FM calls for ceasefire in Gaza, rejects Israel’s land legislation
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has condemned recent Israeli legislation on land purchases, stating it seeks to unlawfully annex occupied Palestinian territory and alter the legal and demographic character of Palestinian land, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, according to a press release.
Expressing grave concern, he said Israel's decision to ease land purchases and open land registries in the occupied West Bank to public scrutiny could expose Palestinian landowners to intimidation and harassment. He stated that such steps breach relevant international law and undermine the foundations of a just and lasting order.
Dr Rahman said a sustainable solution to the crisis requires the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state under the two-state formula, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He rejected Israel's land-related legislation and urged that Palestinians' land rights be protected.
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He also called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as unconditional and unhindered access for international aid workers and humanitarian support providers to affected men, women, and children in the Strip.
Addressing the open-ended OIC Executive Committee meeting at the level of foreign ministers, Dr Rahman conveyed Ramadan greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Muslim Ummah. He stated that Bangladesh's newly elected democratic government looks forward to working closely with OIC member states.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the foreign minister held bilateral talks with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Gambia's Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie; Palestine's Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed A Elkhereiji.
During the meetings, officials from OIC member states congratulated Bangladesh on the general election and expressed interest in working with the new government, the release stated. Dr Rahman also outlined the government's priorities on foreign policy, foreign trade and investment, resolution of the Rohingya issue, and improving the effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat.
The release stated that OIC leaders expressed support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Dr Rahman invited them to visit Bangladesh at their convenience.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Humaiun Kobir; Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M Forhadul Islam; and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the OIC, MJH Jabed, accompanied the foreign minister during the bilateral meetings.
