What’s our priority in the Indo-Pacific Outlook?
Zillur Rahman | 10 May 2023
A primary analysis of the outlook confirms the various speculations that Bangladesh would not be tilting West and would remain adamant about its foreign policy ideal of non-alignment.
On April 24, 2023, Bangladesh formally announced its "Indo-Pacific Outlook" (IPO) to the world. Together with almost all other Indo-Pacific foreign policy doctrines of the US, UK, Japan, Australia, India, and other developed nations, Bangladesh now openly shares a "vision" of "a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific for the shared prosperity for all."
The timely release came right before the prime minister began her three-nation diplomatic visit to Japan, the US, and the UK, and right before the World Bank inked a $2.25 billion loan for five new megaprojects to be implemented over the next five years.
A primary analysis of the outlook confirms the various speculations that Bangladesh would not be tilting West and would remain adamant about its foreign policy ideal of non-alignment. In this regard, the outlook primarily emphasises the necessity of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and wishes for military de-escalation and a boost in regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Even the term "outlook" showcases Bangladesh's hesitancy to fully commit to the concept of the Indo-Pacific and openly declare substantive foreign policy positions.
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