Government will seek to maximise opportunities with every country: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to pursuing a balanced, multi-dimensional foreign policy, saying the government will seek to maximise opportunities with every country while placing national interests above all else.

Speaking in the second session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad during the FY2026–27 budget session on Saturday (June 27), the finance minister said Bangladesh would fully utilise economic and strategic opportunities with all partners without compromising its sovereignty or core interests.

"We will make the best use of every opportunity available with every country—whether economic or otherwise. But everything will be guided by Bangladesh's national interest. There will be no compromise on that," he said.

Amir Khosru said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visits to Malaysia and China reflected the country's long-standing foreign policy principles, including mutual respect, shared interests, non-interference in internal affairs and strategic autonomy.

He said Bangladesh's diplomacy continues to follow the multi-vector foreign policy introduced by the BNP, adding that the current government remains committed to the same approach.

The minister also highlighted the strategic importance of Bangladesh's ties with Malaysia and China, describing both countries as key partners in the country's economic development.

He said Malaysia remains a crucial destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers while cooperation with Kuala Lumpur continues to expand in energy, trade and investment. China, meanwhile, remains Bangladesh's largest trading partner and a major contributor to the country's infrastructure development.

Amir Khosru also pointed to what he described as a shift in the country's political culture, noting that the prime minister has moved away from the long-standing practice of receiving large public receptions at airports before and after official overseas visits.

He said the change reflects a more restrained and modern approach to political leadership.