Who We Are

The Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) is an independent, non-partisan think tank dedicated to advancing research, dialogue, and policy solutions that contribute to Bangladesh’s national development, security, and strategic interests. Guided by its founding principle “Bangladesh First” FSDS seeks to foster informed discussions and collaborative action to strengthen national integration, democratic governance, and sustainable progress.

Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, making it a strategically significant nation in an increasingly interconnected world. As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, Bangladesh's role in regional cooperation, economic integration, maritime security, and international diplomacy has become more important than ever. FSDS recognizes these realities and is committed to generating research-based policy recommendations that support Bangladesh’s long-term national interests and strategic autonomy.

The Foundation focuses on a broad range of issues, including national security, foreign policy, defense and strategic affairs, civil-military relations, governance, economic development, climate security, regional cooperation, and emerging geopolitical challenges. Through rigorous research, policy analysis, surveys, publications, and dialogue platforms, FSDS aims to identify opportunities, address challenges, and provide practical policy options for decision-makers and stakeholders. The Foundation also promotes the principles of good governance, democratic resilience, human dignity, and the rule of law as essential pillars of a secure, prosperous, and resilient Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s strategic location, growing economic importance, and active participation in international institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and various regional platforms have expanded its global relevance. At the same time, the country faces significant domestic and regional challenges, including humanitarian crises, climate-related vulnerabilities, political instability, transnational threats, and evolving security concerns. FSDS believes that addressing these challenges requires informed leadership, inclusive dialogue, and evidence-based policymaking.

As a platform for intellectual engagement, FSDS brings together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, defense professionals, journalists, civil society leaders, private-sector stakeholders, and young researchers. By encouraging constructive debate and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Foundation seeks to cultivate innovative ideas and practical solutions to the challenges of the ‘twenty-first century’.

FSDS aspires to become a leading center of excellence in strategic and development studies, contributing to a stronger, more secure, and globally engaged Bangladesh. Through research, dialogue, and collaboration, we remain committed to our guiding vision: placing the highest priority on Bangladesh’s national interest - ‘Bangladesh First’.

Over the past fifteen years, FSDS has built a reputation for intellectual independence, methodological rigour, and genuine policy impact.