Mahtabul Minhaz

Since assuming office, Chief Adviser (CA) Dr Yunus has swiftly transformed Bangladesh’s international standing through strategic diplomacy and proactive engagement. Over just eight months, his government has worked tirelessly to restore international confidence, attract investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s global partnerships, marking the emergence of a new Bangladesh after 5 August 2024.

A Surge in Global Engagement From December 2024 to March 2025, Dr Yunus and his administration held over 30 high-profile meetings with global leaders, international organisations and influential corporations. These interactions covered critical areas: economic reform, investment, labour rights, LDC graduation, democratic transition and humanitarian concerns.

One of the first major diplomatic recognitions came on 19 December, when the PLO Secretary General publicly thanked the Chief Adviser for his impassioned speech on Palestine at the D-8 Summit — a speech that won praise across the Muslim world and beyond. On the same day, Bangladesh and Pakistan agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations, signalling a thaw between two historically tense neighbours.

Earlier on 18 December, the Malaysian Minister met Dr Yunus in Cairo, focusing on labour cooperation and trade.

In the domestic arena, December saw important moves aimed at stabilisation and reforms. On 30 December, the chief adviser directed officials to stabilise Ramadan commodity prices, inaugurated the “Tarunner Utsab” (youth festival), and demanded a fresh investigation into the Pilkhana massacre, signalling a commitment to justice. By 31 December, he paid tribute to global statesmen Manmohan Singh and Jimmy Carter, highlighting Bangladesh’s appreciation for international democracy champions.

Rebuilding Economic Ties

A major priority for the interim government has been reviving the economy. Meetings with the World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck on 23 December, and phone conversation with the US National Security Adviser on 24 December, marked critical early steps in mobilising international support. January 2025 saw an acceleration. On 1 January, Dr Yunus chaired the advisory council meeting and inaugurated healthcare facilities for July uprising veterans— indicating the linkage between internal stability and international outreach. The chief adviser also personally engaged world leaders during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland. Multiple high-level meetings on 21-22 January, including with the Finland president, UNHCR officials and global business leaders, secured commitments to economic recovery. At WEF, Dr Yunus was invited to the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, sought recovery of billions siphoned off from Bangladesh, and hinted at a possible future visit to FIFA Headquarters to leverage sports diplomacy.

Back at home, the diplomatic momentum was sustained. On 23 January, meetings with World Bank, Facebook executives and a former US vice president reinforced investment discussions, while WTO and Saudi firms also showed significant interest by 24 January. Upon returning from Switzerland on 25 January, the chief adviser wasted no time consolidating gains, chairing an advisers’ meeting on 30 January to unify investment promotion agencies, while Japan and US investors reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s new path. February brought further consolidation. A 9 February commemorative event celebrated women’s role in the uprising, where the chief advisor also met families of July martyrs and requested Canada’s continued support. From 12 to 14 February, Dr Yunus attended the WGS in Dubai, strengthening ties with the UAE leadership before returning home to face fresh investment proposals.

Strengthening Strategic Relations

Strategic relations were fortified across continents. Norway was encouraged to make Bangladesh an Asian distribution hub during a meeting on 12 January, and Turkey was urged to relocate industries to Bangladesh on 9 January. Malaysia was lobbied for multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers during engagements on 13 January.

Domestically, the chief adviser met with young entrepreneurs on 19 January, seeking to inspire innovation and attract international venture capital.

Engagements culminated with key European support, Germany and Finland reaffirmed democratic support on 21 January, and Ireland expressed similar sentiments in February. Further, UN Myanmar Special Envoy, Sweden and Italy reinforced cooperation during meetings on 23 February, with Sweden particularly encouraged to invest in Bangladesh’s burgeoning social business sector. Relations with China also saw progress, with LONGi Green Energy, a major Chinese solar firm, announcing plans for green investments on 16 March. Qatar’s leadership quickly followed, reaffirming their support for Bangladesh’s reform programmes on 18 March.

Championing Workers’ Rights and Trade Opportunities

The chief adviser’s diplomatic strategy was multi-dimensional. While securing investments, he prioritised workers’ welfare. Repeated lobbying with Malaysia emphasised visa liberalisation for Bangladeshi labourers, ensuring continued remittance flows that are vital for economic resilience.

Trade diplomacy extended creatively into sports and culture. The plan to turn football relations with Argentina into trade cooperation was floated during talks on 19 January. CA also smartly merged domestic innovation with international diplomacy, meeting university leaders like the VC of Jahangirnagar University on 13 January and proposing initiatives for youth-driven innovation clusters.

Human Rights and Humanitarian Commitments

Despite facing the aftermath of a turbulent period, Bangladesh’s new government demonstrated a robust commitment to human rights. A global rights group report on 28 January directly blamed the previous regime for widespread abuses — a move welcomed internationally and seen as bolstering Bangladesh’s reputation for transitional justice. On the humanitarian front, Bangladesh continued to champion the Rohingya cause. Meetings with the Gambian foreign minister on 12 March reemphasised support for the ICJ genocide case, while the UN Secretary-General personally acknowledged Bangladesh’s commitment to reforms even amid concerns about declining Rohingya aid funding.

The Emergence of New Bangladesh

Taken together, the past four months have marked a clear shift: Bangladesh is no longer reactive on the international stage. Instead, it is becoming a confident, forward-looking actor. The chief adviser’s diplomacy has placed Bangladesh on a new trajectory, aiming for-

♦ Sustainable economic recovery

♦ Attraction of strategic investments

♦ Strengthened democratic institutions

♦ Enhanced labour rights and remittance growth

♦ Humanitarian leadership in global crises

With engagements spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, Bangladesh has rebuilt and diversified its international relations in record time.

Conclusion: A Growing Confidence

The narrative spread by misinformation campaigns that Bangladesh is isolated or struggling is being swiftly dismantled by reality. The country’s robust diplomatic outreach, steady economic revival and enhanced international support demonstrate that Bangladesh is moving forward — confidently and sustainably. As the chief adviser continues to steer Bangladesh towards national elections, LDC graduation, and greater global integration, the foundation for a “New Bangladesh” — one based on dignity, growth and global partnership — is firmly taking shape. The achievements between December 2024 and March 2025 are just the beginning of a longer journey towards realising Bangladesh’s true potential on the world stage.

_____________________________________

The writer is a political analyst