Foreign Minister signals return to Zia’s foreign policy

Diplomatic Correspondent :

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has indicated that Bangladesh’s foreign policy under the new government will draw inspiration from the doctrine shaped by late President Ziaur Rahman, stressing sovereignty, regional connectivity and diversified global engagement.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Bala Nand Sharma, at the State Guest House Padma on Wednesday evening he came up with the statement while talking to the journalists.

The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid. Foreign Minister said the government aims to return to what he described as a “positively expanded” foreign policy vision pursued during Ziaur Rahman’s tenure.

“In many ways, we are going back to the foreign policy orientation of President Ziaur Rahman,” he said, recalling what he termed three bold diplomatic milestones of that era: Bangladesh’s entry into the United Nations in 1974, its subsequent election to the United Nations Security Council within four years, and the initiative to establish the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

He noted that SAARC was conceived at a time when South Asia was considered one of the least connected regions in the world.

“He spoke of connectivity when the region was largely disconnected,” the minister said, adding that Bangladesh now seeks to revive that outward-looking and regionally engaged approach.

Reaffirming the government’s core diplomatic principle of “Bangladesh First,” Rahman said national interest would remain the guiding standard in all foreign engagements.

He outlined key principles including sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect, national dignity and mutual benefit.

“There is no question of one-sided arrangements. We will safeguard our interests carefully and clearly. That is our red line,” he said.

On regional stability, the foreign minister underscored the importance of constructive engagement with all neighbors.

Referring to the Rohingya crisis, he said Bangladesh’s diplomatic efforts would intensify rather than diminish.
He confirmed that during the interim period, contacts had been maintained with Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army, and those channels would remain open in pursuit of a sustainable solution.

Rahman also emphasized the role of responsible media in foreign affairs reporting, calling foreign policy a serious matter requiring objectivity and informed debate.

He assured regular briefings and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability.
Seventeen years on, he said, Bangladesh’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of its people while maintaining balanced relations globally.

State Minister Shama Obaid also spoke about the challenges and opportunities ahead in country’s foreign policy.
She said, “Our foreign policy will reflect the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. It’s about maintaining strong relationships with all nations while safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to change after seventy years of independence, and that change will reflect the desires of our people.”
The meeting underscored Bangladesh’s proactive stance in both regional and global diplomacy, with a clear emphasis on protecting its national interests and fostering international cooperation.