Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has highlighted the current government's commitment to creating a comprehensive national security architecture, which is pivotal to pursuing a robust foreign policy.

He made the remarks while delivering keynote address at a policy roundtable titled “Bangladesh First: A Foreign Policy Outlook for A New Bangladesh” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) recently.

Adviser Humaiun outlined the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy doctrine, emphasising strategic autonomy, economic diplomacy, balanced global engagement, regional connectivity, and climate diplomacy.

BIPSS President Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (Retd) moderated the roundtable and stressed the need for a pragmatic, balanced, and nationally driven foreign policy amid growing geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges.

An engaging discussion followed with the audience, which included, among others, Members of Parliament, diplomats, academics, policymakers, and media representatives.

Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS Shafqat Munir described the “Bangladesh First” doctrine as a return to strategic pragmatism centred on Bangladesh’s national interests and sovereignty.

He emphasised that given the growing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global dynamics, Bangladesh requires a confident, strategically agile, and professionally driven foreign policy outlook anchored in long-term national interests.