Bangladesh's recent parliamentary election, which returned the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power with a two-thirds majority, marks a potential paradigm shift in the country's foreign policy trajectory. In his post-election statements, Tarique Rahman articulated a “Bangladesh First” approach, asserting that foreign policy would be guided by national interest and the welfare of the people. These developments have complicated bilateral relations and reinforced domestic debates over sovereignty and foreign policy autonomy. While historically perceived as leaning toward Beijing, the party's record reflects a pragmatic strategy of foreign policy diversification. Looking ahead: Bangladesh’s foreign policy choicesFor Dhaka, diversifying external partnerships represents an ideal strategy for reducing overdependence on any single actor.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 27, 2026 06:31 UTC