‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy to prioritise national interests: Humaiun Kobir
Bangladesh must pursue a principled, pragmatic and national interest-centred foreign policy as geopolitical competition and global uncertainties continue to intensify, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said.
He made the remarks while speaking to participants of a course at the National Defence College (NDC) in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Sunday.
The state minister said Bangladesh’s foreign policy must respond to a rapidly changing global environment marked by growing geopolitical rivalry, emerging security challenges, economic vulnerabilities, technological transformation, climate change and transnational threats.
He stressed that the government’s “Bangladesh First” policy should not be interpreted as isolationism.
Rather, it means placing Bangladesh’s national interests at the centre of its diplomacy while protecting the country’s sovereignty and expanding partnerships on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, he said.
Kobir also called for greater regional connectivity, deeper economic integration and practical cooperation with neighbouring countries.
On Bangladesh’s relations with major global powers, he said ties with China, India, Japan, the United States and the European Union should be managed with balance and clarity, taking into account the distinct opportunities and challenges associated with each partner.
“Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy must be confident without being confrontational, open without being dependent, and pragmatic without compromising our national interests,” he said.
The state minister also underscored the importance of protecting the rights, dignity and welfare of Bangladeshi citizens living and working abroad.
His remarks come as Bangladesh seeks to navigate an increasingly complex international environment while safeguarding its economic and strategic interests and maintaining constructive relations with major powers and neighbouring countries.
