Dhaka yet to decide on sending forces under ISF to Gaza, reiterates conditions
The government would not do anything that goes against national interests, he said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that Bangladesh has not yet taken any decision regarding sending its forces to Gaza under the International Stabilization Force (ISF), stressing that the country has clearly outlined three conditions.
"No decision has been made. It is still at the discussion level. It has not been determined yet who will be part of this initiative. Most importantly, three conditions have been mentioned clearly," he told reporters responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (14 January).
Under no circumstances would Bangladesh join without the creation of an environment consistent with the three key preconditions, he added.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Asked about discussing such an issue at the fag end of the interim government's tenure, Adviser Hossain said the tenure is ending with the February 12 election, but the government remains in place.
He said the country's engagement and interests do not change overnight, and the government would not do anything that goes against national interests.
The Foreign affairs adviser also said they are very hopeful that the upcoming transition will take place smoothly.
He further added that the ISF is an issue of global concern and does not fully depend on Bangladesh alone.
The interim government said some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force.
Earlier on Monday, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that they recognise the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force.
"We are also carefully considering the matter," he said while responding to a question, noting that as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, their interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfilment of a number of principles.
These include, among others, that the ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate, he said, adding that there must be a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza; and the responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians.
The press secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
"As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory," Alam said.
Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803, which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza.
Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution.
He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council.
