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Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has stated that Bangladesh has emerged from the stage of being a ‘dependent state’ or ‘client state’ through the July Mass Uprising. He added that the core philosophy of the government’s foreign policy is ‘Bangladesh First,’ and the country will never again be allowed to become a dependent state in the future.
He made these remarks on Wednesday (August 5) at an event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, marking July Mass Uprising Day.
The Foreign Minister said, “We do not want to see Bangladesh as a client state in any way. We will never return to that stage. The core philosophy of our foreign policy is ‘Bangladesh First’.”
He mentioned that the Turkish Foreign Minister recently told him that Bangladesh was once fading from the international arena, but now the country is returning to the global stage. According to Khalilur Rahman, this comment reflects the international community’s positive view of Bangladesh’s current position.
Addressing the officials and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he stated that diplomats have a crucial role to play in preserving the achievements of the July Mass Uprising. Everyone must work collectively to ensure that Bangladesh never again becomes a dependent state.
Citing examples of the government’s success, the Foreign Minister said that Bangladesh’s victory in the election for the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in June, with little preparation after the government’s formation in February, was a significant achievement. He referred to it as the government’s “first test” and stated that Bangladesh had passed it successfully.
He further added that the martyrs and injured of the July Mass Uprising have entrusted the state with a historical responsibility. The government possesses the capability, spirit, and willingness to fulfill that responsibility, and the results of the UNGA election are proof of that.
Recalling his experience before assuming office, Khalilur Rahman said that even before meeting with the Chief Advisor of the interim government, he visited those injured in the July movement who were undergoing treatment in hospitals. Later, he told the Chief Advisor, “Let us never forget that we have come here walking on their blood.”
Praising the youth who participated in the July Mass Uprising, he stated that the country has entered a new chapter through their sacrifice, and it is the state’s responsibility to protect that achievement.
The Foreign Minister also mentioned three major challenges faced during the interim government’s tenure. According to him, the government succeeded in all three areas: ensuring the Chief Advisor’s security, maintaining government stability, and completing the political transition through an acceptable election.
The event began with a minute of silence in remembrance of those who died in the July Mass Uprising. Secretary (East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mu. Nazrul Islam, and the Rector of the Foreign Service Academy, Muhammad Abdul Muhit, also delivered speeches.
