States have to locate themselves ideologically and strategically in the international community. In Bangladesh's case, its foreign policy changes dramatically with the change of the government. The ruling party's interest and ideology determine the country's foreign policy.

The foreign policy adopted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, for example, was drastically changed by the subsequent military regimes. In spite of the restoration of democracy in the 1990s, the successive governments have failed to adopt a stable foreign policy. In the ever-changing environment of the world politics, Bangladesh should pursue a policy that leverages its strategic position as the major world powers are gradually shifting their focus to South Asia. 

Samartha Goldar, By e-mail