Academicians and former diplomats have advised the new government to revitalise relations with the Western countries and address their concerns positively by involving them further in Bangladesh’s journey towards attaining the status of a developed country.

They said despite differences of opinion on the features of democratic practice, Bangladesh needs its Western partners to continue its economic growth and keep up the balance it has been maintaining in its foreign policy.

“New ministers should remain aware while making comments about the United States and its allies. Instead of criticising the United States unnecessarily, the new government can focus on finding ways to ensure their involvement in Bangladesh’s economic development,” Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of the International Relations department at Dhaka University told the Daily Sun.

He said different countries have started congratulating the Prime Minister and affirming to work with the new government. More countries will express their support when the new government is formed.
“Soon we will see many big countries come with proposals of large investments in Bangladesh. The new government can welcome Western countries if they do the same thing,” Dr Imtiaz added.

Former foreign secretary M Touhid Hossain believes that the wise option for Bangladesh is to reassess its relations with the West and address their concerns positively.
“A country like Bangladesh cannot march forward avoiding the US and Europe. China may help the country take on mega projects but we have to bear the cost of these projects with money earned from the West,” he opined.

Following the statements issued by the US and different Western countries regarding Bangladesh’s elections, Touhid Hossain said we have to wait for some more days to understand their actual reaction.
Prof Imtiaz, however, thinks that all Western countries will work with the new government and try to strengthen their relations with Bangladesh though they will keep expressing opinions on the country’s democratic practices and human rights.

He said apart from Russia and China, the reactions of Japan and India, two countries known for their long democratic practice, were interesting. India’s position was predictable but Japan’s greeting was significant as it has always been a reliable partner of the West.

Terming the US’s statement a balanced one, Dr Imtiaz said Bangladesh should note this.
According to him, in this multipolar world, my friend’s enemy is not my enemy anymore and similarly, my friends’ friends are not my friends as well.
“Relations between the countries solely depend on their acts and will,” the renowned international affairs expert said, adding that Bangladesh should stick to its long-established foreign policy of friendship with all and malice to none.