Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
States in the modern world are dependent on one another. Every state prioritizes good inter-state diplomatic relations for economic, political, military, agricultural, health, education and cultural prosperity. Any state formulates its foreign policy for the protection of national interests. Like all countries in the world, Bangladesh has its own foreign policy. According to Article 25 of the Constitution, Bangladesh’s foreign policies have been mentioned and highlighted. The first one is to respect for national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, peaceful resolution of international disputes and respect for principles enshrined in international law and the UN Charter. The second is that the State shall endeavor to avoid the use of force in international relations and to seek general and complete disarmament. The third is that every nation shall uphold the right to freely determine and form its own social, economic and political system through ways and means in accordance with its independent intentions. The fourth is that the state shall support the just struggle of the oppressed people all over the world against imperialism, colonialism or caste discrimination. Like other countries, Bangladesh is determined to protect the national interest.
Our ambassadors can play an important role in developing diplomatic relations with different countries as well as expanding the market and labor market for manufactured goods and attracting foreign investment. We need to find out by discussing which products can be exported abroad, which products are in demand and whether any products suitable for our country can be imported. Our missions are the direct means of communication of the Government of Bangladesh with the governments and non-governmental organizations of different countries. Therefore, there should be careful and planned preparation in the realization of the interests of the country through constructive bilateral talks. Despite the fact that our embassies in different countries have a shortage of skilled manpower, it is possible to solve most of the problems with the utmost sincerity and professionalism.
Economic diplomacy is now being widely discussed around the world. In order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and implement the government’s vision 2041, we need to intensify our efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations with various countries. At one time our type of diplomacy was political. The pattern of global competition is changing with the passage of time, as well as our diplomatic strategy has to change with the demands of the age. The country’s ongoing development work need to be continued by maintaining good relations with the international community, expanding trade and commerce, increasing investment, importing new technologies and increasing huge remittance revenues, as well as establishing economic and diplomatic relations with various countries.
The need of the hour today is to include public diplomacy in foreign policy in order to develop diplomatic relations with friendly countries and other countries of the world and to protect the interests of the country. Most of the development work in our country is carried out by bureaucrats. We have to move forward with a new concept called ‘public diplomacy’. We need to organize this platform to address local and national crises at home and abroad and to enhance the image of the country at the international level. Public diplomacy must be included for development activities of the country, implementation of future plans and finally crisis management activities need to be performed by involving the students, teachers, intellectuals, media workers, progressive social workers, political analysts, academics, members of civil society, public-private development workers, business community and expatriate workers. In this case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will prepare a timely annual work plan for embassies on the basis of discussions with all the professionals, where public diplomacy will be reflected and the decision making process of the government will be easy and strong. Proper use of intellect and wisdom is required to win the diplomatic battle. Through the Public Diplomacy Platform, the talents from home abroad will be able to make appropriate use of their skills and contribute to the development of the nation. Again this field needs to ensure the participation of expatriates and other experts irrespective of party affiliation. Secondly, it is necessary to provide appropriate training for those who will be posted to embassies, so that they can go to new countries and easily adapt to the new environments, cultures, administrative systems, types of work and laws. The missions need to accelerate public diplomacy in order to enhance bilateral relations, trade, mutual agreements and interests so that they can be interdependent and deepen diplomatic ties. Embassy staffs need to be more proactive in raising the standard of expatriate-friendly service in a more liberal manner and focusing on overall program-based work. It is not enough to formulate a strong foreign policy; rather its successful implementation requires efficient and competent diplomats and strong leadership.
(Dr. Forqan is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP).
