Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday said the government is committed to strengthening relations with countries around the world based on mutual respect, cooperation and trust.
He made the remarks at an iftar ceremony hosted in honour of diplomats stationed in Dhaka at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital.
In a brief speech before the iftar, the prime minister said Bangladesh has always attached great importance to both bilateral and multilateral relations.
He said the iftar gathering was not merely a formal event but also a reminder of the importance of respect, compassion and unity among people of different nations, religions and cultures.
According to him, these values are essential for building a peaceful and tolerant society.
In his speech, Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government's firm "zero tolerance" policy against corruption. He said the government remains committed to protecting freedom, ensuring human rights, maintaining law and order, empowering women and supporting new entrepreneurs.
He added that Bangladesh will continue to move forward towards peace, development and prosperity through cooperation with the international community.
During the iftar, the prime minister exchanged greetings with ambassadors and diplomats from different countries. His wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman also joined him at the table.
Among those seated at the same table were Pranay Kumar Verma, High Commissioner of India; Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal; Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji, Ambassador of Bhutan; Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Pakistan; and Dharmapala Weerakkody, Ambassador of Sri Lanka.
Representatives from several other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, also attended the event.
In his welcome speech, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh believes in maintaining foreign relations based on equality and friendship.
Several government ministers were also present at the event, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain.
Prime Minister's advisers Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and Humayun Kabir, along with other senior government officials, also attended the programme.
