PORIMOL PALMA

In its first 100 days in office, the BNP government has found itself navigating a turbulent global landscape, shaped by the US-Israel war on Iran and geopolitical rivalry among major powers, which is causing energy insecurity and mounting economic pressure at home.

The government entered office with expectation that it would carry out drastic reforms, but external crises forced it into immediate diplomatic firefighting.

The administration surprised many by appointing Khalilur Rahman, national security adviser under the Yunus-led interim administration, as technocrat foreign minister.

It had little time to articulate its “Bangladesh First” foreign policy doctrine, while Khailur Rahman embarked on intensive overseas travel linked to campaign for the presidency of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

WAR

The US-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory moves in the Gulf left the economy highly vulnerable as Bangladesh’s heavily depends on imported fuel, LNG and fertilizer.

“The government’s immediate focus shifted toward securing alternative supply chains and stabilising fuel imports,” said Parvez Karim Abbasi, assistant professor of Economics at East West University and executive director of the Centre for Governance Studies.

Despite taking on short-term loans, the government managed the initial fuel crisis, he said.

At the same time, Gulf instability renewed concerns over the safety of millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers, many of whom reported job losses.

Amena Mohsin, former professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, said the crisis exposed the absence of a robust long-term strategy for migrant protection during geopolitical shocks.

She said Bangladesh, despite having close ties with Iran, avoided taking a strong position during the conflict and instead limited itself to expressions of concern.

TIES WITH WASHINGTON

Bangladesh-US relations had deteriorated during the final years of the Awami League government before improving under the interim administration.

The BNP government moved to maintain that trajectory by honouring agreements signed by the interim government, including the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (RTA), purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, and a major gas deal.

The RTA, however, came under criticism, particularly over provisions concerning trade with economies like that of China and Russia.

Amena Mohsin described the agreement as controversial because it potentially places Bangladesh in a “subservient position”. She argued the treaty should be debated in parliament and reviewed.

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