Lecture-4-Foreign-Policy-Affairs-of-Bangladesh.pptx

politics

1. Foreign Policy & International Affairs Bangladesh

2. What is Foreign Policy? The foreign policy of a state can be considered as a complex and dynamic political course that it maintains in relation to other states to protect its own national interest . Generally, it is believed that foreign policy is a wheel through which the process of international politics operates. Conceptually, foreign policy is that part of the national policy of a state which relates to the external environment. "Foreign policy" according to Morshed Khan , Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, "is in effect a blue print for our interaction with the rest of the World“. Prince Otto Von Bishmark defined foreign policy as, "the extension of domestic policy." Henry Kissinger gave a simplistic definition: "Foreign policy begins where domestic policy ends.” For an operational definition of foreign policy, we can say that it consists of the action which a state undertakes to achieve its national interest in the global environment.

3. Objectives of Bangladesh Foreign policy: Self-Preservation (independence & sovereignty) Economic Advancement and Integration Safeguarding as well as augmenting national power Upholding National Ideology Upholding National Prestige Building national and International cooperation Developing political harmonies in the world Ensuring global peace in the world Others: Maintenance of Territorial Integrity Multilateralism Combating Terrorism Increasing Remittances and Intellectual Investment Mobilization International Support for debt reduction Market expansion Promotion of Trade

4. Principles of Bangladesh Foreign Policy Every state follows some principles upon which the entire foreign policy revolves. As an active member of the United Nations (UN) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Bangladesh follows the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the principles of NAM . In fact, Bangladesh's foreign policy has stemmed out of constitutional declaration. Article 25 of the Bangladesh Constitution stated: Bangladesh shall base its international relations on the principles of respect for national sovereignty, and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes and respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the UN Charter .

5. Principles of Bangladesh Foreign Policy: The same article also states, "Bangladesh will strive for renunciation of the use of force in international relations and for general and complete disarmament." The same article further upholds "the right of every person freely to determine and build up its own social, economic, and political system by ways and means of its own free choice and supports the oppressed people's throughout the world waging a struggle against imperialism, Colonialism, or racism.” Friendship to All, Malice to None Nonintervention in the Internal Matters of Other States Equality and Mutual Benefit Respect for Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Political Independence of Other States To Ensure International Peace and Security Peaceful Co-Existence

6. Determinants of Bangladesh Foreign Policy Foreign policy of a country is influenced by several factors; these factors are classified into two broad categories, viz , internal and external. Internal Factors Size (the size of state territory as well as its population) Geography (includes its fertility, climate, location in relation to other land masses and water ways). Culture and history. Economic development. Social structure (A society which is divided on the basis of wealth religion, regional imbalances etc. can not pursue effective foreign policy.) Public mood Technology National capacity (depends on its military power, its technological advancement and economic development.) Political organization (quick foreign policy decisions in autocratic system as compared to democratic systems. Political accountability Leadership Role of Press and Media External Factors Power structure International organization

7. Foreign policy decision-making process in Bangladesh : In Bangladesh, foreign policy decisions are made at the interactions of both formal and informal institutions. Formal institutions are: Parliament, President (PS), Prime Minister (PM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Commerce, other ministries, Civil bureaucrats, and armed forces. Informal institutions: Political parties, Press and media, Non-government institutions and groups and associations.

8. Development of Bangladesh Foreign Policy Seikh Mujibur Rahman (72-75) The pro- Indian and pro soviet foreign policy withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh a reasonable share of the Ganges water by using his personal equation with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Bring Bangladeshi people from Pakistan

9. Seikh Mujibur Rahman (72-75) Bangladesh’s participation at the OIC conference in Lahore visit to Washington and membership of the non-aligned movement to cite some of the main achievements of Bangladesh Foreign policy during the formative phase. All these significant diplomatic moves paved the way for recognition of Bangladesh by a large number of countries including Pakistan, the West, the non-aligned and Muslim countries

10. Zia Ur Rahman (76-81) Good relationship with democratic & Islamic countries (USA, Saudi Arabia) Strengthening of relationship with China & Japan through widening and deepening of cooperation in vital areas of defense and development. draw the attention of international community on the question of Farakkah  barrage. formation of SAARC by enlisting support of South Asian countries 5 th amendment of the constitution brought fundamental change for developing relationship with the Muslim world. Bangladesh as a non-permanent member of the Security Council by defeating Japan active participation in the multi-lateral diplomacy (the UN, the OIC and the non-aligned movement) Ershad (82-90) The foreign policy under Ershad did not significantly deviate from what it was under Zia ur Rahman Good relationship with USA, China, Japan and Muslim world Ersahd declared Islam the state of the religion Bangladesh was the president of general assembly of United Nations Sending Bangladesh defense forces in the UN peace keeping missions 

11. Development of BD Foreign Policy Khaleda Zia (91-96) BNP government considered the United States, China and the Muslim world to be important with regard to foreign policy. In the wave of liberalization, globalization and privatization Bangladesh also moved towards enhancing trade and investment for the economic development of the country. India handed over the Tin Bigha on a lease and opened it for use by Bangladeshi passengers and vehicular traffic on June 26, 1992. Khaleda Zia (2001-2008) Looking for east policy Good relationship with Thailand, Myanmar  Strong relations with OIC countries

12. Development of Bangladesh Foreign Policy Sheikh Hasina (1996-2001) Landmark treaty on sharing of the Ganges waters in 1996 (for 30 years) Formed a good relation with India the signing of a historical agreement with Shanti Bahini in 1997 Bangladesh was elected at United Nations Security Council for two years in 1999. International Mother Language Day 1999-2000

13. Present: Sheikh Hasina (2009 - ) Strong relationship with India Swapping Enclaves Transit / transshipment/ gas pipeline The demarcation of its sea frontiers with Myanmar and India Dhaka-Moscow relations as booming: Dealing with Russia for arms & nuclear power plants ( RNPP construction ) and other things. in 2013 , a MoU was signed on Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism with Russia .   Hillary – Dr. Yunus International migration and remittances From Myanmar - the influx of Rohingya Muslims Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas   came in 2017

14. Development of Bangladesh Foreign Policy The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009 made Bangladesh the first developing country to frame such a coordinated action plan. Bangladesh is also the first country to set up its own Climate Change Trust Fund supported by nearly US$300 million of domestic resources from 2009-2012.

15. Challenges of Bangladesh Foreign Policy The Rohingya Crisis and Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations Rise in religious intolerance and other form of extremism Critical relationships between India-Banglades h Inequitable distribution of resources Mistrust and misunderstandings One way foreign trade and investment M oney-laundering Shortage of Foreign diplomatic missions in abroad Inexperienced diplomats

16. Related questions What is Foreign Policy? How it works? Elaborate the following statement with example: “ Friendship to All, Malice to None”. What are the determinants of Foreign Policy? (Internal and external) How foreign policy can solve the Rohingya crisis?

17. Thank You