- Finance and planning adviser Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said a 'Bangladesh First' policy marked a 'paradigm shift' in the country’s foreign policy, placing national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect and regional harmony at the centre.
- State ministers Humayun Kobir and Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh is open to joining the pact based on national interest.
- Kobir noted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Riyadh at Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s invitation, with the tour schedule likely finalised after the summer.
- Kobir said the government was pursuing a 'Bangladesh First' policy and a balanced foreign policy with national interests at its core, which might lead Dhaka to join the defence pact.
- Kobir said Bangladesh would also strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan through normal diplomatic engagement, focusing on trade and people-to-people connectivity.
- Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh’s national interest and the interests of its people would determine Dhaka’s stance on joining the pact.
Bangladesh is open to joining a defense alliance formed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, as stated by junior ministers. The decision will be guided by the country’s national interests and the newly adopted ‘Bangladesh First’ policy aims to prioritize the interests of the nation and its people.2
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir emphasized that the government is pursuing a balanced foreign policy, which may lead to joining the defense pact. He noted, “Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye”, while focusing on the changing global dynamics.345
Kobir also mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with plans to finalize the schedule after summer. Another state minister, Shama Obaed Islam, reiterated that any decision regarding joining the pact will depend on whether it protects Bangladesh’s interests and those of its people.6
The ministers' comments follow a statement from finance adviser Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, who described the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy as a “paradigm shift” in foreign policy, emphasizing national interest, sovereignty, and regional harmony in international relations.
“State minister Humayun Kobir said the government is pursuing a 'Bangladesh First' policy and balanced foreign policy, which might lead Dhaka to join the pact. He also noted PM Tarique Rahman's visit to Riyadh is likely to be finalised after the summer.”
