Striking the right balance in foreign relations is never simple—and over the past year, it has become even more complex. From the outset, the government has maintained that it seeks a “constructive working relationship” with India, built on mutual respect and shared interests, while also reflecting public expectations in the new political climate after August 5.

Bangladeshis are not calling for strained ties with India. Instead, they want the partnership to be rooted in reciprocity and national interest. Many citizens believe that the previous administration fell short in this regard, prioritising neither mutual respect nor Bangladesh’s own interests. The current leadership sees sustaining cordial relations with India while protecting national priorities as an ongoing challenge.

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975, Bangladesh has maintained steady engagement with China regardless of which party was in power. Over the past year, cooperation with Beijing has deepened. Although there were brief tensions over reciprocal tariffs, relations with the United States have generally remained stable. Dhaka has reassured Washington that its growing ties with China are economic in nature and not a geopolitical threat. Maintaining constructive relations with both the US and China remains a key objective.

Ties with Pakistan are also being approached pragmatically. The government is focusing on trade, investment, and easing cross-border movement, while avoiding the political hostility of the past. Although three longstanding disputes remain unresolved, the aim is to normalise relations without taking any unusual diplomatic steps.

The Rohingya crisis continues to be a pressing concern. With the conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State still ongoing, Dhaka anticipates that a new opportunity for repatriation will arise once the civil war subsides, provided the international community applies timely pressure on Naypyidaw.

Domestically, the government has approved the establishment of a UN Human Rights High Commissioner’s office in Dhaka after reviewing the proposal to ensure it aligns with national interests. This mission, set up with certain modifications from the original UN plan, is expected to create a platform for direct engagement on human rights issues.

Efforts are also being made to improve public services at Bangladesh’s overseas missions. A consulate will soon open in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and another in Saudi Arabia. In Oman, arrangements are being made to deliver passports via the national postal service to reduce delays.

Yet, the most pressing challenge lies in the economy. Political uncertainty has dampened both domestic and foreign investment. Although the interim government has pledged to honour incoming investment agreements, even after its tenure ends, investor confidence remains subdued. This economic hesitation underscores the greatest hurdle facing the country in the near term.