Bangladesh First: A Foreign Policy Outlook for A New Bangladesh

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organised a policy roundtable titled “Bangladesh First: A Foreign Policy Outlook for A New Bangladesh”. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Humaiun Kobir, Adviser (Status of State Minister) to the Prime Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. He outlined the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy doctrine, emphasising strategic autonomy, economic diplomacy, balanced global engagement, regional connectivity, and climate diplomacy.

The Honourable Adviser highlighted the current government’s commitment of creating a comprehensive national security architecture, which is pivotal to pursuing a robust foreign policy. The event was moderated by Maj Gen A N M Muniruzzaman, ndc, psc (Retd), President of BIPSS. In his remarks, General Muniruzzaman stressed the need for a pragmatic, balanced, and nationally driven foreign policy amid growing geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges. An engaging discussion followed with the audience, which included, among others, honourable Members of Parliament, diplomats, academics, policymakers, and media representatives.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, described the “Bangladesh First” doctrine as a return to strategic pragmatism centred on Bangladesh’s national interests and sovereignty. He emphasised that given the growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global dynamics, Bangladesh requires a confident, strategically agile, and professionally driven foreign policy outlook anchored in long-term national interests.