Foreign relations of Bangladesh facts for kids
The foreign relations of Bangladesh are about how the government of Bangladesh works and gets along with other countries around the world. Since it became independent in 1971, Bangladesh has always tried to be friends with all nations and not make enemies. It is part of the Non-Aligned Movement, which means it doesn't pick sides with big powerful countries. After the Cold War ended, Bangladesh started focusing more on building good relationships with its neighbours. It also has strong ties with other Muslim countries. Bangladesh does not officially recognise Israel.
How Bangladesh Connects with Other Countries
Myanmar
Myanmar is Bangladesh's neighbour to the east. Generally, Bangladesh and Myanmar have good relations. However, there have been some disagreements between the two countries. These issues include border disputes and the presence of many Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh. These refugees came from Myanmar, which is mostly Buddhist.
In the past, over 270,000 Rohingya refugees were in Bangladesh. With help from the UNHCR, most of them have now returned to Myanmar. By the year 2000, about 22,000 refugees were still living in camps in southern Bangladesh.
At a meeting in Singapore in 2008, Bangladesh and Myanmar promised to quickly solve their sea border disagreements. This was important because a United Nations deadline for claiming sea territories was approaching. Both countries also talked about building a road to connect them. This road would help increase trade and business. The plan was to build a 25-kilometre highway, which would take about three years and cost around $20 million. This highway would also connect to the Asian Superhighway, linking both countries to China.
England
The relationship between Bangladesh and England has a long history. The English began their rule in British India from the area that is now Bangladesh, known as Bengal. Today, Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth, which it joined in 1972. There is also a large community of Bengali-speaking people living in Great Britain.
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