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Role of expatriates abroad and public diplomacy
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed writes for DOT
Public diplomacy is a part and parcel of foreign policy. Conceptually, foreign policy is that part of a state’s national policy which relates to the external environment. Prussian Statesman Prince Otto Von Bismarck therefore aptly observed, the extension of domestic policy is foreign policy. To be precise, a state’s foreign policy is the totality of its dealings with the external environment.
Broadly, the determinants of Bangladesh foreign policy are its Physical Geography and Geopolitics; The size, location and climate natural Resources and Raw Materials, Population, Economics. We may mention National Character and Morale, Leadership, Diplomacy as intangible elements.
Bangladesh foreign policy aims at promoting Self preservation and Economic advancement. Moreover the objective focuses safeguarding as well as augmenting national power, Ideology and National prestige.
The Foreign Policy Principles of Bangladesh are reflected in Article 25(1) and 25(2). The principles of the Foreign Policy of Bangladesh are stated to ensure respect for national sovereignty & territorial integrity. Bangladesh believes in the political independence of other states. This is in complete agreement with 2(4) of the UN charter. Article 25(1) of our constitution also reflects the principle on non interference in the internal affairs of other states.
For a better discussion of the topic it is necessary to discuss the Mujibnagar Government formed on 10 April 1971. The immediate tasks before the government was gaining support & diplomatic recognition of world community, working facilities for provisional government, restructuring of the war-torn economy, arranging shelters for the refugees. After independence, foreign policy of Bangladesh was aimed at meeting the immediate challenges i.e, rehabilitation of the refugees, re-orienting the social infrastructure and gaining support and recognition of the global community as a sovereign state. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also outlined fundamental objectives for preservation and consolidation of independence sovereignty and territorial integrity. Another is to attain economic progress in co-operation with other countries.
Expatriate is an ambassador in abroad. They can bring positive changes for their motherland. Expatriates living in abroad have their common interest and community bondage. They can help us in many ways like oversea scheme, economic plan, aid giving plan, humanitarian plan and policies and multi-sector conflicts may be settled.
Through this, a sound public diplomacy may be developed. So diplomatic forum by the community expatriates living in abroad may be formed aiming at the betterment of individual expatriate and as well the country. In this regard, there should not arise any dispute or differences in opinion. It one BNP minded follower and one Awami League minded expatriate sit together, exchange and share the problems with their consensus and good collaboration will carry forward the goodwill. It is expecting that it will bring good result and through this our reputation will be enhanced, country’s image will be built-up.
Our foreign ministry may attend to foster and open up an avenue for smooth function of public diplomacy by the expatriates in aboard. If the concerned ministry takes up the responsibility, it will widen the gap of many external and internal activities of bilateral projects and scheme taken by government.
The writer is a former Deputy Director General and Commandant, Ansar VDP Academy.