Government to Pursue Foreign Policy with “Head Held High”: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has said that the newly formed government, backed by a public mandate, intends to move forward with its foreign policy “with its head held high” while strengthening relations with all countries. She emphasized that the government’s diplomatic approach will be guided by a “Bangladesh First” principle, prioritizing national interests in every decision.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday (February 19) after a meeting with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on her second day in office, she stated that a democratic government’s foreign policy must reflect the will and interests of its people. According to her, Bangladesh will maintain communication with all nations, engage in dialogue, and advance relations based on mutual respect and equality.

Responding to questions about visa-related complications, the State Minister said the government is aware of the challenges and is working toward practical solutions. She noted that with the restoration of a democratic government after a long period, Bangladesh aims to reassert its position in the international arena with renewed confidence.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s pre-election pledge of “Bangladesh First,” Shama Obaed said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will play a crucial role in implementing that commitment. Diplomatic activities, she added, will be conducted with the interests of every citizen in mind.

She praised the experience and professionalism of the ministry’s officials, stating that she looks forward to working collectively with them to strengthen Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagements. She also expressed optimism that under the leadership of the Foreign Minister—who previously served as National Security Adviser during the interim government—the ministry will function more effectively.

The State Minister further mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contribute to implementing the election manifesto of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) through enhanced inter-ministerial coordination.

Regarding the issue of bringing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to the country, she described it as an ongoing process and said diplomatic efforts in that regard would continue.

Concluding her remarks, Shama Obaed reaffirmed that Bangladesh seeks to advance both bilateral and multilateral relations. She stressed that foreign policy should be conducted with a united national stance, beyond political, ideological, or religious divisions. “It is time for Bangladesh to be viewed differently,” she said.