BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) have placed notable emphasis on foreign policy and national defence in their election manifestos, reflecting what both parties describe as the country’s evolving geopolitical realities.
Stressing the need to safeguard national interests, the two parties highlighted principles such as equality, fairness, mutual respect, justice and dignity in shaping Bangladesh’s global engagement.
BNP’s foreign policy doctrine is framed around the slogan “Bangladesh Before All,” underscoring a nationalist outlook.
The party maintains that beyond Bangladesh’s borders there should be “friends, not masters,” signalling a foreign policy guided primarily by national interest. Jamaat-e-Islami, meanwhile, said its foreign policy vision is rooted in mutual respect, justice and equal dignity, though its articulation remains broader and less specific in certain areas.
On defence, BNP pledged to establish a National Security Council and develop “four-dimensional armed forces” aimed at ensuring credible deterrence. Jamaat-e-Islami proposed formulating a comprehensive National Defence Policy and introducing a “new military doctrine” to modernise the country’s defence structure.
While BNP outlined its desired framework for relations with India, Jamaat’s position was comparatively less detailed, referring broadly to “constructive relations with neighbouring countries.” Analysts say both parties have recognised the importance of strengthening Bangladesh’s security and diplomatic posture, though questions remain about the feasibility of implementing such ambitious proposals.
Former Ambassador Mahbub Hassan Saleh told Times of Bangladesh that election manifestos are a standard political practice in which parties present their policy visions and commitments to voters. He described BNP’s “Bangladesh Before All” slogan as a nationalist foreign policy approach, meaning the country’s interests would take precedence in all external engagements.
On defence, Saleh said the establishment of a National Security Council would be an important step, as it could coordinate responses to both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
“Such a council, headed by the head of government and coordinated by National Security Adviser, would not only play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s overall security but also taking important foreign policy decisions” he said.
Regarding BNP’s proposal for four-dimensional armed forces, he noted that modern defence requires deterrence across land, sea, air and cyber domains, as well as emerging areas such as outer space. “Today’s conflicts are hybrid in nature, where cyber capabilities are increasingly critical,” he added.
Saleh termed BNP’s vision on defense in its manifesto as “pragmatic and forward looking.”
Foreign policy vision
Both parties outlined their approach to regional and global relations. However, both the parties refrain from mentioning ‘China’ in their manifesto.
BNP stated in its manifesto that Bangladesh would play a stronger role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. However, analysts noted the absence of any reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting the party may lean more toward Western strategic alignment.
On relations with neighbouring countries, BNP pledged to build ties based on equality, cooperation and mutual respect. It also promised to secure a fair share of water from transboundary rivers, including the Padma and Teesta, without mentioning the name of ‘India.’
Regarding border management, BNP said strong measures would be taken to prevent border killings and push-ins, and to curb smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking. The party also pledged legal action against foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh.
Jamaat-e-Islami, in its manifesto, emphasised peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring and nearby countries—including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Thailand – based on fairness and mutual respect. Notably, the party did not mention Pakistan, despite historical political ties.
Both parties highlighted the importance of regional organisations such as SAARC and ASEAN, though neither referred to BIMSTEC, where Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship.
Challenge of implementation
While the manifestos outline ambitious visions, analysts caution that implementation remains the biggest challenge. Political parties often make broad pledges during elections, but translating them into policy requires institutional capacity, political will and continuity.
Former Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed said execution is always difficult. “Governments sometimes fail to fulfil promises for various reasons, but there must be a genuine effort to implement them,” he said.
He added that foreign policy is essentially an extension of domestic policy and cannot be pursued in isolation. “The next government will shape its own foreign and defence policies, but it must also continue the work initiated by previous administrations,” he noted.
As Bangladesh approaches the election, the foreign and defence policy visions outlined by the major parties signal a growing recognition of the country’s strategic position—though the real test will lie in turning these promises into practical outcomes.
