'Bangladesh First' sets tone for foreign policy as Khalilur seeks ‘mutually beneficial’ ties

The foreign minister says the new government aims to build “very deep relations” with both nearby and distant countries

Setting out the tone of the government’s diplomacy, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh hopes to establish “very deep relations” with all countries while pursuing a foreign policy guided by “Bangladesh First” principle.

After courtesy meetings with more than a dozen foreign envoys over two days, the minister outlined the broad direction of the new government’s diplomatic approach on Monday.

“We have explained to them the outline of our government’s foreign policy,” he said. “We told them our motto is Bangladesh First.”

He said the government’s external engagement would rest on several guiding principles.

Independence and sovereignty

Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs

Mutual benefit

National dignity

“Our activities will be based on these principles,” Khalilur said. “We want to build mutually beneficial relations with every country, as equals.”

The foreign minister began his round of diplomatic meetings on Sunday morning in Dhaka with the Saudi ambassador.

Later that day, the Chinese ambassador and the high commissioners of India and Pakistan also called on him.

On Monday afternoon, US Ambassador Brent Christensen met the minister.

This was followed by a meeting with ambassadors from European Union member states, led by EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

Reflecting on the discussions, Khalilur said he sensed strong confidence among diplomats in the new administration and a willingness to work closely with Dhaka.

“I have noticed enormous confidence in this government and a strong desire among them to work closely with us,” he said.

“From the discussions I have had with different ambassadors so far, I am very confident that in the coming days we will be able to conduct a very dynamic foreign policy.”

Asked whether the issue of fatalities along the Bangladesh-India border had been raised with the Indian high commissioner, Khalilur said the meetings so far had been purely introductory.

“We will discuss specific issues later, and there will be plenty of time for that.”