State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday underscored the importance of developing a highly skilled and professional diplomatic corps capable of effectively advancing Bangladesh’s national interests under the “Bangladesh First” policy.

She stressed the need for diplomats to acquire deeper expertise in key areas of national priority, including climate change, transboundary water sharing, migration, free trade agreements, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and the Rohingya issue, among others.

The State Minister made the remarks while attending the certificate awarding ceremony of the “Refreshers’ Course for Directors 2026” as the chief guest at the Foreign Service Academy.

Secretary (East and West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam highlighted the significance of the Refreshers’ Course in strengthening the professional competencies of mid-career diplomats and equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to address the evolving issues.

Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Rector of the Academy, made the welcome remarks.

He noted that modern-day diplomats must be analytical, adaptable, composed, and ethical, and reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to training professional diplomats.

Foreign Service Academy organises the Refreshers’ Course annually as part of its continuing professional development programme.

This year, 13 Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully completed the course and received certificates at the ceremony.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Academy, as well as the resource persons, were also present at the event.