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Published : 12 Jan 2026, 09:10 PM
Bangladesh’s “interest” in joining a proposed International Security Force (ISF) for Gaza will depend on a set of strict conditions, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.
On Monday, he clarified the official stance in response to media reports suggesting Bangladesh had already agreed to join the ISF.
A statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office on Saturday said National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman had raised Bangladesh’s interest in the force during meetings with United States officials in Washington DC.
Explaining the government’s position, Shafiqul said Bangladesh recognised the importance of a decision by the UN Security Council on the formation of the ISF and was also aware that some Muslim‑majority countries had expressed interest in joining it.
Dhaka, he added, was considering the issue with “great caution”.
On Nov 17, the UN Security Council approved a 20‑point Gaza peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The plan includes the deployment of an International Security Force in the Palestinian territory.
Hamas, the Palestinian armed group that controls Gaza, has rejected the proposal, saying it would not accept the deployment of foreign forces on its land.
Under the 20‑point plan, one of the ISF’s key tasks would be the “permanent removal of weapons held by non‑state armed groups”, including Hamas.
Shafiqul said Bangladesh’s participation would hinge on several principles. These include that the ISF must be temporary and operate under a UN Security Council mandate; that a permanent ceasefire must be in force in Gaza; that all Israeli troops must fully withdraw; and that administrative control of Gaza must be handed over to Palestinians.
He said Bangladesh would continue its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self‑determination and for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with Al‑Quds Al‑Sharif as its capital.
