Bangladesh will consider the interests of its people before deciding whether to join any multilateral alliance or pact, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.
She said any such decision would be assessed in line with the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, with priority given to the benefits it could bring to Bangladesh and its people.
“We will certainly assess any multilateral body or pact in line with our current ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy. Before joining, we will consider the benefits for Bangladesh and its people,” she said.
“We have not received any formal invitation yet. Let’s see. The matter remains open for consideration and will be reviewed. It will take some time,” she added.
Shama made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
She said the IPU delegation was observing Bangladesh’s current political and democratic situation.
“They have spoken with MPs from various opposition parties and the ruling party, as well as women MPs. Yesterday (Monday), they also visited the July Museum,” she said.
According to the state minister, the delegation came at a time when democracy had returned to Bangladesh after many years and was now functioning effectively and from a position of strength.
“The meeting with me was very good. On behalf of the government, we expressed our commitment to greater engagement with the IPU,” she said.
She added that the IPU will hold a conference next month, which will be attended by Bangladesh’s Speaker and members of parliament.
