Bangladesh's foreign policy enters new phase raising country's global visibility: Humaiun Kobir

Highlights:

• Bangladesh's foreign policy enters a new phase, says Humaiun Kobir
• Govt to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations
• Foreign policy strategic framework established over past six months
• Kobir says Bangladesh's global visibility and influence will be raised
• Bangladesh has expressed interest in Mecca Defence Pact
• Kobir rejects questions over his Bangladeshi identity and citizenship

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today (24 August) said Bangladesh's foreign policy has entered a new phase, with the government now focusing on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations and raising the country's global visibility and influence.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his first working day as the state minister, Humaiun said the new responsibility is a continuation of the work he was doing as the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs.

"It is not the first day of work as such. Work is about continuity," he said, adding that the new assignment requires the government to "hit the ball… ground running."

He said a strategic framework for Bangladesh's foreign policy has been established over the past six months and that the government would now begin rolling out engagements based on that foundation.

"Over the last six months, we have established a strategic framework for our foreign policy. It has a strong, solid foundation now," Kobir said.

"From that, now we will roll out our engagements. And we will… build our relations, bilateral relations, multilateral relations from a position of strength."

He said the government would now focus on putting substantive content into Bangladesh's bilateral relationships and hoped to take the country's "visibility, influence… to great new heights."

Kobir said he is already familiar with senior officials at the foreign ministry, having worked with them over the past six months.

"The assignment is new, but it is an assignment that is an extension of further work in the sphere that I have already been working in," he said.

Expressing confidence in the ministry and its officials, he said, "Together… we can take Bangladesh, Insha'Allah, into a new horizon."

He said Bangladesh should be recognised as a country with strong soft, medium and other forms of power and influence.

'I am Bangladeshi'

Asked about reports and social media discussions concerning his British citizenship and whether he had renounced it before assuming the state ministerial position, Kobir responded sharply. "I am Bangladeshi," he said.

"Here, Bangladesh… Bangladeshi… I don't think there is anybody that will question my Bangladeshism and my stand."

Responding to questions about social media reports, he added, "I come with citizenship, and you talk about netizens! I mean, which netizens?"

Kobir also referred to the political period involving Moeen U Ahmed and Fakhruddin Ahmed, asking whether "the heartburn of Moeen U Ahmed, and Fakhruddin" was "acting up again."

He urged media, citizens and political leaders to unite in the national interest.

"All people who take a strong stance for the country, patriotic people who are here, those who stand by the country—all of us, including the media, the citizens, the political leaders, we will all unite and take this country forward, Insha'Allah," he said.

He then urged reporters to focus on substantive issues related to his ministry.

Asked about the Mecca Defence Pact, Kobir said Bangladesh expressed interest in it but indicated that there has been no new development.

"No, no, we have expressed interest," he said.

He said Bangladesh's growing international recognition is creating greater interest among key stakeholders in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world.

"Bangladesh is now a country of recognition, and there is interest," Kobir said.

He added that key stakeholders are inviting Bangladesh's leadership, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to participate in discussions and engagements.

Kobir also emphasised the special significance of Mecca for Bangladeshis, saying, "Mecca always holds a special place… Mecca is in the heart of Bangladesh, in the hearts of…"