Sharmin Jyoti
Bangladesh is geared up to participate in the G-20 summit, where world leaders discussed crucial issues. This marks a pivotal moment for a nation that has been steadily growing economically and politically, aiming to play a more important role on the international stage. There are a number of reasons why Bangladesh might have received a summit invitation this year. First of all, South Asia’s main export market and trading partner is Bangladesh. The expanding economy of Bangladesh offers India enormous potential. Second, because Bangladesh is so near to the landlocked northeastern states of India, the country’s connection problems with that troubled region are greatly reduced. Additionally, Bangladesh continues to adhere to its “zero-tolerance” stance against terrorism, aiding India in quelling separatist aspirations in its northeast. Last but not least, Bangladesh serves as a key supporter of India’s Act because it is situated at the intersection of South and Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh connects South and Southeast Asia, two geographical areas that have grown significantly in importance in political and geopolitical calculations. The nation’s central location in the Bay of Bengal ensures its prominent positioning in regional and global commercial and trade activity. Due to Bangladesh’s advantageous location at the head of the Bay of Bengal, Dhaka serves as a bridge and mediator between different regions and rivalring powers. The nation’s proximity to strategically important trade routes and chokepoints in the Indo-Pacific region only increases its significance in the region.
As a sign of the nation’s growing importance to India, Bangladesh has been invited. To strengthen India’s standing in its neighborhood while it works to create a global agenda through the G20, Dhaka’s cooperation is crucial. Bangladesh may be able to strengthen its network of international economic cooperation by utilizing its relationship with India. Short-, medium-, and long-term economic rewards for Dhaka can be unlocked by engagement with traditional and non-traditional partners during the G20.
Despite previously taking a neutral stance on important geopolitical matters like the conflict between the Ukraine and Russia, Bangladesh can no longer afford to do so. The statement “Bangladesh is squeezed by great power politics” was made by Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. Particularly, securitization of food and energy is a result of global geopolitical crises like the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The effects of these changes have been felt by the Bangladeshi people, as seen by the galloping inflation that reached a record high of 9.69 percent in July. Given that India is already positioned to speak out for countries in the Global South, the combined advocacy of the two nations would offer strength in numbers and increase the likelihood that other G20 members will be persuaded to take the issues of Global South countries seriously.
By clearly articulating its vision for the future of the world and taking a stand in the current geopolitical climate, Bangladesh can achieve significant achievements at the G-20 conference. On a wide range of topics, cooperation is prioritized on the G20 agenda. Bangladesh possesses exceptional qualifications in the development of green energy, climate financing, robust economic growth, rapid SDG progress, technology transformation, digital public infrastructure, and women-led development.
Bangladesh’s participation in the G20 Summit could mark a turning point for the country and India. Bangladesh is getting ready to launch three significant infrastructure projects, one of which is a power plant with funding from India. In addition, Bangladesh and India will talk about how the Taka-Rupee exchange mechanism works, which will streamline trade and commercial links and strengthen bilateral relations. Additionally, the visit might include a discussion of Bangladesh and India’s connection problems and aid in streamlining other projects funded by India’s line of credit.
Three benefits could come to Bangladesh by attending the G20. First, the visit will strengthen connections between Bangladesh and India on a bilateral basis. Second, Bangladesh is likely to advance the interests of the Global South. Third, Bangladesh might develop relationships and link up with unconventional allies, thereby extending Bangladesh’s diplomatic reach. The G-20 summit might give Bangladesh the power it needs to strengthen its connections with established allies and extend cordial invitations to additional non-traditional allies. This is especially important because Dhaka wants to increase the number of its partners just as the nation is about to graduate from the status of a less developed country, stripping it of the rights it had previously.
The writer is student of BSS & MSS of Department of International relations, Rajshahi University
