On first day, new foreign minister harks back to late President Zia’s foreign policy

Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said his office wants to get back to the foreign policy of late President Ziaur Rahman, which he said was very positive and expansive.

He stressed that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests.

“Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs.

The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors.

He urged the media to keep eyes on them, noting that they want to demonstrate accountability.

Dr Khalilur said it is very important to communicate and they will continue to remain engaged with the media as their activities will be people-centric.

Dr Rahman announced that “Bangladesh First” would serve as the central organizing principle of the country’s foreign policy.

Under this framework, he said, Dhaka will seek respectful, mutually beneficial relations with all nations, particularly its neighbors, grounded in sovereign equality and shared interests.

“Bangladesh First will be the core philosophy of our foreign policy,” he said. “We aim to maintain good relations with all countries, especially our neighbors, based on respect and mutual benefit.”

On his first day in office, the minister described a comprehensive reassessment of Bangladesh’s external engagement, anchored in sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and honor, and reciprocity.

He underscored that these five principles would guide diplomatic conduct going forward. “We will protect our national interest to the fullest extent.”

Responding to a question on regional stability, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh seeks to reclaim a confident and proactive diplomatic posture, recalling the foundations laid in the country’s early years.

He referenced Bangladesh’s successful bid for a seat on the UN Security Council soon after gaining membership in the United Nations, as well as its role in establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to strengthen regional connectivity.

“We seek to restore that confident, expanded and forward-looking diplomatic posture,” he said.

“Our foreign policy will be firmly centered on national interest. By carefully safeguarding our priorities, we will conduct responsible and courageous diplomacy.”

Acknowledging the complexity of the task ahead, the Minister described the responsibility as both challenging and meaningful.

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

On relations with neighboring countries, Dr Rahman reiterated the government’s commitment to balanced and pragmatic engagement. Where complexities or stagnation exist, he said, efforts will continue to resolve obstacles and normalize ties.

“Our foreign policy will be guided exclusively by national interest,” he added. “It will not be shaped by personal or partisan considerations.”

Regarding potential bilateral visits, the minister said it was premature to announce specific destinations. Invitations have been received from various countries, and decisions will be communicated in due course.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Dr Rahman affirmed that the government’s focus would intensify.

He said during the interim period Bangladesh maintained communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, and that such engagement would continue.

“Our focus on the Rohingya issue will not diminish, in fact, it will be strengthened,” he said. “We seek a swift, realistic, and sustainable resolution.”

He concluded by assuring that the ministry would provide regular updates and uphold accountability in its conduct.

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended congratulations to newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur.

Wang Yi, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed his intent to work with Foreign Minister Rahman to jointly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and advance the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.

Dr Jaishanker said he looks forward to working together with Foreign Minister Rahman to advance cooperation between Bangladesh and India for mutual progress and prosperity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister served as Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs and National Security Adviser during the interim government’s period.

He joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977.

Dr Khalilur served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York.

In 1991, he joined the United Nations secretariat as a Special Adviser and served in different senior UN positions during the next 25 years.

In November 2024, he was appointed as the High Representative with the status and privileges of an Adviser.

Dr Khalilur stood first class first in MA examinations in Economics at Dhaka University in 1977. During 1980-83, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and earned the degrees of MA in Law and Diplomacy and PhD in Economics.