‘Bangladesh First’ to guide foreign policy: FM

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday declared that “Bangladesh First” will anchor the country’s foreign policy, stressing that Dhaka seeks to maintain good relations with all nations, particularly its neighbours, based on respect and mutual benefit.

“Bangladesh First will be the core philosophy of our foreign policy … we want to maintain good relations with all countries, especially our neighbors. Our goal is to maintain respectful and mutually beneficial relations with everyone,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma here this evening.

As his first day at the office, the newly appointed foreign minister outlined a national interest-driven diplomatic approach anchored in sovereign equality, mutual respect and responsible engagement with the international community.

Dr Rahman said the government has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of Bangladesh’s foreign policy establishing a clear guiding principle—“Bangladesh First.”

“The Honorable Prime Minister (Tarique Rahman) has repeatedly stated in his speeches that Bangladesh First will be the core philosophy of our foreign policy,” he added. 

He emphasized that the policy framework would stand on five key principles: sovereign equality, respect for each other’s independence, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and honor, and mutual benefit. 

“We will protect our national interest to the very last extent,” he added.

Proactive diplomacy

Responding to a question on regional stability, the foreign minister said Bangladesh seeks to return to a confident and proactive foreign policy posture, recalling the foundations laid by martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

He noted that shortly after gaining United Nations membership, Bangladesh successfully contested a seat at the UN Security Council and played a pivotal role in establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to enhance regional connectivity.

“We seek to restore that confident, expanded and positive diplomatic posture,” he said, adding, “Our foreign policy will be entirely centered on national interest. By safeguarding and carefully considering our interests, we will conduct responsible and courageous diplomacy.” 

Dr Rahman said although the responsibilities ahead are challenging, they are equally meaningful.

“Our goal is to build a foreign policy that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” he said, pledging to implement a responsible and courageous diplomatic strategy grounded in national interest and constructive global engagement.

Relations with neighbours

On ties with neighboring countries, Dr Rahman reiterated the government’s commitment to balanced and constructive engagement.

“We want to maintain good relations with all countries, especially our neighbors. Our goal is to maintain respectful and mutually beneficial relations with everyone,” he said.

If there are any complexities or stagnation in relationships, efforts will continue to remove those obstacles and normalize ties, he added.

“Our foreign policy will be national interest-driven and fully responsible. We will work solely in the interest of the state, not based on any personal or partisan considerations,” he said.