A year has passed since the interim government took power in Bangladesh. Although the chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has announced elections, he is slated to remain in control until February 2026. Over the past year, significant shifts have occurred in Bangladesh’s foreign relations. Notably, there have been considerable changes in maintaining relationships with major foreign partners, alongside a distancing from India, a nation that was closely aligned with the Awami League during its tenure.
While several countries have raised questions about the rule of law within Bangladesh, the interim government has managed to strengthen ties with major nations. Diplomatic experts attribute the progress in foreign relations to the personal connections and positive image of Muhammad Yunus, the global chief advisor.
In 2007-08, a caretaker government also existed in Bangladesh, but no bilateral visits occurred during that period. Now, Muhammad Yunus has toured numerous countries, and leaders from several nations have visited Bangladesh.
During the 15 years of the previous Sheikh Hasina government, Bangladesh’s foreign policy was heavily oriented towards India. India was not only Bangladesh’s largest trade partner but also maintained limited relations with countries considered enemies of India, such as China and Pakistan.
Under the Yunus administration, this stance has altered. Bangladesh has adopted several policies viewed as unfavorable to India. Over the past year, Bangladesh has cultivated relationships with various countries to offset its reliance on India, China, and Pakistan. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina, the declining relations with India resulted in a decrease in the number of patients, students, and other tourists traveling to India for treatment. Consequently, medical tourists are now opting for destinations like Bangkok, Singapore, or other countries.
From a political standpoint, India, China, Japan, Brussels (the headquarters of the European Union), and the United States are vital to Bangladesh. Significant changes have occurred in relations with several important partners over the past year.
Beijing and Islamabad are attempting to fully capitalize on the deteriorating relations with India. The Chinese government invited Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor, to China to strengthen ties with the interim government. Yunus held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President in Beijing. China maintains close contact with various political parties in Bangladesh, not just the government. Although they have expressed interest in substantial investments in Bangladesh, it remains limited to discussions.
Pakistan is attempting to reassert the historical and religious commonalities between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Delegations from both Pakistan and Bangladesh have exchanged visits. Additionally, both countries have begun to expand their trade and military cooperation.
Muhammad Yunus visited Tokyo at the invitation of the Japanese government. He held bilateral talks with the country’s Prime Minister. Japan expressed its interest in continuing its commitments to Bangladesh made during the Awami League government. However, Japan has not shown any interest in being involved in any new significant agreements.
Bangladesh is in continuous discussions with the European Union headquarters in Brussels and the European Union. The European Union has formally expressed its interest in sending observers to the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh. Furthermore, negotiations are underway on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which will outline the framework for future relations with the European Union. Preliminary discussions on this agreement are expected to conclude by the end of this year.
Reports suggest that the United States had requested a military base from Sheikh Hasina, which she declined. Many believe that the United States played a role in the coup against Hasina and Yunus’s rise to power. Last year, Yunus met with then-U.S. President Joe Biden during a visit to New York.
While there was growing closeness between the two countries, this goodwill diminished after Donald Trump became President in January. Moreover, Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on Bangladesh last April. However, discussions continue between the two sides.
While the interim government has attempted to seek alternatives by distancing itself from India, it will not be easy for the Yunus government to lead Bangladesh towards progress without India. Democratic elections are scheduled for February. The world, along with India, will be closely watching.