BNP vows 'Bangladesh First' foreign policy in manifesto
DHAKA, Feb 6, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) today said its foreign policy would be guided by the principle of 'Bangladesh First' if it comes to power through the people's mandate in the upcoming national election.
The party said all international relations and engagements would prioritize national sovereignty, security and the welfare of the people under this policy framework.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman unveiled the party's election manifesto at a function held at a city hotel this afternoon.
"Bangladesh has friends beyond its borders, but no master. Independence, sovereignty, national interest, national security and the welfare of citizens will remain the top priorities of our foreign policy," the manifesto said.
It added that Bangladesh would play a self-respecting, active and responsible role in global affairs based on equality, fairness and mutual respect.
On bilateral and multilateral relations, the BNP said it will focus on building ties with all countries based on international laws, equality, pragmatism, and recognition of mutual interests.
Reiterating its commitment to take effective initiatives in resolving international issues, the party stated that Bangladesh will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, nor will it tolerate interference in its own domestic matters.
The manifesto also laid special emphasis on economic diplomacy, saying the BNP will take initiatives to enter new markets and conclude preferential trade agreements with international economic organizations, alliances, and emerging regional blocs.
Strategic partnerships will be developed to attract foreign direct investment, facilitate technology transfer, and increase value addition in the industrial sector. At the same time, labour and migration diplomacy will be strengthened to enhance access for skilled Bangladeshi workers in the global labour market.
On global trade and strategic partnerships, the BNP said it will make tireless efforts to strengthen relations with major global powers and key international trade partners. The party pledged to adopt effective diplomacy to diversify exports, explore new markets, and safeguard tariff and trade benefits.
It also plans to expand trade with South America and Africa to secure raw materials for agriculture and industry and to diversify trade relations.
Responding to the geopolitical realities of the Bay of Bengal, including climate change-induced disasters, maritime security, freedom of navigation, coastal safety, and peaceful dispute resolution, the manifesto emphasizes strengthening regional strategic partnerships.
Regarding relations with neighbouring countries, the BNP said it is committed to building ties based on equality, cooperation, and friendship, founded on mutual respect and understanding. The party added that its initiatives in this regard will continue.
On trans-boundary river water sharing, the BNP pledged to ensure a fair share of the Padma, Teesta, and all other international rivers of Bangladesh. On border security, it stated that any attack on the people of Bangladesh is unacceptable, and strict measures to safeguard national borders will continue.
Highlighting its historic ties with the Muslim world, the BNP said it will continue sincere efforts to deepen and strengthen relations, particularly with Middle Eastern countries.
The party also outlined plans to build strategic partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to combine the surplus capital of these nations with Bangladesh's productive capacity and human resources to foster economic solidarity.
These partnerships will prioritize mutual food security, digital transformation, cyber security, and cooperation in the military industry and training.
Finally, the BNP stated that it will strengthen the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by increasing staffing, expanding overseas mission activities, and enhancing the human resources, management capacity, and skills of both the ministry and Bangladesh's missions abroad through training at various levels.
