Govt returning to Ziaur Rahman’s foreign policy approach: Foreign Minister
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Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said the government is essentially returning to the foreign policy approach of former President Ziaur Rahman, signalling what he described as a more responsible and interest-driven diplomatic course.
Speaking about the direction of Bangladesh’s external engagement, Dr Rahman said the policy framework the government intends to follow reflects the principles introduced during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure.
“We are essentially going back to President Ziaur Rahman’s foreign policy,” he said, adding that this had been the party’s position since the period of the interim government.
The minister made the remarks while talking to journalists after ending meeting with the Nepal foreign minister Bala Nanda Sharma at state guest house Padma this evening.
The Foreign Minister stressed that national interest would remain the central pillar of Bangladesh’s diplomacy.
“Bangladesh comes first. We will conduct our foreign policy by fully safeguarding our interests,” he said.
He noted that national dignity, mutual benefit and the protection of sovereignty would guide all diplomatic efforts.
According to him, the government aims to maintain balanced and constructive relations with all countries while ensuring that Bangladesh’s strategic and economic priorities are protected.
Dr Rahman also said the Rohingya issue would continue to receive strong attention, with efforts underway to maintain communication with Arakan to seek a swift resolution to the crisis.
He urged collective responsibility in foreign affairs and called for vigilance against misinformation, saying diplomacy should not become “a factory of rumours” but a transparent process serving the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, Shama Obaed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh will maintain external relations by safeguarding country's interest.
