Foreign policy of a country is primarily a projection of its socio-economic and political compulsions in international politics. The image of an independent and sovereign state depends on its foreign relations or foreign policy. The provisional Government formed during the war of liberation drew up an outline of the foreign relations of Bangladesh before the country came into being as an independent state. This was opposition to colonialism, racialism and imperialism. Constitutional provisions and declaration on foreign policy: The constitution provides that the foreign policy of Bangladesh would be guided by a number of fundamental principles. These principles were stated in the Articles 25-(a), (b) and (c) of the constitution. These are in below – The state shall base its international relations on the principles of respects for national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations charter, and on the basis of those principles shall (a) Strive for the renunciation of the use of force in international relations and for general and complete disarmament, (b) Uphold the right of every people freely to determine and buildup its own social, economic and political system by ways and means of its own choice, and (c) Support oppressed peoples throughout the world waging a struggle against imperialism, colonialism or racialism. Next Ziaur Rahman made an addition to it. A newly appended sub-article 25 (2) stated: The state shall Endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim Countries based on Islamic solidarity. The policy on declaration of war was mentioned in Article 63 stated: The war shall not be declared, and the Republic shall not participate in any war except with the assent of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament). Goals and objectives of foreign policy: As for the goals of foreign policy, in the beginning it was as necessary to get international recognition as an independent state as it was essential to obtain foreign loan and assistance for economic reconstruction. The fundamental objectives of Bangladesh’s foreign policy are: § The preservation of our independence and sovereignty § Ensuring Economic progress § Consolidation of our existence as a politically stable moderate democratic and responsible contributing member of the international community. and § Protecting this image out side of Bangladesh. |
Bangladesh Studies
