Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment in its foreign policy evolution. Once primarily viewed as a nation vulnerable to climate change and grappling with the challenges of post-liberation recovery, Bangladesh has since emerged as a development success story in Asia. Over the past two decades, the country has achieved substantial economic growth, with GDP per capita tripling, and social progress, including a rise in female literacy from 44% to over 74%, improvements in the Human Development Index and other key social indicators, alongside the growth of its garment industry, which has made it the world’s second-largest apparel exporter. These achievements are built upon a political identity anchored in the Bengali language, cultural pride and a secular constitutional ethos; elements that collectively define Bangladesh’s distinctive path in South Asia.

Recent domestic unrest following the 2024 political transition, including the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in 2025, has sparked widespread protests, attacks on media outlets, and anti-India demonstrations. These developments have highlighted both internal fragility and the importance of maintaining a cautious stance in foreign relations.

Divergent national identities

The region surrounding Bangladesh is undergoing significant change and growing complexity. The strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal is increasing, competition in the Indo-Pacific region is intensifying, and there is less margin for diplomatic missteps. In this evolving context, Pakistan has renewed its interest in engaging with Bangladesh. While Islamabad’s appeals to shared faith and South Asian unity may appear benign, any move towards closer alignment, particularly in political or security arenas, could bring........

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