Bangladesh will engage confidently in changing international order: Foreign Adviser

Bangladesh will play an active and responsible role as a sovereign state amid global geopolitical realignment, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

He made these remarks on Saturday, November 22, at the opening session of ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025’, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at a hotel in the capital.

The foreign affairs adviser said, “Bangladesh will participate confidently in the changing international order, giving utmost priority to national interests and regional stability.”

Touhid Hossain said, “Bangladesh seeks to play an active, sovereign and responsible role. We will participate firmly, speak clearly when necessary, and build effective partnerships while keeping national interests and regional stability at the forefront.”

Referring to shifting power structures, he said Bangladesh’s participation must deliver visible outcomes while safeguarding sovereignty.

He said the Bay of Bengal is emerging as a strategic hub, and Bangladesh wants to play a confident role there, not merely act as a corridor.

Citing the crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Myanmar, he said that existing mechanisms have failed to resolve conflicts. Hence, multilateral and regional institutions must become stronger to deliver meaningful results.

The foreign adviser said Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian responsibilities is evident in sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingyas and participating in UN peacekeeping missions.

Warning against the weaponisation of information, he said fake information, deepfakes and artificial-intelligence-driven manipulation are reshaping diplomacy and governance.

He said Bangladesh aims to secure the information space while building regulatory frameworks that protect both security and rights.

On economic restructuring, the adviser said global supply disruptions, sanctions and risk-aversion strategies are compelling Bangladesh to diversify and strengthen regional cooperation.

He also drew attention to the vast economic potential of the Bay of Bengal, saying, “We must build connectivity and partnerships based on mutual opportunity and resilience.”

The adviser said rising sea levels and saline intrusion pose significant climate risks. He urged coastal nations to build cooperative frameworks, share technology and devise resilient security and development strategies.

He thanked CGS for organising the event, saying the platform is essential for open dialogue during a time of geopolitical uncertainty.