the OIC and the D-8, Bangladesh can also advocate for greater economic cooperation, climate resilience, and solidarity on issues such as Palestine, enhancing its influence within the Islamic world and beyond.

This realignment would elevate Bangladesh's standing in global discussions on justice, peace, and sustainable development. As both the West and East seek closer ties with the Islamic world, Bangladesh, with its growing influence and strategic importance, stands at the crossroads of this emerging shift. By positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge between the Islamic world and both Western and Eastern blocs, it can catalyse cooperation and assert its influence in shaping the evolving global order.

Dr Iftekhar Ul Karim is assistant professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University.​

 

[Sharma Ji]

The writer teaches at Prime University and a research scholar at the IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrom ka alumnus

A LOL Alam

2nd grade English, terribly written

 

[Guru Dutt]

Irritable Bowel Syndrom ka alumnus

A LOL Alam

2nd grade English, terribly written

In short Bangalio ne apne Abba Ji se pangga le to liya per jabb abba ji ne roti deni band ki to aukat dikhanne lagge per jabb usse bhee kaam nahi challa to apni "ehmiyat" batanne lagge

 

[Vsdoc]

Why no mention of chaddi and leather (chamda) industries in the article on Bangladeshi global importance?

 

[Vsdoc]

Dono chaddi aur chamda ch se shuru hota hai.

Bacchon batao aur kya ch se shuru hota hai?

 

[Guru Dutt]

Dono chaddi aur chamda ch se shuru hota hai.

Bacchon batao aur kya ch se shuru hota hai?

Chomu aur chor per inko chaiye ,,, chandda jo na AL Bhikaristanio ko mill raha na Kangladeshio ko .. KIRPA YAHEEN ATKI HUI HAI

 

[Vsdoc]

Chomu aur chor per inko chaiye ,,, chandda jo na AL Bhikaristanio ko mill raha na Kangladeshio ko .. KIRPA YAHEEN ATKI HUI HAI

Pakistani in lungiyon se lakh guna behtar hain.

Kam se kam rang aur shakal to achi hai.