Bangladesh is taking a bold step towards becoming a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), following the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule in August 2024. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, aged 84, has returned to lead Bangladesh’s interim government and is seeking support for the Asean bid.
The move is driven by Bangladesh’s aim to reduce dependence on India, with less than 5% of its annual exports currently going to India and China combined. Joining Asean could open up new trade opportunities for the country and leverage its expertise in maritime arbitration to aid Asean members in resolving South China Sea conflicts.
While Bangladesh faces challenges such as political stabilization and the Rohingya crisis, it remains committed to its Asean ambitions. The country may pursue sectoral dialogue partner status as an interim measure before full membership.
This strategic move by Bangladesh reflects its desire to reposition itself globally, with potential significant impacts on regional politics and economics in South and Southeast Asia. Despite the complexities, Bangladesh’s journey towards Asean membership signifies a crucial evolution in its foreign policy.