Diplomatic Desk:
A fireside chat titled “Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy in a Changing World” was held in Dhaka, focusing on the strategies of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, the preservation of national interests, and the strengthening of regional and international cooperation within the context of a shifting global geopolitical landscape.
The event was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The keynote speaker was Zahrat Adib Chowdhury, a Member of Parliament, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The discussion was moderated by Shafqat Munir, Vice President and Senior Fellow at BIPSS. Attendees included ambassadors from various countries, diplomats, government officials, representatives from civil society, and journalists.
In his opening remarks, Major General A.N.M. Muniruzzaman, NDC, PSC (Retd.), President of BIPSS, highlighted the importance of maintaining “strategic autonomy,” pursuing “pragmatic multi-alignment,” and safeguarding national interests amidst global geopolitical competition and a rapidly evolving international environment.
Keynote speaker Zahrat Adib Chowdhury emphasized that Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be centered on national interests and the aspirations of its people. She underscored the significance of economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, and the enhancement of institutional capacity.
During the discussion, moderator Shafqat Munir stressed the need to further consolidate Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy, foster a broader regional perspective, and establish an integrated national security strategy and framework. According to him, such an integrated framework could play a vital role in ensuring effective coordination between foreign policy initiatives and national security-related activities.
