'Bangladesh First' to guide decision on joining any pact: Shama Obaed

Bangladesh's national interest and the interests of its people will determine whether the country joins any pact or multilateral framework, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said today (22 August), reiterating the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy.

"Whether we join any pact or any multilateral body will be decided primarily on whether Bangladesh's interests and the interests of the Bangladeshi people are protected," she told reporters in response to a question about Bangladesh's possible involvement in a framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.

Some foreign media recently reported that Dhaka has a positive approach towards joining an economic or defence framework involving the three countries.

Shama said Bangladesh would make such decisions independently and dismissed reports in Indian or Pakistani media as irrelevant to the government's decision-making.

"If the Bangladesh government takes any such decision, you – the Bangladeshi media – will be the first to know. So why should what is appearing in the Pakistani or Indian media be our consideration?" she said.

The state minister said three new wings had been opened at the ministry and that the government was working to address migration issues, including irregular migration, through several inter-ministerial focal-point groups.

Shama said the ministry would face a particularly busy period as Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman prepares to take on responsibilities as the president of the UN General Assembly.

She also welcomed the appointment of Humaiun Kobir as state minister for foreign affairs, citing his previous experience as a foreign affairs adviser and his work on foreign policy while in opposition.

"We believe that if we work well as a team, our multilateral activities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will certainly move forward with greater momentum," she added.