Placing sovereignty and economic diplomacy at the centre of its global strategy, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has outlined an ambitious foreign policy vision in its election manifesto, promising a more assertive international posture built on what it calls the principle of “Bangladesh Before All.”
The party says its approach will prioritise national interests, independence, and people’s welfare while positioning Bangladesh as a “self-respecting, active and responsible” player on the global stage. BNP leaders argue that the country should engage the world as an equal partner, stressing that beyond its borders Bangladesh seeks “friends, not masters.”
Economic diplomacy takes centre stage
A major pillar of the plan is an aggressive push for economic diplomacy. BNP proposes negotiating new preferential trade agreements, expanding market access, and forming strategic partnerships to attract foreign direct investment and technology transfer. The manifesto also highlights labour and migration diplomacy as a key tool to place skilled Bangladeshi workers in global markets.
The party says it will focus on export diversification and new trade routes, particularly in South America and Africa, while strengthening ties with major global powers and traditional trading partners.
Regional strategy and neighbourhood focus
BNP pledges to deepen relations with neighbouring countries through “equality, cooperation and friendship,” while seeking a fair share of water from transboundary rivers such as the Padma and Teesta. On border issues, the party promises stricter measures to curb killings, push-ins, smuggling, and human trafficking, alongside legal action against illegal foreign residents.
The manifesto also signals a stronger regional role, with plans to pursue full membership in ASEAN, revitalise SAARC, and increase engagement across the Indo-Pacific to promote maritime security, climate cooperation, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Gulf partnerships and Muslim world diplomacy
Highlighting historical ties with the Middle East, BNP proposes building strategic partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council countries to combine Gulf capital with Bangladesh’s workforce and productivity. The party says such cooperation could expand food security, digital transformation, cybersecurity and even defence-related training.
Rohingya crisis and soft power push
The Rohingya issue remains a top diplomatic priority in BNP’s blueprint. The party pledges to intensify international efforts for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of refugees to Myanmar with citizenship rights, arguing that past BNP governments had successfully resolved earlier phases of the crisis.
Beyond traditional diplomacy, the manifesto puts unusual emphasis on soft power, including sports and cultural exchanges, education programmes and youth engagement abroad to strengthen Bangladesh’s global image.
Expanding diplomatic machinery
To support its ambitious agenda, BNP plans to increase recruitment and training within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expand diplomatic missions overseas, aiming to boost negotiation capacity and international outreach.