Dhaka needs its own strategic narrative to tackle regional geopolitics

Bangladesh Foreign Office.

Former Malaysian Foreign Minister Tan Sri. Syed Hamid Albar said that the quality of life needs to be changed to build a new Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an important country in South Asia. The country is moving forward with the efforts of hard-working people. The recent mass uprisings have presented Bangladesh with an exceptional opportunity for reconstruction. Mentioning that effective measures should be taken to reduce income and wealth disparities for a sustainable democracy, Tan Sri Hamid Albar said Bangladesh needs to work hard to change its image globally.

He made the remarks while speaking at a program organised by the Muslim World Research Centre (MWRC) and the Institute of Policy, Governance, and Development (IPGAD) at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in the capital on Saturday.

The session was chaired by Dr. Ishraf Hossain, the president of the Muslim World Research Centre (MWRC) and Secretary General of the OIC Study Group (OISG). Reviewing the current scenario of Bangladesh, Tan Sri Hamid Albar said that Bangladesh is going through a revolutionary change, and there are multi-faceted challenges in front of the country at the moment, which require very farsighted leadership. People don't want to go back to the past. They dream of building a new Bangladesh, and this is the right time for it. But it should not be limited to discussions only; it should bring about a change in the quality of life of the people by taking practical steps.

Tan Sri Hamid Albar also said it is possible to join ASEAN by taking advantage of Bangladesh's geographical location and historical importance. However, for this, its own strategic narrative and correct diplomatic strategy are essential to deal with global and regional geo-strategic politics. Bangladesh's strategic position and relations with China and India are very important.

The history of Bangladesh, especially the memories of the 1971 war, is the mainstay of national identity. It is time to reorient international relations in this historical context. Joining ASEAN requires not just dialogue, but real action. To build a modern and dynamic Bangladesh, it is necessary to ensure a strong presence in international forums.

Welcoming the interim government's initiative to solve the Rohingya problem, Hamid Albar said the Rohingya refugee crisis is not a problem for Bangladesh but for the whole region. Mentioning the reactivation of SAARC in this regard, he said, "As a neighbouring country, India should cooperate with Bangladesh in all fields."

In his presidential address, Dr. Isharaf Hossain stated that a free and fair parliamentary election, under the capable leadership of the current interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will ensure Bangladesh's new journey towards democracy, complete good governance, and economic progress. This election will not only benefit the people of Bangladesh, but it will also significantly contribute to regional cooperation. In this regard, Bangladesh will be able to establish effective relations with ASEAN. Mentioning Malaysia as a brotherly friend of Bangladesh, he hoped that ASEAN would definitely stand beside Bangladesh's national security and any geopolitical strategic needs.

Md. Mostafa Hosain, research director of the Institute of Policy, Government, and Development (IPGAD) and assistant professor of law at BRAC University, while presenting the keynote paper virtually, welcomed the various important decisions of the present interim government. Mostafa Hossain said Professor Dr. Mohammad Yunus's new plan for the Rohingyas deserves praise and will play a substantial role in resolving the crisis. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Bangladesh is undoubtedly an important one. The reform commissions formed by the present government to make Bangladesh a non-discriminatory and people-orientated state will undoubtedly bring good results in the coming days. At the same time, it is a significant achievement for Bangladesh to reach a consensus on the basis of discussion with all the political parties of the country. Furthermore, the government's discussions with leaders of various religions and tribes have garnered appreciation beyond the country's borders.

The special guests presented at the discussion were former Minister and Deputy Speaker of Malaysia, Chairman of the Centre for New Inclusive Asia, Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat; Former fellow of ISIS Malaysia Mr. Bunn Nagara; Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations of the University of Malaya Dr. Roy Anthony Rogers; Associate Professor Dr. Saidul Islam, Nanyang University Singapore; President of the Islamic NGOs Association Malaysia and Member of the National Interfaith Council, Mr Jamal Bin Shamsuddin; Professor Datu Baharuddin Ahmad, Vice Chairman, MWRC; Associate Professor Dr. Tahiri Jan, IIUM, Malaysia; Renowned Malaysian Poet Raja Abdullah; Bangladeshi Professor at AIMST University, Malaysia Dr. M Abul Bashar; Mr Alauddin Mohammad, Executive Director of IPGAD; Md. Morshed Alam, Counsellor of the Consular Department of the Bangladesh High Commission - From Kuala Lumpur