PM Tarique Rahman Prioritizes National Interests During Malaysia, China Visits

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that protecting the nation's interests was his top priority during his recent visits to Malaysia and China. He made these remarks on Saturday (June 29) at 11:00 am during a parliamentary budget session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

"The people have entrusted us with looking after their welfare. Guided by our party’s ‘Bangladesh First’ slogan, I spoke up for our country and worked to secure our national interests," the Prime Minister said.

He emphasized that diplomatic successes belong to the nation, not individuals. "There are no personal agendas here. Any good outcome from these visits is an achievement for the people of Bangladesh."

Tarique Rahman also thanked the parliamentarians, particularly Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, for encouraging the government's efforts to serve the public.

Earlier in the session, parliament member Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir noted that the Prime Minister's visits—occurring just four months after the new government's formation—have significantly strengthened bilateral ties with both nations.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury added that the tours were rooted in mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy. Supporting the motion, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman pledged cooperation on an independent foreign policy while urging the government to present all major international agreements to Parliament for transparency.

Prime Minister Rahman traveled to Malaysia on June 21 for his first official foreign trip since the new government took office. He proceeded to China the following day, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The diplomatic tours resulted in the exchange of 17 agreements with China, along with one agreement and two formal documents with Malaysia.