United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is seeking to 'maximise its diplomatic gains' through a series of high-level engagements at Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 (ADF2026) with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman's presence at this key global diplomatic gathering in Türkiye’s resort city Antalya, officials said. The country aims to build support for its candidature for the UN General Assembly Presidency while advancing bilateral relations, a senior official told UNB. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will take 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. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, who arrived in Turkey on Thursday, will attend the ADF at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. This year's theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" emphasises the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues to be able to shape a better future. The theme underscores the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies and turning insights into action, said the organisers. The Foreign Minister will attend two panels as a panelist and hold a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from different countries, a senior official familiar with his programme schedule told UNB. In view of his candidature for the UNGA Presidency, he said that this would be a very important forum to attend. The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will open at historic crossroads. Eight decades after the UN Charter was signed in San Francisco, the shared system of multilateral cooperation faces profound challenges. "Yet this moment also presents unprecedented opportunities to renew its promise for ‘we the peoples’ in the twenty-first century," said Dr Khalilur in his vision statement as one of the candidates with over thirty years of experience with the United Nations, both as a representative of Bangladesh to the General Assembly and as a senior official at the UN secretariat in New York and at UNCTAD in Geneva. Don’t be worried, exercise austerity amid Middle East crisis: PM Over the years, Dr Khalilur has actively participated in sixteen UNGA sessions, engaging directly in its negotiations, high-level meetings and follow-up processes. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on development issues facing the Global South including those related to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). "I am convinced that our world now needs a more effective and responsive multilateralism. By working together, we can build a more robust multilateral system that commands the trust of Member States and delivers tangible benefits for all," Dr Khalilur said, who wants to effectively lead the General Assembly to advance this overarching goal. The election of the President of the United Nations General Assembly for the eighty first session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall, UNHQs. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. "We are trying to maximise the number of meetings in Türkiye," the official said, noting that there are requests for international media interviews and meeting requests from international organisations as well. As conflicts remain unresolved, polarisation grows and strategic rivalries expand, numerous critical issues continue to affect people all over the world, said the organisers. In order to address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive, fair and effective international system, they said, the consolidation of international cooperation, dialogue and solidarity is imperative. ADF2026 will bring together leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, business experts, media and civil society representatives to explore how to best manage uncertainties and address pressing issues while preparing for future challenges. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions as well as bilateral meetings, the participants will discuss global trends and regional dynamics, exchange views on possible solutions and share best practices. The Forum will once again provide a valuable platform for fostering dialogue, restoring trust and engaging in stronger cooperation; mapping the path forward to a more peaceful, stable and resilient world for future generations, organisers said. Since its launch in 2021, the forum has steadily grown into a leading platform for dialogue, cooperation, and high-level diplomatic engagement worldwide. This year’s edition is expected to host representatives from more than 150 countries, including heads of state, ministers, and senior officials from international organisations. More than 20 heads of state, 15 deputy leaders, and over 50 foreign ministers are expected to take part, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources. In total, the forum is set to bring together more than 460 high-level participants, including around 75 representatives from international organisations, alongside nearly 5,000 guests. The ADF26 will feature broad geographical representation, with nearly half of participating heads of state coming from Africa and Europe. Brussels Visit After attending the three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he will leave for Brussels, Belgium, to attend a signing event on the framework agreement on 'Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation' between Bangladesh and the European Union. Bangladesh and the EU have prepared to sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) next week which is aimed at further institutionalising bilateral cooperation. EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met the Foreign Minister at the ministry on Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest. They discussed the Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit to Brussels to lead a delegation for the initialling of the PCA. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the long-standing and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership, noting that it has evolved into a comprehensive and multifaceted engagement. They discussed avenues of mutual interest, including reform initiatives, migration management, skills development, rule of law, and good governance. The EU looks forward to the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Bangladesh which will be ‘initialled’ during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Brussels on April 20, enhancing cooperation across the board. The Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the EU recently met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a senior official told UNB, noting that the EU has already conveyed its message of readiness to intensify relations with the new government. The EU expressed support for priority reforms, economic modernisation and managed migration, stressing the importance of a level playing field to promote investment and shared values underpin the EU’s partnerships around the world. On his way back home, the Foreign Minister is expected to make a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will return to Bangladesh on April 24.

Seeking collective action amid the global energy crisis, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said there might be a ceasefire, but the energy issue is not going to be resolved within two weeks. "All of us are in trouble, as the current energy challenges are creating disruptions. That will reverberate through the coming years. Even if the energy situation improves, we still face the larger problem of a decline in multilateralism," he said. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while speaking at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius on Friday. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, among others, also spoke at the conference. Bangladesh on Wednesday thanked the Indian government for the recent supply of diesel and requested an increased volume of diesel and fertiliser. The Indian side indicated that it would consider the request “readily and favourably.” Dr Khalilur said the larger challenge - the loss of trust and confidence in the global system - will have to be addressed through their own actions. "If we stay strong on our home front, it will be much easier for us to overcome the storms coming from outside," he said. The Foreign Minister said some analysts believe this crisis will have implications much greater than the twin oil shocks of the 1970s. "So, if the effects of the current crisis are going to be larger than the shocks of the 1970s, we can imagine the type of risks we are facing. This is the immediate problem, but perhaps a larger issue is the context in which it is happening," he said. "The kind of orderly world, which was not entirely orderly, but orderly enough for us to believe that the global system would take care of our problems is now coming under very serious pressure," the Foreign Minister said. He said they are witnessing assaults on multilateralism and an increasing prevalence of unilateral actions within global frameworks. "They are no longer helping us effectively in dealing with these issues. So, we face a significant challenge, one that exists within an even larger context. This is a time for collective action because individual countries will not be able to meet these challenges on their own," he said.  

The European Union (EU) on Monday said they look forward to the new Bangladesh-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which will be ‘initialed’ during the visit of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to Brussels on April 20, enhancing cooperation across the board. The EU expressed support for priority reforms, economic modernisation and managed migration, stressing the importance of a level playing field to promote investment. “Shared values underpin the EU’s partnerships around the world,” said the EU Embassy in Dhaka after Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller with Ambassadors of EU Member States resident in Dhaka (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, along with the Chargés d’Affaires of Denmark and Sweden) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office. US envoy meets PM Tarique Rahman During the meeting, the Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the EU passed a ‘message of readiness’ to intensify relations with the new government. They congratulated the Prime Minister on his landslide victory in the recent general election and expressed strong support to the government. Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of bilateral relations, noting that the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and multifaceted engagement encompassing all sectors of mutual interest. The PCA aims to provide a “comprehensive and robust framework” for Bangladesh-EU relations with a view to enhancing cooperation in multifarious sectors while guiding the future interactions in the face of new global realities and emerging challenges. The PCA will give Bangladesh-EU relations a new legal foundation, which is more comprehensive and up-to-date and will respond better to current and evolving challenges, according to the EU. Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam will accompany the Foreign Minister during visit to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. 

Amid increased engagement from both sides to retune bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar are set to meet in New Delhi next week, a move that could usher in a new phase of cooperation on a range of issues important to both Dhaka and Delhi and lend genuine momentum to the relationship, officials said. This will mark the first high-level visit to India since the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office, following a period of significant strain in bilateral relations. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to make any official announcement regarding the planned brief visit. “The meeting between the two foreign ministers will be held in New Delhi on April 8,” a senior official told UNB, without elaborating further on his arrival and departure information.  The Indian side usually does not announce incoming visits but officially announces outgoing visits.   Bangladesh and India share deep-rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities, said an official, noting that in any bilateral meeting all issues of mutual interest come up for discussion.  The two Foreign Ministers are likely to discuss cooperation in the areas of energy, water sharing, border management, visa, people-to-people ties, he said adding that a future visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India may also come up for discussion at the meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already invited Prime Minister Tarique, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time. “I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi said in his letter handed over to PM Tarique by Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla who represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh. Bangladesh-US relationship matters more than ever: Paul Kapur Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Tarique to strengthen their multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance their common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Asked whether the Prime Minister would consider India for his first bilateral visit, a diplomatic source told UNB that Bangladesh would take a decision “creatively” on the matter. Water Sharing Issues The subject of water is widely seen as a sensitive issue and Bangladesh always keeps talking about its long pending request for concluding the agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. The two countries share 54 common rivers, including the Teesta. In India’s federal scheme of things, nothing is done without consultations with the State Government and any agreement that they conclude will have to be acceptable to the State Government of India; at the same time, it would also have to be acceptable to Bangladesh, officials said. The Bangladesh-India Ganga/Ganges Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996 and is expiring in December this year. Dhaka, Delhi discuss defence cooperation As discussions for its renewal are yet to commence between the two countries, officials said this might be one of the issues to be discussed this time. In July 2024, the governments of Bangladesh and India had decided to begin discussions on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. The discussions are yet to commence in this regard and no fresh agreement has been ratified between the two countries. The Indian side had offered to renew it in 2024 but the interim government did not pursue it at that time, a diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB.  Inputs on drinking water and industrial water requirements have also been received from all stakeholders including from the government of West Bengal, which have been taken into account while formulating the Indian government’s views. Visa Issues Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his recent meetings with the Ministers in Dhaka, explored new areas for future collaboration in people-centric domains aligned with the respective developmental priorities of the two countries based on mutual interest and mutual benefit. Bangladesh intensifies energy diplomacy with US, Russia amid diversification push The two sides also discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-India economic cooperation, including ways to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity between the two countries. At the foreign minister–level meeting, the Bangladesh side is expected to raise the visa issue as tourist visas for Bangladeshis have remained suspended since July 2024 on security grounds. Indian visa centres in Bangladesh are still understaffed, suggesting that a full resumption of services may take time, a diplomatic source said, adding that the restart will be announced once finalised. India thinks the two countries can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. The issues were discussed when Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah met Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi at the South Block. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security. The envoy said he was pleased to meet General Upendra Dwivedi and reflect on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence cooperation.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh has successfully overcome significant challenges over the past five decades and achieved remarkable socio-economic progress through constructive engagement in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Speaking at a reception in New York as the chief guest, he highlighted that, since becoming a member of the UN in 1974, Bangladesh has embraced multilateralism as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.  Reaffirming Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security, the Foreign Minister underscored the country’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingya people.  Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted the reception to celebrate the 56th Independence and National day of Bangladesh at a local hotel in New York.  The programme was attended by around 150 Permanent Representatives, high officials of the UN, distinguished members of the diplomatic community and other international organizations, according to Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York.  Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said 26 March symbolises not only the birth of the nation but also the enduring triumph of the people’s will, dignity and freedom.  The Permanent Mission also organised a discussion session at its auditorium where the messages from the dignitaries were read out and a special documentary on the significance of the day was also screened.   

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh's firm commitment to consolidating and deepening the longstanding friendly ties between Bangladesh and Argentina with enhanced cooperation in priority areas. Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Marcelo Carlos Cesa met the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and both sides identified priority areas to enhance cooperation. The particularly discussed ways to expand bilateral trade with a focus on diversification of exports and imports, strengthening technical collaboration in agriculture, advancing sports cooperation, including through effective implementation of the existing MoU on football, and exploring opportunities for cooperation in energy trade and supply chain partnerships and enhanced apparel exports from Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister proposed a multi-sectoral dialogue among relevant stakeholders with a focused agenda to advance bilateral cooperation. He also appreciated the reopening of the Argentine Embassy in Dhaka and Argentina's recent concurrence to the reopening of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Buenos Aires. He underscored Bangladesh's commitment to operationalising its resident mission in Buenos Aires at the earliest opportunity to further institutionalise bilateral engagement, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Amid the ongoing war between two SAARC countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bangladesh has decided not to make any public comments but stressed that such war does not bring anything good. "It is an unfortunate matter. We are not saying anything in public but we are trying to make our friends understand that such war is not good for anyone," Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia early Saturday. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was also present. The Associated Press (AP) says Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say on Friday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.” Pakistan, Afghanistan trade strikes as Defense Minister declares “Open War” Afghanistan launched an attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. Pakistan then carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces early Friday, saying it targeted military installations. On the sidelines of the extraordinary ministerial session of the executive committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Foreign Minister Dr Rahman held bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Foreign Minister of the Gambia, Sering Modou Njie; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and also the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed A Elkhereiji, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties and agreed to work closely together to promote 'peace, stability, and shared prosperity' in the region, according to Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Dr Rahman, during his recent courtesy meeting with Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar on February 24, reiterated Bangladesh's conviction in abiding commitment to the principles enshrined in the SAARC Charter including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit of the peoples of member states.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Saturday said Bangladesh enjoys strong backing from member states of the OIC but faces a challenge due to the limited time available to campaign for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “The candidate has been changed following the change in government. One of our key challenges is that Cyprus has been campaigning throughout the year, whereas we have barely three months, or even less in hand,” he told reporters at Dhaka airport explaining the ground behind the change in Bangladesh’s candidature. Dr Khalilur, who returned from Saudi Arabia early Saturday, said discussions were held with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) partners to assess the situation and strategise ways to secure Bangladesh’s victory.  “We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh’s friends within the OIC have assured active campaigning in favour of Dhaka’s candidature. He said as anticipated, Palestine withdrew its candidature a few days ago. With Palestine stepping aside, Bangladesh will now contest the 2026–2027 term against Cyprus. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, described the feedback from OIC countries as highly encouraging and strong. “We have received very positive responses. We will conduct a detailed assessment at an appropriate stage, but the support so far has been strong. The visit was both fruitful and productive,” he said. Earlier, the interim government had nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as Bangladesh’s candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Dr Khalilur  Rahman for the position. Bangladesh had initially floated its candidature ahead of Palestine. The election for the President of the 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. Under the established regional rotation system, the President for the 81st session will be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group. The President of the 80th session of the UNGA, Annalena Baerbock, will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986–87, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected President of the 41st General Assembly. Four decades later, the country is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on September 22. Leaders attending the recent executive meeting of the OIC expressed confidence that Bangladesh will swiftly achieve political stability and accelerated development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They also reiterated their full support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UNGA.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli legislation on land purchase that seeks to unlawfully annex the occupied Palestinian territory. In his address to the open-ended OIC executive committee meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, he said this action is designed to alter the legal and demographic character of the Palestinian lands, including the Al Quds Al Sharif. The Foreign Minister expressed his grave concern over the fact that the Israeli decision to ease land purchase and open land registries in the West Bank to public scrutiny exposes the Palestinian landowners to multiple forms of intimidation and harassment. Dr Khalilur Rahman pointed out that these actions are clearly in breach of relevant international law and undermine the very foundations of a just and lasting social order. The Foreign Minister categorically stated that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State following the two-State formula under 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, can offer a sustainable solution to this long protracted crisis. He outright rejected the land related legislation of Israel and demanded to ensure the due land rights of the Palestinians. The foreign minister also demanded permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an unconditional and unhindered access of the international aid workers and humanitarian support providers to the affected men, women and children in the Strip. Dr Khalilur Rahman conveyed the Ramadan greetings from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Muslim Ummah and stated that the newly elected democratic Government in Bangladesh looks forward to closely working with the OIC Member States. On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, the Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Foreign Minister of the Gambia, Mr. Sering Modou Njie; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and also the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed A. Elkhereiji, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. At the bilateral talks, the dignitaries from the OIC Member States congratulated the people and government of Bangladesh on the successful holding the general elections, felicitated the Prime Minister for the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and expressed their keenness to work with the new Government. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said with the leaders the visions and work programmes of the government particularly with regard to foreign policy, foreign trade and investment, resolution of the Rohingya issue and improving effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat. They also expressed strong support to Bangladesh candidature for the Presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka He invited the dignitaries to visit Bangladesh at their convenience. Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir; Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M Forhadul Islam, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, MJH Jabed accompanied the Foreign Minister during the bilateral meetings.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday said they see huge confidence in the new government from countries which are willing to engage deeply and work with Bangladesh very closely. “We want to establish mutually beneficial relations with every country as coequals…we will resolve all our issues respectfully and on the basis of mutual respect,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a series of courtesy meetings held on Sunday and Monday with diplomats stationed in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of protecting independence and sovereignty, not interfering in each other's internal affairs. “Our policies will be based on mutual interests and national dignity.” “I am pretty confident that we will be able to conduct a very dynamic foreign policy in the coming days,” he said, mentioning that so far they have had courtesy and friendly meetings with envoys. Asked about safety along the Bangladesh-India border and measures to stop border killings, the Foreign Minister said he is not taking any specific question and they will discuss specific issues later, which will require some time. Dr Rahman said the Envoys of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, Pakistan, the United States and European countries led by the EU Ambassador met him on Sunday and Monday where he outlined the new government's foreign policy. "We have started meetings with envoys since Sunday. We have presented the outline of our government's foreign policy to them. Our motto is Bangladesh First. Bangladesh will be above all,” he said. Next Bangladesh govt will need to navigate tricky foreign policy issues: Crisis Group The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that they will be able to establish deep relations with other friendly countries in the region and the world. The Foreign Minister on Wednesday said they want to get back to the foreign policy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman which was very positive and expansive, stressing that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests. “Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors.