Tanbirul Islam is a geo-economic analyst based out of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He worked closely with the Nobel Peace Laureate and the current Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at the Yunus Centre, a think tank established by Yunus in 2006 to work on poverty alleviation and sustainability. Tanbirul possesses extensive expertise in politics, investment, social business, and microfinance. After a stint at Boston Consulting Group, he founded the TI Global Consultancy, where he now serves as an independent consultant.

The Indo-Pacific Policy talked with Tanbiul to understand Bangladesh’s policy in the Indo-Pacific region and its recent call for the revival of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

The Indo-Pacific Politics: Recently the SAARC has been in news for two reasons–first because of the narrative around its decline and the rise of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand–second because of a call for SAARC’s revival and it’s growth into a platform for resolving region’s pending bilateral issues. A two-day international conference concluded in Dhaka on September 3 providing a set of recommendations for strengthening SAARC. These recommendations include using SAARC Development Fund to develop infrastructures in the member states; formation of a South Asian Economic Union; SAARC Development Fund; SAARC Seed Bank; and establishment of South Asian University and South Asia Forum.

Bangladesh has supported the call for SAARC’s revival. What exactly does Bangladesh want to do with SAARC? 

Tanbirul Islam: Bangladesh has a clear intention to revive the SAARC. In fact, a strong regional organization is helpful for the smaller countries to advance their foreign policy goals. However, Bangladesh does not have the capacity to revive SAARC, given India’s unwillingness to revive it.

The Indo-Pacific Politics: Do you think Trump’s new policies have impacted South-Asia? How does Bangladesh perceive South-Asian geo-politics in 2025?

Tanbirul Islam: Off course, it has significant geopolitical impact on South Asia. It has created huge mistrust on the part of India and the South Asian balance of power is in pendulum. We should view [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi’s China trip as a result of Trump’s tariff.

The Indo-Pacific Politics: Do you see a wider shift in the scheme of things in the Indo-Pacific? How does Bangladesh perceive itself in the larger Indo-Pacific geo-politics?

Tanbirul Islam: I do not see a wider shift in US policies in the Indo-Pacific region yet. We have to wait and see how India negotiate with USA. Since Trump’s policy shifts very fast so I do not think it is time to comment on this issue. We have to see whether USA publishes any new strategic vision for the indo pacific or not. Most of Trump’s policies are transactional so we have to wait.

The Indo-Pacific Politics: How is Bangladesh impacted by Trump trade and tariffs?

Tanbirul Islam: Given our neighboring countries were imposed with high tariffs, Trump’s tariff should have a positive impact on Bangladesh.

The Indo-Pacific Politics: What are its major concerns and how’s it coping?

Tanbirul Islam: The tariff will increase price of goods and services at consumer level, implying that consumption will decrease at the end user level. To keep the consumption level high, extra tariff sharing would be necessary. As a result, exporters may see lessor profit. Even after that to keep the market competitive, Bangladesh may keep the strategic balance as well as increase incentives further towards exporters.