State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Thursday said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries, which will be addressed through discussions at bilateral and multilateral forums.
“We want to look forward, keeping our backbone strong and straight. That backbone has now become stronger after a long time as the government came through people’s mandate. All now need to look at Bangladesh from a different perspective,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sharing how the foreign policy of a democratic government should be.
Asked about the interim government's reported policy position regarding deployment of Bangladeshi troops to Gaza and renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the State Minister said these issues have not yet been discussed at the political level.
"These are not discussed yet. To be honest, this is only the second day of the government. But you will have to wait…those political decisions will definitely,” she said.
On relations with India, China and the United States, Shama said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries and would address them through both bilateral and multilateral engagements.
"We will maintain relations with all states and governments. Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people," she said.
The State Minister said they will keep in touch with all countries, talk and advance relations through friendship.
She said the current administration is a democratically elected government after many years and will pursue foreign policy with a firm and principled stance, placing the interests of people first.
The State Minister said Bangladesh will continue its engagement with all countries and affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
She said the government would safeguard the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining cordial relations with all nations.
Diplomacy, she said, will be conducted in a manner that effectively protects national interests.
She said the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are very experienced and they will work as a team.
She also highlighted the need to conduct foreign policy with a united stance in the national interest, regardless of political party, opinion and religion.
On visa restrictions imposed by several countries, Shama said the Ministry is aware of the challenges and is actively working to resolve them through diplomatic channels.
"We are examining how these issues can be addressed and how we can move forward in a constructive manner," she said
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the State Minister held a series of meetings with senior officials of the Ministry in the morning.