Professor Syed Ahsanul Alam
Professor, Department of Marketing, University of Chittagong
Chairman- NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research Bangladesh)
Abstract
Many may think Bangladesh is in the struggle for democracy, good governance, corruption-free society, freedom of speech, eradication of poverty and discrimination. But there is no scope to undermine that Bangladesh is in geopolitical turmoil and affected by the interplay of international forces to establish
dominance in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh’s National security has to address the conflict of dominance between its neighboring countries as well as international players. There is no denying the fact, that Bangladesh’s security issues is somewhere linked to using the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal to develop its blue economy, and political economy as well. This paper will focus on important aspects of Indo-Pacific strategy
and how Bangladesh can engage therein and can design a policy framework from its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Introduction:
Despite the efforts of many previous regimes Bangladesh’s foreign policy has a lot of flaws, weaknesses, and was aligned to safeguard the interests of neighboring countries. Bangladesh’s first effort to increase regional influence by becoming a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), also failed due to cooperation of a big brother member of SAARC. For two decades or more, Bangladesh’s foreign policy has been dependent on neighboring regional powers. However, there was no significant effort from the Bangladesh side to stand on its own feet and make a more independent foreign policy with a regional vision. Interesting to note that Bangladesh did not feel the importance of formulating a foreign policy to address the Burma issue, the Indian seven sister issue, and the Bay of Bengal issue. Bangladesh failed to formulate a foreign policy framework with a specific focus on changing global and regional scenarios. Neither global order nor world politics remain stagnant, a faster progressive movement of geopolitics made Bangladesh vulnerable as a hotbed of geopolitics and international power game. As a result, Bangladesh’s myopic vision of the changing geopolitical scenario and its inability to formulate an independent strategy for its internal and external security issues, China
, and India gained greater dominance in the Bay of Bengal and its near vicinity. It is said that Bangladesh has a huge stock of mineral and energy resources in its sea territory and coastal belt. However, other world powers naturally took Indo-China dominance in the Bay of Bengal and sea territory of Bangladesh as a threat. Bangladesh’s foreign policy of overdependency on India and China failed due to the increasing vulnerability of the Myanmar separatist movement and the Indian Seven sisters insurgency. Though India joins Quad, many experts, fail to find logic as to why Bangladesh did not follow India. With time, Indo-Pacific strategy and related issues got prominence and more relevant in South Asian politics and power conflicts. India has its vision about Indo-Pacific issues, but Bangladesh’s Pacific outlook is an incomplete document and only focuses on a part of the total Indo-Pacific framework. The vague stand of Bangladesh made Bangladesh vulnerable in its geopolitical reality. One can expect that Bangladesh’s current interim government will give adequate importance, in engaging in the Indo-Pacific strategy to maximize the gains. Many experts think Bangladesh should come forward with its Indo pacific outlook which may be considered to be smarter in terms of socio-economic and
military gain for Bangladesh. Nobody in Bangladesh will misunderstand if Bangladesh stands up with its engagement in Indo-Pacific strategy without alignment with any particular international power. No denying the fact that Bangladesh can gain a lot by ensuring a fine balance with the conflicting international powers in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh has to convince the international conflicting powers and forces that Bangladesh cannot be in alignment with any super power anymore to safeguard its internal security. Bangladesh cannot be a victim of war or civil war or internal ideological and political conflict due to weak foreign policy and regional South Asian policy in particular. After change of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, and the takeover of power by the students-public with the support of the military resulted in the formation of an interim government. After August 5th, it should be crystal clear to foreign intelligence and countries that Bangladesh is now at its peak of national unity and it will be very difficult for any external force to dominate Bangladesh politics not injuring themselves. The past regime tried to contain the external power with piecemeal gifts i.e. ports and projects. The previous regimes lacked of wisdom and intelligence to estimate the changing global order and regional geo-political perspective which resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Now to ensure a win-win situation in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh should formulate a proactive Indo-Pacific outlook.
Bangladesh Indo-Pacific Outlook in Brief:
The Bangladesh Indo-Pacific Outlook is a strategic framework that outlines the country’s vision for engagement in the increasingly significant Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, advocating for an open and cooperative Indo-Pacific that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity. The outlook highlights the necessity of deepening economic ties with major regional players through trade agreements and investments, along with prioritizing infrastructure development to
enhance connectivity and facilitate trade. Additionally, it underscores the need for cooperative security frameworks to address regional challenges, such as terrorism and maritime disputes, encouraging Bangladesh’s participation in multilateral security dialogues. The document also supports active involvement in regional organizations like BIMSTEC and SAARC, promoting diplomatic ties and regional cooperation while encouraging Bangladesh to adopt a mediating role in conflicts to
foster peace. Cultural exchanges and collaborations in education are highlighted as vital for strengthening relationships within the region. Lastly, the outlook addresses the critical threat of climate change, advocating for cooperative efforts to enhance resilience, given its profound impact on Bangladesh. Overall, the Bangladesh Indo-Pacific Outlook positions the country as a proactive participant in regional affairs, balancing economic, security, and diplomatic interests to contribute to stability and sustainable development.
Bangladesh Engagement in Indo pacific Strategy:
As the Indo-Pacific gains increased geostrategic importance, Bangladesh has become an important country and a coveted ally in the region for several reasons. Foremost is its location in the north of the Bay of Bengal (see Map 1) and close to the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which together form the Indo-Pacific. This allows Bangladesh to overlook important chokepoints and shipping routes through which vital energy imports and other resources are ferried across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea before entering the Strait of Malacca. As such, Bangladesh is strategically positioned for countries seeking a foothold in the Bay and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Geographically, Bangladesh is also ideally located to provide its landlocked hinterland (comprising India’s Northeast and the
Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan) and neighboring countries such as China with convenient access to the sea. Figure-01 Location of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal
Retrieved from: Continuity and Change in Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook:
Deliberating Post-Election Scenarios (orfonline.org) A pragmatic approach for Bangladesh’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific Strategy involves balancing economic development, security cooperation, and regional diplomacy. Here’s a structured outline:
a. Economic Collaboration
i. Trade Partnerships: Strengthen trade relations with key Indo-Pacific nations, focusing on export diversification and attracting foreign investment.
ii. Infrastructure Development: Leverage investments in infrastructure from countries like Japan and India, enhancing connectivity through projects like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
iii. Sustainable Development: Promote green technologies and sustainable practices in line with global environmental goals, attracting eco-conscious investors.
b. Security Cooperation
i. Maritime Security: Engage in joint maritime exercises with friendly powers to enhance naval capabilities and ensure the security of sea lanes crucial for trade.
ii. Counter-Terrorism and Cybersecurity:
Collaborate on counter-terrorism initiatives and cybersecurity measures with Indo-Pacific nations to combat shared threats.
iii. Multilateral Security Forums: Actively participate in forums such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and ASEAN Regional Forum, advocating for collective security measures.
c. Diplomatic Engagement
i. Regional Stability: Play a mediating role in regional conflicts, leveraging Bangladesh’s historical ties and cultural connections to promote dialogue and peace.
ii. Active Participation in Regional Organizations: Strengthen involvement in organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association to enhance regional cooperation.
iii. Cultural Diplomacy: Promote cultural exchange programs to foster people-to-people connections, enhancing Bangladesh’s soft power in the region.
d. Strategic Partnerships
i. Bilateral Relations: Foster strong bilateral relations with major Indo-Pacific powers like India, Japan, Australia, and the United States to enhance economic and security cooperation.
ii. Engagement with ASEAN: Strengthen ties with ASEAN countries to access new markets and collaborate on regional issues.
iii. China Relations: Maintain a balanced relationship with China, leveraging investment while being cautious of debt dependency and geopolitical implications.
e. Capacity Building
i. Skill Development: Invest in education and skill development to prepare the workforce for new industries, especially in the technology and green energy sectors.
ii. Research and Development: Promote R&D initiatives in collaboration with universities and research institutions from Indo-Pacific countries.
f. Addressing Climate Change
i. Climate Resilience: Advocate for international support in building resilience against climate change, which is a critical issue for Bangladesh.
ii. Regional Initiatives: Participate in regional efforts to address environmental challenges, such as coastal erosion and natural disasters.
Concluding Remark:
By adopting a pragmatic approach, Bangladesh can effectively engage in the Indo-Pacific Strategy, balancing its developmental goals with security and diplomatic interests. This engagement will not only enhance Bangladesh’s position in the region but also contribute to broader regional stability and cooperation. As Bangladesh navigates a pivotal moment in its foreign policy, engaging with the Indo-Pacific The strategy presents a unique opportunity to redefine its regional role. By prioritizing economic collaboration, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement, Bangladesh can leverage its strategic position and resources to foster sustainable growth and enhance national security. Strengthening trade partnerships and attracting foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure and green technologies, will diversify the economy and build resilience against external shocks. Proactively addressing maritime security and engaging in multilateral security forums will bolster defense capabilities and contribute to regional stability. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts, coupled with its active participation in organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC, will enhance its diplomatic influence. A balanced approach in relationships with major powers will safeguard national interests while maintaining sovereignty. Addressing climate change remains a critical priority, and Bangladesh
must advocate for international support to enhance resilience against environmental challenges.
To conclude by adopting a comprehensive and proactive Indo-Pacific strategy, Bangladesh can position itself as a key player in the region, fostering stability and cooperation while promoting its economic and security interests. This engagement is not just vital for Bangladesh’s future but also for the broader stability of the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the country’s importance in the global landscape.
Bibliography:
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https://www.mea.gov.in/distinguished-lectures-detail.htm?505