Bangladesh is looking to diversify its foreign policy and reduce its reliance on India by joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Despite challenges, including the aftermath of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, Bangladesh’s chief adviser to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, is seeking support from Malaysia for their bid to join Asean.
Some analysts believe that Bangladesh’s experience in international maritime arbitration and cultural ties with the region could work in its favor to become an Asean member. Malaysian High Commissioner Haznah Md Hashim, during a meeting in Dhaka, assured Yunus that she would convey his request to Malaysia as they are set to chair Asean next year.
Yunus, 84, recently returned to Bangladesh from France to lead democratic reforms and stabilize the crisis-ridden country following Hasina’s overthrow. Hasina, 76, fled to India after a student-led uprising ended her 15-year authoritarian rule. While the road to joining Asean may be challenging, Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the region are a step towards achieving its foreign policy goals.