Bangladesh is as independent as any other sovereign nation in the world. In fact, It is rather foolish if someone seriously expresses doubts (I know, Nilgiri did not) about its commitment to have a coherent foreign policy that suits its interest better. Bangladesh being a comparatively newer Nation has done extremely well compared to other tiny republics around the world. It did not let itself fall into the hands of radical Islamist factions though the Universal trend is really worrying, it has perfectly maintained a balance between the two bigger neighbors in terms of infrastructure building projects in the country. The Chinese are investing billions in deep sea ports and rail roads. Whereas Indians are prominently visible in its telecom and power sector.
Looking at India's own record as having a neutral foreign policy, Bangladesh is a bit ahead. Remember during the 50's India was a champion candidate of Non-alliance Movement and yet we failed to condemn the rolling of Soviet Tanks in Budapest. But we did not waste much time to criticize the Anglo-French invasion of Egypt when Abdel Nasser nationalized Suez Canal Company. Such inconsistent commitment to a unbiased and neutral foreign policy gravely undermined India's own credibility as a champion of sovereignty and integrity of newly born, smaller nations across the world. But still today we see ourselves as a scrupulous country having a self-reliant foreign policy. Which is also wrong to some degree.
Foreign policy of Bangladesh, country which is surrounded on three sides by India is bound to be influenced by India's interests to some extent. That given, it has perfectly maintained its prestige as a sovereign nation notwithstanding what the obscurantist fringes regularly accuses it to be.
Looking at India's own record as having a neutral foreign policy, Bangladesh is a bit ahead. Remember during the 50's India was a champion candidate of Non-alliance Movement and yet we failed to condemn the rolling of Soviet Tanks in Budapest. But we did not waste much time to criticize the Anglo-French invasion of Egypt when Abdel Nasser nationalized Suez Canal Company. Such inconsistent commitment to a unbiased and neutral foreign policy gravely undermined India's own credibility as a champion of sovereignty and integrity of newly born, smaller nations across the world. But still today we see ourselves as a scrupulous country having a self-reliant foreign policy. Which is also wrong to some degree.
Foreign policy of Bangladesh, country which is surrounded on three sides by India is bound to be influenced by India's interests to some extent. That given, it has perfectly maintained its prestige as a sovereign nation notwithstanding what the obscurantist fringes regularly accuses it to be.