Former Serbian President Boris Tadić has highlighted that Bangladesh is confronting multiple challenges, primarily stemming from its neighbouring countries. Speaking on Sunday at the ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025’ in Dhaka’s Sonargaon Hotel, Tadić urged Bangladesh to carefully navigate its regional relationships. The event, hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies, is a three-day conference that began on Saturday.
Tadić stressed the strategic importance of working closely with India, calling it “a critical but demanding task”. He added, “India is a complex, large nation and is expected to emerge as one of the world’s major powers within the next ten years.”
Comparing India’s rise with China, he remarked, “In the 1990s, China was largely unnoticed by the West. Today, China is an inevitable global power capable of competing with the United States. India is following a similar path.”
Tadić also addressed Bangladesh’s growing ties with ASEAN nations. He suggested that strategic partnerships should not be based solely on population or markets but also on geopolitical considerations. “The maritime region is surrounded by ASEAN nations, forming corridors crucial for trade not only for Bangladesh but also for India, China, and Japan. Fostering strong alliances with these countries will be vital for Bangladesh’s future security and prosperity,” he said.
Experts observing the conference noted that Tadić’s remarks underline the importance of proactive diplomacy for Bangladesh. By balancing relationships with both regional neighbours and emerging global powers, the country can better navigate economic, political, and security challenges in an increasingly competitive international environment.