“BD First” policy to be pursued over Makkah Pact: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Tuesday that the government will follow a “Bangladesh First” policy in considering the Makkah Pact.

"We have not received any formal invitation yet. Let’s see. The matter remains open for consideration and will be reviewed. It will take some time,” she added.

She said any such decision would be assessed in line with the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, with priority given to the benefits it could bring to Bangladesh and its people.

Shama made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We will certainly assess any multilateral body or pact in line with our current ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy. Before joining, we will consider the benefits for Bangladesh and its people,” she said.

“We will certainly assess any multilateral body or pact in line with our current ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy. Before joining, we will consider the benefits for Bangladesh and its people,” she said.

Bangladesh will consider the interests of its people before deciding whether to join any multilateral alliance or pact, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said.

She also said that a decision will be taken only after a thorough review of the matter.

“We will take the time needed to examine and scrutinise the issue before making any decision,” she added.

“The government will not take any decision that is detrimental to the country,” the State Minister added.

Earlier, Shama Obaed held a meeting with a delegation led by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong.
During the meeting, the IPU welcomed Bangladesh’s return to democracy, Shama Obaed said.

She said the discussions also focused on the development of parliamentary democracy, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing parliamentary diplomacy.

She said the discussions also focused on the development of parliamentary democracy, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing parliamentary diplomacy.

The IPU also views the presence of young members in Parliament positively, she added.

The meeting further discussed mobilising support from international parliamentary forums to resolve the Rohingya crisis and address climate-related risks, the state minister said.