Bangladesh seeks to pursue an independent foreign policy grounded in national interest while expanding cooperation across South Asia and beyond the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam declared on Saturday.
Speaking at a panel titled “A World Rewritten: Power, Technology and Trust in the Age of Uncertainty” at the annual Bay of Bengal Conversation, Shama emphasized that the nation will not serve as a arena for external rivalry.
“We don't want to be a chessboard for other players. We want to play on our own terms” Shama stated, adding that Bangladesh remains open to trade, investment and strategic partnerships. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered the keynote address at the event’s inaugural session.
Highlighting economic diplomacy, the State Minister noted that Bangladesh’s 170-million population and demographic dividend position it as a key bridge between South and Southeast Asia. She also cited recent global crises, such as conflict in the Gulf which highlighted the urgency of energy security and safeguarding Bangladesh’s overseas workforce.
Addressing the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, Shama warned that Bangladesh cannot host over 1.3 million refugees indefinitely. With roughly 30,000 births annually in the Cox’s Bazar camps and ongoing cross-border influxes, local infrastructure, healthcare and security face severe strain. She called for constructive international engagement with all regional stakeholders including the Arakan Army and Myanmar authorities to secure a lasting resolution.
On technology, Shama urged global cooperation to harness artificial intelligence for peace and social development rather than conflict. She noted that government initiatives are prioritizing tech-driven innovation and startups to benefit agriculture, healthcare and local entrepreneurs.
However, she warned against the emerging risks of AI including cyber threats, mis- and disinformation and digital harassment targeting women and children also calling for unified international safeguards to tackle these shared challenges.
