The world has just bid farewell to 2024, a year marked by ballots and bullets. Approximately two billion people across 70 nations exercised their right to vote, a phenomenon that reflects democracy’s resilience. However, the outcomes of these elections have raised concerns. Many of the governments elected represent a shift toward radicalism and ultra-nationalism, a development that has given rise to anxiety among liberal thinkers worldwide.
This growing trend of ultra-nationalism poses a serious threat to multilateralism, further limiting the already shrinking space for liberal discourse. Vulnerable minorities in various states are likely to face increasing hostility and marginalisation under these regimes. Coupled with this political shift, the world witnessed massive conflicts in 2024, from the escalation of war in Gaza to fresh violence in Lebanon and Syria, alongside intensified fighting in Ukraine. Closer to home, Myanmar’s civil war raged on, mirroring the devastating conflicts in Sudan and other parts of Africa.
One of the most significant developments shaping the global stage is the reelection of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Returning to office after a gap of one term, Trump is set to reshape international relations with his “America First” agenda and pro-tariff policies. His administration is likely to adopt a less interventionist approach, focusing instead on domestic priorities.
This stance is already evident in Trump’s pledge to end the Ukraine war, signaling a departure from the arms support provided by the previous administration.
Trump’s anti-immigration policies will also have ripple effects across many countries, particularly those reliant on remittances or whose nationals make up significant immigrant populations in the United States.
On the domestic front, Bangladesh enters 2025 with a vastly altered political and diplomatic landscape. The July mass uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year-long fascist regime has ushered in an interim government tasked with stabilising a country rife with internal and external challenges.
One of the interim government’s first moves has been a comprehensive overhaul of the foreign office. Under new leadership, Bangladesh’s foreign policy apparatus faces the daunting task of normalising strained relations with India. Bilateral ties deteriorated significantly after Hasina’s fall, with India offering her refuge and amplifying critical narratives against the interim government. Furthermore, sections of the Indian media have circulated exaggerated reports on the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, fuelling tensions between the two neighbours.
Nevertheless, there are signs of progress. The recent visit of India’s foreign secretary to Dhaka has been seen as a breakthrough, potentially paving the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation. However, maintaining this momentum will require careful diplomacy and a willingness to address sensitive issues, including minority rights and border security, transparently and constructively.
Another pressing issue for Bangladesh is the Rohingya crisis. The takeover of Myanmar’s Rakhine State by the Arakan Army has added a new layer of complexity to an already intractable problem.
Given these challenges, Bangladesh’s foreign policy leadership must adopt a multi-pronged approach: balancing immediate concerns like border security and refugee management with long-term goals such as fostering regional cooperation and securing international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis.
The year 2025 promises to be a consequential one for foreign relations, both globally and for Bangladesh. The rise of radicalism, escalating conflicts, and shifting geopolitical priorities will demand astute leadership and strategic vision. Bangladesh’s interim government, in particular, must navigate a delicate path-repairing strained ties with India, recalibrating its approach to the Rohingya crisis, and ensuring that the country’s foreign policy aligns with national interests in a rapidly changing world.
As the world braces for another year of uncertainty, it is imperative that nations prioritise dialogue, cooperation, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with foresight and commitment, they are not insurmountable. For Bangladesh and the global community, 2025 is a critical juncture-a time to reshape foreign relations for a more stable and inclusive future.