২২শে ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০২৫ খ্রিস্টাব্দ
সংস্করণ:
A thought-provoking discussion on Bangladesh’s diplomacy and foreign policy took place on 6 February at the Mayor’s Parlour in Barking, London. Hosted by Councillor Moin Qadri, the British Bengali-origin Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council, the event featured an open discourse led by former Bangladesh Cabinet Secretary and diplomat, Kabir Bin Anwar.
During the discussion, Anwar emphasised the need for in-depth research on Bangladesh’s foreign policy and diplomatic strategies in the current global context. He highlighted the historical evolution of governance and bureaucracy in Bangladesh, tracing its roots from the Mughal era to the present day. Key topics included the role of collectors, governance structures, international relations, and political influences that have shaped the country’s administrative services.
Participants raised pressing questions regarding the independence of Bangladesh’s bureaucracy, the extent of political leadership’s influence, and the role of foreign interests in policy-making. The discussion explored the involvement of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in bureaucratic decision-making, the autonomy of ministries, and the relationship between political leadership and administration. Concerns were also raised about policy stability, anti-corruption measures, and the effectiveness of laws designed to curb bureaucratic malpractice.
Kabir Bin Anwar pointed out that foreign aid often comes with conditions impacting governance and political activities. He emphasised the need to critically assess how international grants and funding influence election campaigns, political parties, and policy-making in Bangladesh. He also examined the evolving role of government technocrats in shaping the country’s economic and foreign policies.
The discussion saw participation from a diverse group of attendees, including Councillors Syed Firoz Gani and Giyasuddin Miah, journalist Matiar Chowdhury, researcher Ansar Ahmed Ullah, Sikder Atiar Rasul Kiton, Barrister Moon Emu Rahman, politician Faiz Khan Touhid, journalist Shah Mustafizur Rahman Belal, Azizul Ambiya, businessman Kazi Shahin, Md. Qutubul Alam, Nazmul Haque, Artar Hossain (Ata), Touhid Ahmed, Aminul Islam, Abbas Bin Chamak, Muhammad Hussain Fahad, Umal Hossain, and others.
The discussion provided valuable insights into Bangladesh’s diplomatic challenges and governance issues, highlighting the need for continued research and informed dialogue on these critical matters.
