Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that international commerce and global trade channels should be free and open, stressing that everybody suffers if the free flow of international commerce is impeded.

“It’s very important that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation. Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but international commerce should also be free and open. If they are not open and are impeded, everybody suffers. Global growth suffers, countries suffer. So it’s very important that these channels of global trade remain open,” he said.

During an interview titled ADF Talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum recently, the Foreign Minister said the news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open was very welcome. “You saw the impact on oil prices immediately.”

He called for coordinated international action to contain the global energy crisis, warning that developing countries could face severe economic shocks if supply disruptions persist.

Referring to past experiences, Dr Khalilur said they do not want a repetition of history, and it is very important that countries around the world work not only to bring peace but also to minimide the effects that the crisis might have on various countries, especially developing nations.

He said the International Energy Agency has already indicated that the scope of the current crisis could be much larger than that of the 1970s.

“So if the impact is very similar, then we have very rough days ahead. It is only through collective action that we will be able to withstand the negative effects emanating from the crisis and its impact on the energy market,” said the Foreign Minister.

He said the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis and significant energy challenges and expressed hope that the situation would improve soon so that countries can return to normal economic activities.

The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place on April 17–19 in Antalya, Türkiye.

In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability.

This year’s theme, “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” emphasized the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues in order to shape a better future. The theme underscored the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies, and turning insights into action.

“Young nations and developing economies suffered deeply in the 1980s after earlier oil shocks. We do not want a repetition of history,” said the Foreign Minister.

The Minister said Bangladesh, being a net energy-importing country, remains vulnerable to fluctuations in oil, LPG and fertiliser supplies, particularly as the country depends on imports routed through key maritime channels.

He stressed the importance of keeping strategic sea lanes open for navigation and global commerce, saying the free flow of trade through maritime routes is essential for economic stability.

Dr Khalilur said any prolonged disruption would affect agriculture, industry and household energy consumption in Bangladesh, especially during the current sowing season when diesel and fertiliser demand is high.

Despite global pressure, he said the government is trying to shield citizens from excessive hardship through prudent measures, including energy conservation, fuel rationing and adjustments to office and institutional schedules.

On domestic politics, the Foreign Minister described the February 2026 parliamentary elections as one of the most peaceful in the country’s history, saying people celebrated the restoration of democratic rights.

He said the landslide victory of the ruling BNP brought immense responsibility, and the government had already launched people-centric programmes such as family cards for disadvantaged households and farmers’ cards for agricultural support.

Outlining Dhaka’s foreign policy, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh would pursue a “Bangladesh First” approach, prioritising national interests while maintaining balanced and mutually beneficial relations with all countries.

“Bangladesh First does not mean Bangladesh alone,” he said, adding that the policy is rooted in mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.

Regarding his candidacy for President of the UN General Assembly, the Minister said his long diplomatic experience at the United Nations would enable him to assume responsibilities from day one if elected.

He said he would work for all member states while keeping the concerns of the Global South, smaller nations and vulnerable countries at the centre of his agenda.

Dr Khalilur also praised the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as a valuable platform for dialogue, saying he was impressed by the quality of discussions and bilateral engagements held there.