Bangladesh Will Never Be a Dependent State Again, Says Foreign Minister

Photo: Collected

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said that Bangladesh will never again become a "client state" or a country dependent on another nation.

He said one of the greatest achievements of the July Mass Uprising was the restoration of Bangladesh's independent foreign policy.

"In the changing global landscape, Bangladesh must move forward by placing the highest priority on its national interests," the foreign minister said while addressing a programme marking July Mass Uprising Day, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday (August 5).

Dr. Rahman said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now in a position to ensure that Bangladesh never returns to being a dependent state. He added that the ministry is actively working to safeguard the country's sovereignty and uphold an independent foreign policy.

Recalling the situation two years ago, the minister said that while he was abroad, he closely monitored reports of the deaths of children and young people, the government's crackdown on protesters, and the nationwide internet shutdown.

"Even during the 1971 Liberation War, information was not completely cut off in this manner," he said, describing the period as one of the darkest chapters in the history of independent Bangladesh.

He added that senior United Nations officials had been informed of what he described as serious human rights violations in Bangladesh at the time, helping generate international pressure that contributed to reducing violence and accelerating political change.

Reflecting on his experience as National Security Adviser under the interim government, Dr. Rahman said the administration had successfully addressed three major challenges: ensuring the security of the Chief Adviser, maintaining government stability, and overseeing a credible political transition through an acceptable election.

He noted that election observers from the European Union described the recent polls as festive and credible, paving the way for the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Highlighting Bangladesh's diplomatic progress, the foreign minister said the country is reclaiming its place in the international arena after having been on the verge of losing its global standing.

"Despite numerous obstacles and challenges, we achieved all three objectives," he said. "The election was highly festive, and EU observers described it as an excellent election. None of the concerns we had anticipated materialized. As a result, the election was conducted peacefully and fairly, leading to the formation of a government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with an overwhelming majority."

The minister also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the July-August 2024 movement in pursuit of democracy, justice, and human rights.

"We express our deepest respect to those who sacrificed their lives. Every martyr demonstrated extraordinary courage, fearlessness, and patriotism, leaving an enduring example for the nation," he said.

He also expressed sympathy for those who survived the movement, saying their sacrifice, courage, and resilience would continue to inspire future generations to dedicate themselves to the welfare of the country and its people.

The event was also addressed by Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam and Mohammad Abdul Muhith, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy.