Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman stated that the country will no longer operate under the influence of others and will act according to its own will. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar event organized by the BNP at the Atrium Hall in East London, United Kingdom.

Rahman said that during a previous authoritarian period, Bangladesh’s foreign policy had been mortgaged to another country. He emphasized that the core commitment of the nation’s foreign policy is independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of Bangladesh’s interests and dignity. He also mentioned that Tarique Rahman has clearly stated Bangladesh’s position of maintaining relations with all countries.

The minister recalled that these principles were the hallmark of Bangladesh’s foreign policy during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman, describing that era as a golden period. He added that Bangladesh is returning to that position. Rahman also informed that four Bangladeshi nationals have been killed amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.