State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday emphasised that rebuilding trust among states is essential for effective international cooperation, stressing that without trust, partnerships weaken, institutions lose credibility, and diplomacy becomes challenging.
Speaking at the conclusion of the three-day Bay of Bengal Conversation, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday and concluded on Monday, Kobir stated that Bangladesh firmly believes in dialogue, international law, peaceful settlement of disputes, and a rules-based international order respecting the sovereignty and dignity of every state.
Outlining Bangladesh’s foreign policy stance amid growing geopolitical competition, Kobir said the nation seeks an independent, pragmatic, and forward-looking policy focused on national interest, strategic autonomy, economic opportunity, and peace.
He stressed that foreign policy must protect national interests, sovereignty, and security while creating necessary conditions for national development without closing the door to cooperation and dialogue, expand partnerships without creating dependency, and above all, serve the people of Bangladesh.
Kobir shared four core principles guiding the nation’s foreign policy – national interests as the guide, strategic autonomy for strength, partnerships to expand opportunities, and peace as the ultimate objective.
Strategic autonomy, the Bay of Bengal
Asserting that the global order is undergoing rapid changes due to shifting power dynamics, technological transformation, and strategic economic competition, Kobir declared that Bangladesh should not simply navigate the changing international order, but actively help shape and influence it.
He added that Bangladesh aims to serve as a bridge between regions, a partner for peace, a hub for connectivity, an investment destination, and a responsible voice for the Global South.
Highlighting that the Bay of Bengal lies at the centre of the changing geopolitical landscape, Kobir said Bangladesh must convert its geographic position – connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, vital sea routes, major markets, and growing economies – into a strategic opportunity.
He affirmed that Bangladesh wants the Bay of Bengal to remain a space for peace, stability, and cooperation rather than becoming a theatre of confrontation.
On relations with major powers, Kobir underscored maintaining constructive ties with regional partners and global powers without viewing international relations as a choice between competing camps.
“Our policy is not to choose sides. Our policy is to choose what is best for the national interest of Bangladesh,” he stated.
Economic diplomacy and regional integration
He pointed out that foreign, economic, and security policies can no longer be treated separately, as markets, supply chains, energy, technology, and investment are linked to national security and development.
He urged an integrated approach where economic diplomacy serves as a core instrument of foreign policy.
Addressing regional cooperation, Kobir noted that South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world and advocated for stronger regional connectivity, trade, energy cooperation, and people-to-people contacts, as well as exploring greater market access and a potential regional single market.
He also highlighted non-traditional security challenges – including cyber, food, energy, water, and maritime security – which cross borders and require regional cooperation alongside a security architecture that strengthens resilience, policy coherence, and delivery.
On climate change, Kobir emphasised that Bangladesh contributes very little to global emissions yet faces severe climate risks, calling for greater climate justice, adaptation finance, technology transfer, and international cooperation, while recalling the climate leadership priority placed during engagement at the World Economic Forum.
Rohingya crisis and future-ready diplomacy
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Kobir identified it as one of Bangladesh’s top national security and foreign policy priorities, noting that the country continues to host more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas with humanity and dignity.
Stressing that humanitarian assistance cannot be a permanent solution to a major political and security concern, he announced that Bangladesh will raise the profile of the Rohingya issue internationally during its presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
He added that the government will intensify bilateral engagement and seek greater financial support to achieve the ultimate objective of a safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people.
Concluding his address, Kobir called on diplomatic institutions to adapt to emerging technologies, noting that artificial intelligence, digital technologies, climate change, and new warfare technologies will transform diplomacy, economies, and security.
He stressed that Bangladesh’s next generation of diplomats must understand geopolitics, economics, technology, climate, and security in an integrated manner.
