DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT

National consensus among political parties and a strong public mandate for the government in power are imperative to maintaining a strong foreign policy amid complex geopolitical realities, foreign policy analysts said at a dialogue yesterday.

They said Bangladesh faces multiple challenges, including those related to LDC graduation this year and maintaining a balance with global powers.

The government, whichever comes through the February 12 election, has to focus on strengthening the domestic economy by drawing foreign investment, creating jobs at home and abroad, and strengthening the armed forces for deterrence, they added.

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the event on foreign policy at the CIRDAP Auditorium. CGS President Zillur Rahman moderated the event.

Analysts said Bangladesh’s exports rely mostly on Western countries, while China, Japan and India supported some of the country’s major infrastructure projects. The Middle East and Southeast Asian countries, they said, are important for overseas jobs.

Former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury said Bangladesh’s relations with foreign countries should be interest-based.

“To attract foreign investment, Bangladesh must ensure a suitable environment for partner countries. This will also contribute to strengthening the nation’s military and defence capabilities,” he said.

Amena Mohsin, former professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, said the foreign He

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