Bangladesh will pursue a bold, responsible and interest-driven foreign policy while maintaining constructive relations with all countries, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said yesterday.
“BNP-led government’s diplomatic doctrine would be guided by the principle of ‘Bangladesh First’. We will conduct our activities relating to foreign affairs by fully protecting our interests,” he said, speaking to journalists at the State Guest House Padma.
“The government aims to revive the assertive diplomatic posture pursued under former president Ziaur Rahman,” he said, noting that Bangladesh had successfully contested and won election to the UN Security Council during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure, defeating a strong contender like Japan. He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s role in founding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and promoting regional and global peace.
“We want to return to that position. Bangladesh does not always play its role according to its weight. You will see a bold and responsible foreign policy,” he added, outlining sovereign equality, respect for independence, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and mutual benefit as the cornerstones of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. He stressed the country would avoid one-sided arrangements in its external engagements.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for entrusting him with the role, the foreign minister described the position as both a continuation of his 46-year career and a serious national responsibility.
Addressing questions on strained ties with India following the July uprising, Khalilur reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining positive relations with all countries while firmly protecting national interests. On the Rohingya crisis, he said Bangladesh’s engagement would intensify rather than diminish.
Khalilur Rahman added that the interim government had established contact with both the Arakan Army and Myanmar authorities, and those channels would remain open in pursuit of an early resolution. “We will try to find a prompt solution to this problem. I am hopeful,” he said.
Responding to concerns over his appointment following his role as national security adviser during the interim administration that oversaw the February 12 election, Khalilur dismissed allegations of impropriety. “Many people talk about election engineering. Then count again; it is not difficult to understand,” he said, adding that differing perceptions about his role had evolved over time.
He also said it was too early to determine which country would be the prime minister’s first official foreign destination. Describing the media as an essential partner in conveying Bangladesh’s diplomatic stance, the foreign minister cautioned journalists against speculation, noting that “an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, who was also present at the briefing, acknowledged her new role would be both challenging and engaging, and affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
“BNP’s position is that we will protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining good relations with all countries,” she said, adding that diplomacy would be conducted in a manner necessary to safeguard national interests.