What Bangladesh gains will be key in diplomatic relations: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladesh's relations with every country will be determined based on national interest and mutual benefit. What Bangladesh gains and how much the people benefit will be the primary consideration in diplomatic relations.

She made the remarks at a roundtable discussion on 'Bangladesh's Foreign Policy in a Changing Global Order' organised by the research organisation Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN) at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Saturday, July 4.

Shama Obaed said Bangladesh's strategic relations with all countries, including China, India, the United States and Russia, will be conducted entirely on the basis of national interest. The government is conducting foreign policy by maintaining strategic balance in light of the 'Bangladesh First' policy, without blindly taking sides.

She said culture, sports and the creative economy are being given importance as 'soft power' in the country's foreign policy for the first time. To achieve this goal, three new sub-divisions — 'Sports and Culture', 'Migration' and 'Climate Resilience' — have been opened in the foreign ministry.

In the context of the Middle East war and global uncertainty, the government has taken initiatives to diversify energy and labour markets, she added.

Regarding relations with India, the state minister said Bangladesh wants to resolve existing issues such as border killings, trade deficits and water sharing through dialogue. Effective diplomatic communication must be maintained for this purpose.

The discussion was attended by Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, along with diplomats, researchers and academics.