PM hosts iftar with diplomats, calls for stronger global partnerships

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged deeper engagement with the international community, emphasising trade, investment, technology exchange and stronger people to people connections as pillars of Bangladesh’s future growth.

He made the remarks on Friday while hosting an iftar in honour of diplomats at the State Guest House Jamuna, his first formal Ramadan gathering since taking office. 

The event was attended by ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions in Dhaka, along with cabinet members and lawmakers, officials said.

“We believe prosperity today is built through cooperation and connectivity, not isolation,” the prime minister said, according to Press Secretary Saleh Shibly.

Outlining his government’s economic priorities, Tarique said Bangladesh would pursue prudent deregulation, improve the ease of doing business and create a competitive climate to attract responsible investment. 

He stressed that unlocking the potential of the country’s people and private sector remains a central goal.

He described Bangladesh’s foreign policy as pragmatic and sustainable, guided by friendship with all based on mutual interest, trust and respect for sovereignty. 

The government, he added, remains open to candid dialogue and expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The prime minister said maintaining law and order and ensuring macroeconomic stability would be key priorities, alongside strengthening human resource development through training, upskilling and capacity building at all levels. 

He reaffirmed support for liberal economic policies that encourage enterprise and innovation, noting that public private partnerships would serve as a cornerstone of growth.

Calling the present moment a critical juncture for Bangladesh, Tarique said the country aims to build a diversified, technology driven and sustainable economy that generates jobs for young people, empowers women and promotes entrepreneurship.

He outlined plans to expand technical and vocational education, introduce a third language in the national curriculum and enhance preventive healthcare services in rural communities to ensure that economic gains are broadly shared.

On governance, Tarique pledged firm action against corruption and underscored the importance of transparency and accountability. “Democracy for us is not confined to the ballot box; it is an ongoing commitment to inclusion, transparency and dialogue,” he said, adding that his administration is committed to protecting human rights, freedom of expression and pluralism.

The prime minister also highlighted plans to gradually roll out Family Cards and Farmers Cards to provide targeted support to women and agricultural communities.

Addressing climate challenges, he said Bangladesh, as one of the world’s most climate vulnerable nations, would continue working closely with global partners to strengthen resilience and advance sustainable development.

During the event, Tarique formally introduced Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as Bangladesh’s candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026 to 2027 term.

Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and the prime minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir also addressed the gathering.