Dhaka slams Israeli land law, backs Palestine statehood

Bangladesh has strongly criticised Israel’s recent land purchase law concerning the occupied Palestinian territory and reaffirmed its firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman voiced the condemnation while addressing the open-ended executive committee meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the level of foreign ministers in Jeddah. 

He said the legislation is aimed at altering the legal and demographic character of Palestinian lands, including Al Quds.

He expressed grave concern over Israel’s decision to ease land purchases and open land registries in the West Bank to public scrutiny, warning that such measures could expose Palestinian landowners to intimidation and harassment.

The foreign minister said these actions violate relevant international law and undermine the foundations of a just and lasting social order. 

He reiterated that a sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis lies in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, following the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Dr Rahman categorically rejected the Israeli land-related legislation and called for ensuring the land rights of the Palestinian people. 

He also demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and urged unconditional and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to assist affected civilians in the Strip.

Conveying Ramadan greetings from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Muslim Ummah, the foreign minister said the newly elected democratic government in Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with OIC member states.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Rahman held bilateral talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Sering Modou Njie; Palestine’s Foreign Minister, Dr Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed A. Elkhereiji.

During the meetings, the dignitaries congratulated the people and government of Bangladesh on the successful general elections and extended their felicitations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) victory. 

They also expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new government.

Dr Rahman shared the government’s vision and priorities, particularly in foreign policy, trade and investment, resolving the Rohingya crisis and enhancing the effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat. 

The leaders also expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.

The foreign minister invited his counterparts to visit Bangladesh at their convenience.

Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister Humayun Kabir; Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) at Ministry of Foreign Affairs M Forhadul Islam; and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to OIC MJH Jabed accompanied him during the bilateral meetings.

SH