Bangladesh evaluates new regional alliances and BRICS summit attendance

Bangladesh is evaluating new strategic directions in its foreign policy, characterized by a ‘Bangladesh First’ approach aimed at prioritizing national interests. Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir indicated that the country is maintaining a positive stance toward potentially joining an economic or defense framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye. This follows a recent trilateral defense agreement signed by those three nations.

Simultaneously, tensions persist regarding bilateral relations with India. Kabir stated that the likelihood of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attending the upcoming BRICS Summit in India remains slim unless a ‘dignified invitation’ is extended and an environment of ‘mutual trust’ is established. This uncertainty comes amid diplomatic friction regarding Dhaka’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed a desire for the two leaders to meet, Dhaka maintains it will not rush high-level visits without clearly defined national interests.