Managing the West remains a key challenge

Mir Mostafizur Rahaman | Published: January 13, 2024 21:27:46

Bangladesh held its 12th parliamentary election on January 7, which was followed by the formation of the new government headed by Sheikh Hasina, also the president of ruling Awami League (AL). This is her fourth consecutive term as the Prime Minister and fifth in total.
In a democracy, election is the only way of going to power, and the AL has won four consecutive elections since 2008.
After the landslide win of AL in the elections, boycotted by its main rival BNP, the international power-centres seem to be divided over the issue of election.
The countries of the Asian region were prompt to extend their congratulations to the new government as well as to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. China and India led the Asian group, followed by Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines and others.
On the other hand, the Western bloc, led by the US, was critical of the election process.
The US, and the UK, which have been vocal for last couple of years about free and fair election in Bangladesh, opined that this election was not conducted in a free and fair manner.
Unlike its Asian allies including Japan, India and South Korea -- all categorically expressed their satisfaction over the election in Bangladesh -- the US and its major European allies were critical in their observations.
Maintaining warm ties with the global powers is crucial for various reasons, especially for economic compulsion. So, wooing the West should be the top priority of the diplomatic arm of the government.
One cannot deny that Bangladesh's export and investment are highly dependent on the US and its European allies.
The tension between the government and the US government unfolded when the latter imposed sanctions against the RAB. And several months ago, it announced imposition of visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals. The US statement on the election further exposes the cracks in the ties between the two countries.
No doubt, our diplomats have failed to ease the tension until now. Hence, one of the top priorities of the new leadership of the foreign office will be to cement the gap with the US led Western bloc.
Bangladesh has been maintaining a balancing act with rival lobbies on the international platform. It joined the China-led Belt and Road programmes, but it did not fail to stay tuned with the Indo Pacific literature, promoted by the US.
It also launched its own Indo Pacific Outlook last year, apparently to appease this bloc.
Moreover, Bangladesh also has shown efficiency in managing warm ties with China and its regional rival India simultaneously and both of these countries are virtually scrambling to woo Bangladesh.
As the new government is already in the good book of the oriental powers as well as Russia, its main challenge will be to woo the US and its European allies.
In the global geopolitical equation, this bloc is still more influential than their eastern rivals. They call the shot in top international platforms including the UN. They are also the biggest donors to these bodies.
So, restoration of a warm relationship with the US and its European allies is seen as the key to start addressing the new government's topmost priority -- putting the economy in full gear.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com