Experts at a discussion on Saturday recommended reinforcing Bangladesh’s pro-Palestine stance, emphasizing that unwavering support for an independent Palestine remains a non-negotiable cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and is essential to its national security.
Participants at the event called for a more proactive diplomatic approach in support of the Palestinian cause.
Argue Logical Act Positive (ALAP), a public dialogue and research platform organized the discussion titled “From Principle to Practice: Reassessing Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy on Palestine,” held at the Shishu Kollyan Parishad Conference Room on Topkhana Road.
Speakers highlighted that Bangladesh is a member of the OIC’s Al-Quds Committee and should leverage this role to promote unity in the Arab world.
They stressed that Bangladesh is not an enemy of any Muslim country and should play a leading role in fostering solidarity across the Muslim world.
They reiterated that Bangladesh’s support for Palestine is not merely ideological but is deeply tied to its national security and identity.
Md Ataur Rahman Talukder, assistant professor of International Relations at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) argued that Bangladesh’s backing of Palestine was also a pragmatic step to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world after its independence.
As a Muslim-majority country surrounded by non-Muslim neighbours—many of which are witnessing rising Islamophobia—it is in Bangladesh’s strategic interest to strengthen ties with the broader Muslim world, he said.
Researcher Moinul Islam warned that geopolitically, Bangladesh risks becoming a “second Palestine,” with India playing a role similar to that of Israel.
He noted that supporting Palestine in international forums is a way for Bangladesh to assert both its identity and its strategic relevance.
Brigadier General Dr Abdullah Al Yusuf observed that Israel and its allies are extremely powerful.
As a militarily less powerful nation, Bangladesh must respond with strategic communication, media engagement, and narrative-building.
He stressed the need to shift global perception—away from viewing Hamas and the Palestinian people as terrorists—to recognizing the Israeli Likud Party and Prime Minister Netanyahu as significant threats to global peace.
North South University faculty member Omar Nasif Abdullah remarked that although foreign policy is typically shaped by national interest, in the case of Palestine, both sides are driven by deeply ideological positions.
He called for Bangladesh to engage strategically with countries such as Ireland, Brazil, and China, which have taken strong stances against Israeli aggression.
He also emphasised the importance of national unity within Bangladesh as a prerequisite for greater international influence.
Veteran freedom fighter Ziaul Kabir Dulu, who fought for Palestine in 1981, said: “We fought for the freedom of Bangladesh. We believe Palestine, too, must achieve an independent state. I will continue to support the Palestinian cause for the rest of my life.”
Participants expressed concern over allegations that some Bangladeshi citizens have secretly visited Israel or held unofficial meetings with Israeli individuals in recent years.
They demanded firm legal action in such cases.
In a written statement, ALAP Convener Zakaria Palash said: “National interest is central to any country’s foreign policy. But it is not limited to economic or territorial security. National identity and long-term principles are also vital components of national interest. These are core values and are non-negotiable. One of Bangladesh’s core values is standing against oppression and supporting the struggle for liberation of any nation.
"In that spirit, supporting Palestine is a fundamental aspect of our foreign policy. It is not merely a political decision, but a universally accepted normative stance, deeply rooted in our post-liberation state philosophy.”
Speakers pointed out that historically, the people of Bangladesh have stood firmly in solidarity with Palestine—an integral part of the nation’s identity.
However, they noted that during the fascist regime before the July uprising, Bangladesh adopted a strategically muted stance on Palestine in international forums.
They expressed concern over the removal of the phrase “Except Israel” from Bangladeshi passports and reported efforts to normalize ties with Israel, including unofficial trade and the procurement of Israeli technology.
The recent announcement by the current interim government to reinstate the “Except Israel” phrase on passports was welcomed as a positive step.
ALAP proposed that Bangladesh should translate its principled position into more active diplomatic engagement.
A key recommendation was to appoint Symbolic ambassadors for Palestine Affairs within Bangladeshi embassies in influential countries.
The discussion also stressed the importance of promoting Bangladesh’s stance at international events through symbolic, non-verbal messaging and non-track diplomacy.
Additionally, participants recommended incorporating Bangladesh’s foreign policy and historic support for Palestine into school curricula to educate the younger generation.
