Dhaka carefully weighing options over joining security force for Gaza: Shafiqul

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said the interim government recognises the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force.

“We are also carefully considering the matter [on joining ISF],” he said on a facebook post.

As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, Bangladesh’s interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfillment of a number of principles.

Shafiqul outlined the preconditions set by the government:

1) The ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate

2) There must be a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza;

3) The responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians.

The Press Secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

"As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory,” Shafiqul Alam said.

Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803 which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza.

Shafiqul Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution.

He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council.