Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embarked on her first foreign visit since her record fifth term and fourth consecutive term in office. On February 15, she is heading to Germany to attend the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024, the most prestigious and influential forum for security and foreign policy in the world. The conference will take place from February 16 to 18, 2024, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany.
Sheikh Hasina is joining the conference at the exclusive invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is also the host of the MSC 2024. She will also hold several bilateral and multilateral meetings with other prominent leaders and stakeholders during her three-day official visit.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany for the MSC 2024 is of immense significance, as it reflects and reinforces Bangladesh’s growing role and image in global security, as well as its remarkable achievements and aspirations in the development arena.
The invitation from Chancellor Scholz is also a clear indication of the acceptance and recognition of the newly elected government of Bangladesh, which came to power through the 12th parliamentary election. Earlier, Chancellor Scholz congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her re-election and said: “Allow me to congratulate you on taking office once again as prime minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh”. He also expressed his interest in further strengthening the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
The MSC 2024 is considered the most important international forum for security and foreign policy, where senior decision-makers and thought leaders from around the world gather to discuss the most pressing security challenges and potential solutions. The MSC 2024 will also mark the 60th anniversary of the conference, which was founded in the fall of 1963 by Ewald von Kleist, a German politician and former Wehrmacht officer who was involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler.
The MSC 2024 will focus on strengthening the rules-based international order and engaging an inclusive coalition to tackle revisionist tendencies and actions around the world. Some of the crucial topics that will be addressed at the MSC 2024 include:
- Europe’s role in security and defense, especially in light of the recent tensions with Russia over Ukraine and the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
- New visions of the global order, such as the Indo-Pacific concept, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Quad alliance, and their implications for regional and global stability and cooperation.
- The security implications of climate change, such as the increased risks of natural disasters, conflicts, migration, and pandemics, and the need for collective action and adaptation.
- The challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cyberwarfare, and their impact on warfare, deterrence, and governance.
- The future of multilateralism and global governance, such as the reform of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization, and the role of non-state actors, such as civil society, private sector, and media.
The significance of Sheikh Hasina’s visit
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany for the MSC 2024 carries immense weight for several reasons. First and foremost, the invitation holds a profound sense of honor and recognition, as Bangladesh stands as the only representative among South Asian nations to partake in the MSC 2024. This exclusive recognition underscores Bangladesh’s growing significance in both regional and global economics and politics. The invitation also reflects the adept foreign policy dynamics orchestrated by the Sheikh Hasina administration, which has successfully projected Bangladesh as a responsible and constructive actor in the international arena.
Secondly, Sheikh Hasina’s visit presents a momentous opportunity to deepen the already strong ties between Bangladesh and Germany, as well as Bangladesh and other key partners. The ties between Bangladesh and Germany run deep, dating back to the early years of Bangladesh’s independence, when Germany was one of the first countries to recognize and support Bangladesh. Since then, Germany has been a reliable friend and partner of Bangladesh, providing development assistance, trade and investment, education and cultural exchange, and political support. Germany is also the largest trading partner of Bangladesh in the European Union and the second-largest export destination for Bangladeshi products. Sheikh Hasina’s visit will provide a platform to explore new avenues of cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, especially in the areas of green economy, renewable energy, climate action, and innovation.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit will also enable her to interact with other prominent leaders and stakeholders from various countries and organizations and to exchange views and perspectives on current and emerging security issues. Sheikh Hasina will also have the opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s achievements and aspirations and to highlight its contributions and commitments to global peace and security.
During her visit, the PM will participate in the meeting with:
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will open the MSC 2024 with a keynote speech.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will host the MSC 2024 and award the Ewald von Kleist Prize to a distinguished personality for their outstanding contribution to international peace and security.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will seek international support for his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the escalating crisis with Russia.
- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in a courtesy call to discuss the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to share her experience and expertise in green transition and sustainable development.
- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to explore the potential for cooperation in water management, agriculture, and trade.
- World Bank Senior Managing Director Axel Van Trotsenburg to discuss the development partnership and financing for Bangladesh.
In addition, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also participate in a panel discussion on ‘From Pocket to Planet: Scaling up Climate Finance,’ where she will share her insights and recommendations on how to mobilize and allocate adequate and effective financial resources to address the climate crisis. Moreover, the Bangladeshi community in Germany will host a reception for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where she will interact with and appreciate the diaspora for their role in promoting the image and interests of Bangladesh abroad.
The expected outcomes and impacts
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany for the MSC 2024 is expected to yield positive outcomes and impacts for Bangladesh, both in the short and long term. Some of the expected outcomes and impacts include:
- Enhancing Bangladesh’s image and reputation as a credible and influential actor in the global security landscape, and as a development success story and a role model for other developing countries.
- Strengthening Bangladesh’s relations and cooperation with Germany and other key partners, and expanding the scope and depth of the bilateral and multilateral engagements on various issues of common interest and concern.
- Securing Bangladesh’s interests and priorities in the international security agenda, and advocating for a more inclusive, equitable, and effective global governance system.
- Learning from the best practices and experiences of other countries and organizations, and adopting innovative and pragmatic solutions to the security challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh and the world.
- Inspiring and empowering the Bangladeshi people, especially the youth, to take pride in their country’s achievements and aspirations, and to contribute to its further progress and prosperity.
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Germany for the MSC 2024 is a historic and momentous occasion for Bangladesh, which will have far-reaching implications for its security and development. It is also a testament to the visionary and dynamic leadership of Sheikh Hasina, who has transformed Bangladesh from a ‘basket case’ to a ‘development miracle,’ and from a ‘peripheral player’ to a ‘central actor’ in the international arena.
