Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir-File Photo

DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS)- Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir has said Bangladesh is keen to maintain relations with the international community based on mutual respect, balance, and national interests.

“Based on the Bangladesh First policy, the government will follow a foreign policy that is multi-dimensional, flexible, and not centered on any single country,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at an event at a city hotel.
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized the event titled “Bangladesh First: Vision of Foreign Policy for a New Bangladesh”.

Noting that the current world order is changing rapidly, Kobir said the era of dominance by a single power is coming to an end, and new realities are emerging in global politics and the economy. 

In this context, Bangladesh must pursue a strategically flexible and balanced foreign policy, he observed saying Bangladesh will maintain constructive relations with all countries but will not depend on any single nation.
 
The government’s main objective will be to make independent decisions while safeguarding national interest and sovereignty, he asserted. 
The premier’s adviser said economic diplomacy will be one of the top priorities of the new government’s foreign policy. 

The government will work to expand export markets, attract diversified foreign investment, ensure energy security, and enhance regional trade and connectivity, he said.

He said there are plans to develop Bangladesh as an economic bridge between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Kobir said Bangladesh supports an inclusive, open, and cooperative approach in the Indo-Pacific region. Bangladesh will not take sides, but will actively participate in initiatives related to trade, connectivity, maritime security, and sustainable development, he said.

He said on climate change, Bangladesh, as a worst climate victim, also aims to lead global climate diplomacy. In this regard, Bangladesh will play a strong role in advocating climate justice and fair financing, he said.

He said a country’s international acceptance depends on its internal governance, democracy, and rule of law. Therefore, the government is committed to establishing a democratic environment, accountability, and good governance in the country, said Kobir.

“Bangladesh will never return to the dark era of authoritarianism and misrule. We want to build a Bangladesh that is sovereign, economically strong, and globally respected,” he said.

BIPSS President Major General A N M Muniruzzaman chaired the event which was attended by diplomats, academics, business representatives, and members of civil society.