Hasina's meeting with Zelensky: Conveying a diplomatic message

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has returned to the country after participating in the 60th Munich Security Conference, which was deemed highly significant on the global stage. Held in Germany, one of Europe's most powerful nations for the past 60 years, the conference originated in 1963, initially focusing largely on the Western world. At that time, amidst the backdrop of the Cold War and the ongoing arms race, the conference served as a pivotal platform for discussions on security, particularly concerning the United States and the Soviet Union.

With the conclusion of the Cold War, the Munich Security Conference saw an increase in the participation of nations, with discussions expanding to encompass various security issues from different countries. Among the attendees, Russian President Vladimir Putin has participated in the conference multiple times, highlighting the significance of improving relations between Russia and the European Union.

The Munich Security Conference of 2024 was convened in a distinct context, marked by ongoing conflicts in Europe. Unrest in Palestine and Russia's incursion into Ukraine have escalated security risks in the region. Russia perceives that Western powers, particularly the United States and its NATO allies, have indirectly fueled the conflict. Consequently, Ukraine has faced significant threats to its security.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts, the 2024 Munich Security Conference saw the participation of heads of government from nearly 50 countries, along with around 100 ministers and numerous diplomatic representatives. The primary focus of this conference was the discussion of international security issues. The leaders participating in the conference got the opportunity for mutual bilateral discussions. There they discussed the issues related to their respective interests. During these discussions, world leaders got the opportunity to exchange views on various issues.


Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has participated in the Munich Security Conference in the past as well. Through her recent participation in the concluded conference, Bangladesh had the opportunity to articulate its foreign policy on a global scale. This year's Munich Security Conference held special significance for Bangladesh. Just a few days before the conference, Bangladesh conducted its 12th National Parliamentary Elections, through which the ruling Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, secured a landslide victory for the fourth consecutive term, solidifying its position in the state's power structure.

Having been elected as Prime Minister for the fourth time, attending the conference and assuming responsibilities marked Sheikh Hasina's first foreign visit of her new term. Hence, for Bangladesh, this conference held immense importance. Through participation in the conference, Bangladesh could assert its position on various issues. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eloquently presented Bangladesh's stance for peace during the conference. Participating for the third time, Sheikh Hasina's presence underscored Bangladesh's growing importance in global politics over the past decade.

In recent times, Bangladesh has been observed to engage in discussions with the United States and some other countries on internal politics and election-related issues. Participation in this conference is hoped to play a significant role in resolving these differences. One prominent feature of Bangladesh's foreign policy is its principle of "friendship with all, enmity with none." Through its recent participation in the Munich Security Conference, Bangladesh has demonstrated its ability to uphold this fundamental characteristic of its foreign policy.

Bangladesh maintains excellent bilateral relations with China, and its relationship with India has historically been well-established. Additionally, Bangladesh enjoys a strong bilateral relationship with Russia. Overall, the participation of the Prime Minister in this conference will contribute to enhancing Bangladesh's engagement in terms of bilateral relations.

From the Munich Security Conference, Bangladesh has achieved several diplomatic successes. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged relevant countries to utilize the funds spent on war, along with climate change mitigation, to promote human welfare. This call from the Prime Minister has been widely praised as timely and comprehensive. Bangladesh's advocacy for peace at the international level has once again been reaffirmed through this call.

Participation in the conference has allowed Bangladesh to showcase its economic achievements over the past 15 years, its capacity to preserve environmental integrity, empowerment of women, and successes in various social spheres before the global leadership. Bangladesh holds its own views on various international issues, and its position for peace has been further strengthened at the conference.

Particularly, Bangladesh has made various calls for the cessation of hostilities since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. Regardless of the side taken by Russia or Ukraine, Bangladesh has consistently emphasized the importance of ending the war for peace establishment. The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties worldwide.

The Ukraine war is largely responsible for global high-level disruptions. Countries like Bangladesh, despite not directly taking sides in the conflict, have suffered and continue to do so. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spoken out multiple times against economic sanctions. She has emphasized that economic sanctions are not beneficial for anyone. Through this stance, Sheikh Hasina has represented the interests of a developing and vulnerable country. She highlighted at the conference how economically prosperous and moderately developed countries are still under immense pressure due to climate change-related issues.

Through her participation and effective role at the conference, Sheikh Hasina has showcased Bangladesh's position and contributed to improving relations with Western countries. She has explored further opportunities for bilateral relations with countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. During the conference, bilateral meetings were held between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Foreign Minister of India, as well as the President of Ukraine. Through the conference, Bangladesh has the opportunity to strengthen its bilateral diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demonstrated exceptional skill in working with various multilateral organizations, including the World Trade Organization, to enhance bilateral relations.

The meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Zelensky of Ukraine was particularly significant for various reasons. The interest from the Ukrainian side in this meeting was naturally higher. Bangladesh has maintained strong bilateral relations with Russia, the same country involved in the Ukraine conflict. Russia supported Bangladesh during its liberation war. Moreover, Russia's contribution to utilizing the Chittagong seaport during post-war times cannot be overlooked. Russia is also establishing a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, indicating its robust position in various sectors of Bangladesh's internal politics.
Especially during the 11th National Parliamentary Elections, Russia firmly supported Bangladesh. As a result, the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two countries are expected to further strengthen in the future. In such a context, the bilateral meeting between President Zelensky of Ukraine and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is an extremely significant event. Some may have concerns about whether this bilateral meeting will have any adverse effects on the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Russia.

We have to keep it mind that the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Zelensky of Ukraine was purely a diplomatic event. There was no aspect of supporting or opposing any country involved. This meeting was in line with the fundamental principles of Bangladesh's foreign policy. The appointed Russian Ambassador in Dhaka stated that the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Zelensky of Ukraine will not have any significant impact on Russia's existing bilateral relations with Bangladesh. It is noteworthy that Bangladesh has previously voted in favor of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty in several international forums, including the United Nations. Bangladesh consistently demonstrates respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries. Bangladesh has shown respect for Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty, just as it has done for Russia's security concerns.

Bangladesh has been following a policy of maintaining equilibrium concerning the Ukraine issue. In this regard, we directly reflect the realities of Bangladesh's foreign policy. The conflict in Ukraine has created global economic and security risks. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her discussion with the President of Ukraine, has highlighted Bangladesh's position and perspective. During the discussion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphatically urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Ukraine bears the responsibility for ceasing hostilities. The situation in Ukraine is extremely dire. Bangladesh has indicated a willingness to assist Ukraine in moving away from that situation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has portrayed the grave dangers of the conflict very effectively during bilateral discussions with President Zelensky. Those who are not directly involved in the conflict are suffering the most. As a representative of a developing country, Sheikh Hasina has boldly called for an end to the conflict.

Author: Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka and Member, Bangladesh Public Service Commission

Transcribe: M A Khaleque