Strong defence key to effective foreign policy

A new think tank -- the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) -- has been launched to unify national stakeholders for fostering cooperation, security, and sustainable growth with "Bangladesh First" as its mantra.

"Our main areas of focus pertain to national security issues, collaboration between civil and military sectors, and maintaining a balanced foreign policy that aligns with geopolitical realities," said FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar in an inaugural speech at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the city yesterday.

Speaking at the launch, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that without a strong defence, the country cannot implement its foreign policy.

"We need to develop our defence ... But there's no emphasis on where we need to put emphasis. There's no guideline for it. Whether what we need at this moment to protect our sea line of communication or defend the territorial integrity or whatever it is, there is no focus," said the army chief.

He stressed the need for securing the sea line of communication. "We need a very secure sea line of communication. That means we need to develop our navy. Do we have that? I don't think we have a secure sea line of communication. Without it, we'll starve to death. There will be no import, there will be no export."

The launch was attended also by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan.

In his speech, Akbar, also defence and security adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, said, "We believe that Bangladesh needs an integrated and comprehensive defence and foreign policy. This policy should align the principles and methods of defence, security, peace, diplomacy, and development with the concept of placing the highest priority on national interest and 'Bangladesh First'."

He went on to say that Bangladesh's relationships with its neighbouring countries, particularly India and Myanmar, are crucial in shaping its foreign relations. "These connections are driven by historical, economic, and security factors, which in turn influence regional dynamics. It is vital to emphasise that our national interest and national security, supported by a strong framework of strategic autonomy, can form the backbone of our diplomatic, political, and strategic initiatives. This has largely been missing in our political discourses."

Akbar also said that Bangladesh's main security challenges include notably the influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, the ongoing tensions in the Chattogram Hill Tracts region, climate-induced disasters, political violence, and threats of terrorism in different forms. "These issues demand careful management to ensure peace and stability within and beyond Bangladesh. Addressing these issues is vital for both national security and the nation's broader geopolitical aspirations."

Political analyst Prof Dilara Choudhury, another speaker at the event, said the youth have shown what kind of foreign policy they want and that the nation needs to pay serious attention to that.

"They have already explained and they have already made it very clear what their hopes and aspirations are nationally and internationally. Nationally, they want a solidified nation. They want democracy…. They want a very balanced pragmatic relation for international relations and a foreign policy that will help Bangladesh take advantage of its geopolitical location."

Dilara observed Bangladesh's foreign policy should aim to bring peace and prosperity not only to the country itself but also contribute to the peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice-Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher were also present at the event.

The event was also attended by former army chief Lt Gen (retd) Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq,  Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Daily Desh Rupantor Editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, and Ekushey Television (ETV) Chairman Abdus Salam, among others.