Bangladesh must anchor its foreign policy in economic pragmatism while strengthening its security posture as global power rivalries intensify, experts said at a high-level dialogue hosted by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).
The discussion underscored that Dhaka’s pursuit of “strategic autonomy” is increasingly constrained by shifting geopolitical alignments, regional instability and domestic capacity limitations.
Speaking at the event, former ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman said China’s rapid technological ascent is already reshaping global power structures, warning that its dominance in innovation will have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.
He suggested that Bangladesh should explore pragmatic regional initiatives — including a proposed quadrilateral framework involving Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar — to advance projects such as a Kyaukphyu–Chittagong transshipment corridor and ease tensions along its volatile southeast frontier.
However, regional cooperation remains fraught with challenges.
Dr. Sreeradha Datta noted that despite sustained diplomatic engagement, India–Bangladesh relations are yet to reach their full potential due to lingering trust deficits and underutilised connectivity. She called for renewed engagement through people-to-people contact, improved border mobility and greater sensitivity to mutual security concerns.
Geopolitical consultant Matt Yang said China’s activities in Myanmar are driven by long-term energy security considerations, particularly efforts to reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes. He added that Beijing views Bangladesh primarily through a geoeconomic lens, while also assessing its institutional and strategic capacity.
Security concerns featured prominently in the discussion.
Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar stressed that credible deterrence requires more than procurement of advanced hardware, highlighting the need for integrated radar and satellite systems. “Projecting the capability to defend ourselves is critical,” he said.
Highlighting risks along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, researcher Altaf Parvez warned that cross-border connectivity projects could falter if local conflicts — particularly in northern Arakan — remain unresolved. He emphasised the need for inclusive engagement involving all stakeholders, including displaced communities and regional actors.
On the economic front, speakers stressed the urgency of sustaining investment and employment.
Abdul Haq said Bangladesh must maintain a balanced foreign policy to attract large-scale investment, noting that nearly 2.5 million people enter the job market annually, creating mounting pressure for job creation and economic expansion.
Professor Sadequl Islam cautioned against hurried trade deals during political transitions, warning that poorly negotiated agreements could lock the country into unfavourable long-term commitments.
Summing up the dialogue, PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman said Bangladesh’s geopolitical strategy must be firmly grounded in geoeconomic realities rather than rhetoric.
He emphasised that practical cooperation — particularly in regional connectivity and resource management — could offer viable pathways to stability, noting that “geoeconomics can help build a more effective geopolitics for the region.”
The discussion concluded with a call for policymakers to move beyond abstract positioning and focus on actionable, interest-driven strategies to navigate an increasingly polarised global order.