# Bangladesh foreign policy and regional realignment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-foreign-policy-and-regional-realignment
> Updated: 2026-09-08T18:15:52.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Bangladesh is pursuing a ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy aimed at diversifying its strategic alliances and reducing over-reliance on South Asian dynamics. The administration under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is exploring potential involvement in a defense framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, while also seeking ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.

To further these international ties, Prime Minister Rahman is preparing for high-level visits, including the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York and the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Turkey. Following invitations from Saudi Arabia and Japan, the foreign ministry is also coordinating potential visits to Riyadh, Doha, and Tokyo. These efforts align with the administration’s focus on building strategic partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council member states, specifically targeting food security, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.

Simultaneously, the country continues to navigate complex bilateral relations with India. Diplomatic friction persists regarding Dhaka’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While maintaining ties with India is considered critical for energy and economic security, high-level engagement remains a point of ongoing coordination. 

Regarding the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir has ruled out Prime Minister Rahman’s attendance. Kobir clarified that the invitation extended by India was for Rahman in his capacity as the ‘Chairman of BIMSTEC’, rather than as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Officials indicated that a bilateral visit to India will be arranged when the political environment is conducive and ‘mutual respect is maintained’.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Bangladesh rules out PM Tarique Rahman's visit to India for BRICS Summit

Bangladesh has ruled out Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attending the BRICS Summit in India, stating he was invited as BIMSTEC Chair rather than as Prime Minister. Bilateral visits remain a future possibility.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-pm-tarique-rahman-plans-key-diplomatic-visits

### 2026-08-28: Bangladesh navigates shifting foreign policy and regional alliances

Bangladesh is navigating a complex foreign policy shift, attempting to balance critical economic and energy ties with India while seeking broader geopolitical engagement through ASEAN and the Mecca Joint Defenс

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-navigates-shifting-foreign-policy-and-regional-alliances

### 2026-08-20: Bangladesh evaluates new regional alliances and BRICS summit attendance

Bangladesh is considering joining a Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defense or economic framework while signaling that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit depends on mutual trust.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-evaluates-new-regional-alliances-and-brics-summit-attendance

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Cite as: Bangladesh foreign policy and regional realignment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-foreign-policy-and-regional-realignment