Nat’l interest first: PM

Bangladesh will put its national interests and sovereignty at the centre of its engagement with regional and global partners while pursuing deeper cooperation based on dialogue, equality and mutual respect, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Saturday.

“Bangladesh believes in dialogue, partnership and mutual respect. But our national interests and sovereignty will come first,” he said while opening the three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026 in Dhaka.

The prime minister said Bangladesh wanted to turn its strategic position in the Bay of Bengal into greater economic opportunities through stronger regional and international cooperation in trade, energy, technology, climate and maritime affairs.

He said his government, which has a five-year mandate, was moving from commitments to implementation, with economic stability, policy continuity and institutional reform among its priorities.

“Peace and harmony are the foundation of shared prosperity and development,” Tarique said, adding that Bangladesh was ready to help countries around the Bay of Bengal “grow together” and secure mutual and reciprocal benefits.

Describing the Bay of Bengal as a major pillar of Bangladesh’s future economic potential, he highlighted the country’s strategic location, ports, waterways and coastal economy.

These assets, he said, could strengthen Bangladesh’s links with the wider world through shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional supply chains.

“Regionally, our shared geography should become a shared prosperity,” he said.

The prime minister called for greater bilateral and multilateral engagement, saying cooperation could open new markets and create opportunities for young people.

“We can build stronger cooperation based on equality, fairness and justice,” he said.

Rohingya crisis On the Rohingya issue, Tarique said Bangladesh continued to host around 1.2 million refugees and remained committed to their swift, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.

He called for sustained political support and international financing, stressing that a lasting solution required addressing the root causes of the crisis inside Myanmar.
“It started in Myanmar and must end in Myanmar,” he said.

Tarique also said the government was working to make Bangladesh a more attractive investment destination and a strong production hub, with policy certainty and continuity intended to provide investors with greater confidence.

Outlining its social protection plans, he said the Family Card would initially provide financial assistance to mothers from the poorest and most marginalised households.

The Farmers Card would connect farmers with incentives, services and markets, while the Health Card would facilitate access to healthcare. Eventually, a Universal Card would bring government services under one umbrella.

The government also plans to recruit 100,000 health workers, around 80 per cent of them women, to provide primary care, advice and referral services at grassroots level, with particular attention to maternal and child health.

On education, Tarique said learning should prepare students for life rather than focus solely on certificates.

The government plans to promote culture, sports, values and ethics in the curriculum, introduce third-language learning and expand technical and vocational education.

It also plans free uniforms, schoolbags, midday meals and stipends from the first grade, along with free education for girls up to graduate level.

Calling young people a key driver of development, he said the government would focus on language skills, employment, technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and start-ups.

“We want our young people to compete on the global stage and transform brain drain into brain circulation,” he said.

On agriculture, he said farmers’ access to technology, irrigation, finance and markets was being expanded, alongside support for fisheries, livestock and rural entrepreneurs. “A strong rural economy can build a strong Bangladesh,” he said.

For water security, the government plans to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and waterways over the next five years.

The Padma Barrage project is being advanced and a master plan for the Teesta is being prepared.

Tarique also said 250 million trees would be planted over five years, while Bangladesh was expanding solar power, promoting recycling and supporting green factories.

He said 53 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories were now in Bangladesh.

On governance, he said stronger institutions, transparency and accountability were essential for development.

“Human rights, democratic values and freedom of expression must be protected,” he said, adding that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens and state institutions must remain accountable to the people.

The BOBC 2026 is being held from October 3 to 5 under the theme “Fragments, Frontiers and Futures: Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten.”

The event brings together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, researchers, technologists and other participants from more than 100 countries.

Its five thematic areas cover geopolitics and security, artificial intelligence, cyberspace and information power, trade and connectivity, and climate, resilience and human security.