France has welcomed the launching of new think tank -  Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), describing this initiative as a very encouraging step.

"France has always been advocating for our partner, Bangladesh, to pursue strategic autonomy. This is a very encouraging first step towards achieving it," said the Embassy of France on Monday.

Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy participated in the launching event of the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), a unique initiative, on Sunday evening.

The new think tank was launched to unify national stakeholders for fostering cooperation, security, and sustainable growth with "Bangladesh First" as its mantra.

"Our main areas of focus pertain to national security issues, collaboration between civil and military sectors, and maintaining a balanced foreign policy that aligns with geopolitical realities," said FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar in his inaugural speech.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that without a strong defence, the country cannot implement its foreign policy.

"We need to develop our defence. But there's no emphasis on where we need to put emphasis. There's no guideline for it. Whether what we need at this moment to protect our sea line of communication or defend the territorial integrity or whatever it is, there is no focus," said the Army Chief.

The launch was attended also by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan.

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BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice-Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher were also present at the event.

The event was also attended by former army chief Lt Gen (retd) Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq,  Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Daily Desh Rupantor Editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, and Ekushey Television (ETV) Chairman Abdus Salam, among others.