Published: 11:56 PM, 12 September 2026
Diplomatic Form Over Strategic Substance: Why Dhaka Cannot Afford to Sit Out the BRICS Summit
Bernard Priyam
Statecraft in an increasingly volatile multipolar world requires a sharp distinction between symbolic protocol and tangible national interest. Dhaka’s recent decision to decline participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi—citing a protocol mismatch in how the invitation was framed—raises serious questions about the strategic orientation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs grounded its refusal on the premise that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman was invited as the rotating Chair of BIMSTEC rather than directly as the head of government of Bangladesh. While preserving formal diplomatic dignity is a legitimate concern of sovereign statecraft, elevating institutional etiquette over geopolitical presence risks sacrificing long-term economic dividends at a critical historical juncture.
BRICS has evolved far beyond its origins as an informal economic grouping. Expanding across the Global South to incorporate major energy producers and emerging economic powerhouses, the bloc has established itself as an indispensable platform for development finance, trade diversification, and international institutional reform. Having formally joined the BRICS-backed New Development Bank (NDB) in 2021, Bangladesh already possesses an active stake in this evolving financial architecture. To voluntarily withdraw from the bloc’s political-level deliberations over a phrasing dispute creates a paradoxical disconnect between our economic commitments and our diplomatic engagement.
Beyond the formal agenda of summit plenaries, the primary currency of high-level multilateral diplomacy lies in "sideline diplomacy." The gathering in New Delhi presented an extraordinary venue—all under a single roof—to conduct high-impact, bilateral conversations with key global actors, including China, India, Russia, and emerging Gulf economies. Crucial national imperatives—ranging from securing infrastructure finance and energy supplies to expanding export markets and seeking international coordination on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis—require continuous, face-to-face engagement at the highest level.
Furthermore, framing the invitation through the lens of the BIMSTEC chairmanship could have been leveraged as a strategic asset rather than an institutional slight. As the Chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh had a unique platform to project itself as a vital economic bridge between South and Southeast Asia, elevating the Bay of Bengal region within global economic discourse.
Bangladesh should actively pursue stronger engagement with BRICS and seek full participation in its summit and related activities, as the changing global economic and political landscape demands a more diversified foreign policy. Greater involvement with BRICS could create new opportunities for Bangladesh in trade, investment, technology, development financing and international diplomacy.
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded its membership and influence in recent years. The group represents a significant share of the world's population and economy. Its growing importance makes it an increasingly relevant platform for developing countries seeking greater representation in global decision-making.
For Bangladesh, participation in the BRICS Summit would be strategically valuable. The country has a rapidly growing economy and maintains extensive trade relations with several BRICS members. China and India, in particular, are major economic partners. Stronger engagement with the BRICS framework could help Bangladesh expand export markets, attract foreign investment and strengthen economic cooperation.
Bangladesh also needs greater access to development finance. BRICS-associated financial institutions, particularly the New Development Bank, offer an alternative source of funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. Cooperation in areas such as transport, renewable energy, digital technology and climate resilience could support Bangladesh's long-term development goals.
Another important benefit would be diplomatic. Bangladesh follows a policy of friendship with all and hostility toward none. Joining or deepening engagement with BRICS would not mean abandoning existing relationships with Western countries, Japan, South Korea or other international partners. Instead, it could strengthen Bangladesh's ability to maintain a balanced and independent foreign policy.
The BRICS platform could also provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to raise issues that are particularly important to developing nations. Climate change, food security, energy security, fair trade, technology transfer and reform of international financial institutions are all areas where Bangladesh has legitimate interests. As a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh needs stronger international cooperation and financial support to address the effects of global warming.
However, Bangladesh must approach BRICS membership carefully. Economic and diplomatic benefits should be assessed alongside potential geopolitical complications. Bangladesh should avoid allowing its engagement with one group to damage relations with any other major partner. A pragmatic, issue-based approach would therefore be the best strategy.
The government should intensify diplomatic consultations with existing BRICS members and clearly communicate Bangladesh's economic priorities. It should also prepare a comprehensive strategy outlining what the country can contribute to the grouping and what benefits it expects to receive. The BRICS Summit should not be viewed merely as a political gathering. For Bangladesh, it can be an important gateway to wider economic cooperation, new investment opportunities and a stronger voice for developing countries.
Therefore, Bangladesh must seek a meaningful role in BRICS. In an increasingly multipolar world, active participation in emerging international platforms can help protect national interests, expand economic opportunities and strengthen Bangladesh's position on the global stage.
In modern diplomacy, presence is itself a powerful statement. Standing outside the room when key economic partners assemble sends an unintended signal of hesitation to both regional neighbors and global investors. As global power dynamics undergo profound shifts, a mature, forward-looking foreign policy must prioritize strategic maneuverability and economic opportunity over rigid procedural grievances. Opportunity in international relations is rarely static; when a door is open, the wiser choice is always to step inside.
Bernard Priyam is a freelancer
and a columnist.
