Bangladesh’s foreign policy must balance ties with major powers: Humaiun

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Bangladesh’s relations with major powers, including India, China, Japan, the United States and the European Union, should be guided by balance and clarity, recognising their distinct opportunities and challenges.

Speaking at the National Defence College (NDC), he also stressed the need to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.

“Bangladesh’s foreign policy must be confident without being confrontational, open without being dependent, and pragmatic without compromising our national interests,” Humaiun said.

Addressing participants of an NDC course, he said Bangladesh must pursue a principled and pragmatic foreign policy firmly anchored in national interests as the global environment changes rapidly.

He said intensifying geopolitical competition, evolving security challenges, economic vulnerabilities, technological changes, climate change and transnational threats require Bangladesh to adopt a forward-looking foreign policy.

Humaiun said the “Bangladesh first” policy does not mean isolation. Rather, it means keeping Bangladesh’s interests at the centre of diplomacy while protecting sovereignty and expanding partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

He also emphasised the need for stronger regional connectivity, greater economic integration and practical cooperation with neighbouring countries.