Friday (8 November) marks three months since the interim government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Yunus, assumed office amidst considerable political turbulence - inheriting a complex blend of domestic challenges and intricate foreign policy issues.
The administration has undertaken key steps in its first three months to redefine its international relations, manage ongoing disputes, and enhance Bangladesh’s diplomatic profile on the global stage.
Its approach reflects a mix of pragmatism and reform-driven strategies, aimed at reinforcing sovereignty, improving regional cooperation, and tackling the country’s pressing cross-border challenges.
Yet the challenges that lay ahead are not only complex but also far fetching in their impacts.
Water-sharing conundrum
One of the most critical foreign policy challenges for the interim government has been managing its relationship with India, Bangladesh’s closest neighbour. Water-sharing, particularly concerning the Teesta River, remains a sensitive and unresolved issue.
Absence of a water-sharing agreement has led to frequent water shortages in northern Bangladesh, adversely affecting agriculture and local communities reliant on the river.
The interim government has made addressing this matter a top priority, pledging to secure a fair agreement in line with international water-sharing norms.
To tackle these grievances, the government has advocated for dialogue with India to explore equitable solutions to water-sharing. This stance marks a significant departure from previous administrations, which critics allege did not pursue the matter with adequate diplomatic fervour.
By emphasising international laws to guide negotiations, Bangladesh’s leadership signals a clear intent to ensure transparency and fairness.
Moreover, the government has ramped up efforts to highlight Bangladesh’s water needs on the global stage, potentially placing additional pressure on India to respond constructively.
Addressing border security issues
Border security remains a pivotal aspect of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, particularly concerning interactions with India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
Reports of violence and fatalities involving Bangladeshi civilians at the hands of the BSF have heightened public discontent and strained diplomatic ties.
A recent incident, in which a Bangladeshi teenager was shot near the border, provoked widespread condemnation and demands for government action.
The interim government responded by formally protesting to India, stressing the importance of respecting human rights and fostering a commitment to peaceful border management.
This diplomatic stance underscores the government’s resolve to protect its citizens and secure its borders while avoiding escalatory measures.
Furthermore, the administration has proposed revisions to border protocols, advocating for regular consultations between Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) and the BSF to minimise misunderstandings and encourage a more cooperative approach.
Rights and judicial oversight
The interim government has made concerted efforts to engage with international bodies, such as the United Nations, to promote human rights and foster transparency within Bangladesh.
In light of recent trials related to alleged atrocities committed during the July-August period, the government has sought impartial investigations by inviting the UN Human Rights Office to participate in the process.
This marks a significant departure from previous practices and signals a commitment to upholding international human rights standards.
Involving the UN in judicial matters may enhance Bangladesh’s international reputation, demonstrating adherence to global norms.
By inviting UN participation, the government aims to ensure credibility in its domestic justice processes, thus mitigating potential accusations of bias.
This collaboration could have long-term effects on Bangladesh’s judicial and human rights frameworks, bringing them more closely in line with international standards.
Extradition of Sheikh Hasina
The issue of extraditing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina poses a delicate challenge for Bangladesh’s interim government, given the complex legal and diplomatic considerations involved.
Following recent political upheaval and her departure to India, questions have arisen regarding her potential extradition.
The process requires bilateral cooperation under established treaties or agreements.
Currently, there is no formal extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India, though both countries have cooperated on extradition in specific cases through mutual legal assistance agreements.
Any potential extradition would necessitate negotiations with Indian authorities, posing a diplomatic and legal challenge.
India’s position on extraditing Sheikh Hasina remains unclear, reflecting the complexity of political and diplomatic factors. For India, Sheikh Hasina has historically been a key ally who fostered strong bilateral ties.
Addressing any extradition request would entail weighing historical ties with potential domestic political reactions.
Given her established connections within India’s political landscape, especially with the Indian National Congress and other influential figures, any move would require high-level deliberation within the Indian government.
The interim government in Bangladesh has approached the matter with caution, balancing its commitment to justice and accountability against the need to preserve stable diplomatic relations with India.
Publicly, the government has emphasised its dedication to justice, particularly in light of recent investigations and allegations against Hasina.
It may consider diplomatic channels to explore potential legal proceedings without necessitating full extradition, potentially proposing arrangements for a special tribunal or conditional return to face trial in Bangladesh while addressing India’s concerns.
Any extradition request must adhere to international legal standards, especially concerning human rights.
Hasina’s legal team and supporters may argue that any proceedings must safeguard her rights to a fair trial and shield her from politically motivated charges.
The interim government is likely mindful of these nuances, knowing that presenting a credible and transparent case to India is vital.
Domestically, there is strong public interest in holding former officials accountable for human rights abuses, corruption, and misconduct under Hasina’s administration.
This momentum may bolster the government’s efforts to secure her return, framing it as part of a broader pursuit of justice and transparency.
The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition represents a significant diplomatic test for the interim government.
Bangladesh may opt to seek an official extradition agreement with India, setting a precedent for future cooperation.
Alternatively, informal channels may offer a more flexible solution, preserving stable bilateral relations while addressing public demand for accountability.
Renewed diplomatic engagement
The interim government has also prioritised strengthening relationships with major global partners, including the United States, China, and the European Union, each of which holds strategic significance for Bangladesh’s trade, security, and economic development.
Bangladesh’s relationship with the United States has historically encompassed trade, counter-terrorism, and security cooperation.
In recent months, the interim government has engaged with US diplomats to secure ongoing economic and military assistance. It has also reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ rights and anti-corruption measures, addressing US concerns over labour standards and human rights.
Such commitments could be instrumental in retaining Bangladesh’s trade privileges with the US, critical for the country’s garment industry.
China remains a vital partner, particularly regarding infrastructure development and trade.
To maintain and balance this relationship, the interim government has reiterated its support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and held discussions with Chinese representatives on ongoing projects.
To mitigate economic dependence on any single country, the government has shown interest in diversifying its trade relationships.
The European Union, Bangladesh’s largest export destination, remains crucial for the country’s garment sector.
In talks with EU officials, the interim government has underscored its focus on labour reforms and environmental sustainability, key issues for continued market access.
Additionally, climate change cooperation with the EU aligns with the government’s broader objectives to enhance climate resilience.
Regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC
The interim government has also shown renewed interest in regional platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Recognising that regional collaboration can more effectively address shared challenges, the government has promoted greater cooperation on trade, security, and environmental issues.
Bangladesh’s focus within these frameworks aims to strengthen economic ties and find solutions to common challenges, such as climate change, which affects the entire region.
Through regional partnerships, the government aspires to build resilience and create more robust trade networks and coordinated disaster response mechanisms.
Climate change diplomacy and international advocacy
As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, Bangladesh’s interim government has placed climate diplomacy at the forefront of its foreign policy.
At international forums like the UN Climate Change Conference, Bangladesh has consistently advocated for financial and technical support to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change.
Over the past three months, the government has actively pushed for developed nations to honour commitments to provide climate finance.
Efforts have also focused on promoting climate resilience projects to protect coastal regions from rising sea levels.
The interim government has sought regional collaboration with neighbouring countries facing similar threats, positioning Bangladesh as a leading voice for climate-vulnerable nations.
A pragmatic foreign policy strategy
Under Dr Muhammad Yunus’s leadership, the interim government has set an ambitious foreign policy agenda in its first three months, achieving notable progress in border security, judicial transparency, and regional cooperation.
Its diplomatic engagement with major global partners and focus on climate resilience underscore its commitment to positioning Bangladesh as a proactive and responsible international actor.
However, the government remains cautious in its approach, navigating complex regional dynamics, particularly with India, and balancing relations with global powers such as the US and China.
While challenges persist in areas like water-sharing and human rights, the interim government’s initial efforts lay a strong foundation for advancing Bangladesh’s foreign policy objectives in the coming months.
