Bangladesh flags economic risks of prolonged Mideast war
Foreign Minister Khalilur said he conveyed to US Assistant Secretary S Paul Kapur that efforts should be made to resolve the conflict as soon as possible through dialogue and by giving diplomacy a chance.
Seeking an early resolution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Bangladesh today (4 March) conveyed to the United States that it would be difficult for a country like Bangladesh to bear the economic impact of the war if it lasts longer and spreads further.
"We have discussed the crisis in the Middle East. I told him (US Assistant Secretary S Paul Kapur) that two Bangladeshis have lost their lives and seven others have been injured. If this war is prolonged or spreads, this fear may increase further," Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with the US diplomat.
The US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, who arrived in Dhaka last night (3 March) from New Delhi, is now on a two-day visit.
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Briefing reporters in the afternoon, Khalilur said they conveyed to the US official that efforts should be made to resolve the conflict through dialogue as soon as possible by giving diplomacy a chance.
As the recent escalation in the Middle East came up during the exchange, the foreign minister stressed the need for restraint by all parties and urged an early resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means to minimise loss of life and prevent further destabilisation in the region and beyond.
During the briefing, a journalist asked whether the US assistant secretary of state had said anything about when the war would end.
In response, the foreign minister said, "It is not even completely in their hands when the war will end. No one can say that."
When the journalist commented that "they have started it," Khalilur replied, "No, no — that cannot be a question."
Responding to another question, Khalilur said defence matters were not discussed during the meeting and that neither GSOMIA nor ACSA was mentioned.
"There has been no discussion with me regarding defence cooperation," he said, adding that the Indo-Pacific issue came up but was not discussed in detail.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh will review its overall Indo-Pacific policy and reiterated that the country will not enter into any military alliance.
During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, including economic engagement, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Khalilur emphasised the "Bangladesh First" policy of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He also highlighted Bangladesh's approach to maintaining robust relations with regional and global partners to promote national interests and shared prosperity.
Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur expressed happiness at the peaceful, free and festive general election in Bangladesh and felicitated the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming its responsibilities.
He also mentioned the congratulatory letter sent by US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed confidence that ties between the two countries will grow stronger in the coming days.
Paul Kapur also underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement to foster greater bilateral trade and investment.
The foreign minister reiterated the government's commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic domain.
The two sides also discussed the Rohingya issue. The foreign minister thanked the United States for its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and sought sustained international support for a durable solution to the crisis.
Both sides expressed optimism that regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogues would continue to deepen Bangladesh–US relations in the years ahead.
