Bangladesh to never become a client state again: Khalilur
Safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests remained the foreign ministry’s foremost responsibility, he says.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman today (5 August) said Bangladesh must never again become a "client state", stressing that the government's post-July foreign policy is anchored in the principle of "Bangladesh First".
At a July Mass Uprising Day programme at the Foreign Service Academy, the minister said, "From the very beginning, the biggest aspect of our government's foreign policy has been 'Bangladesh First'. We will never go back to that client state, never again."
He added that safeguarding Bangladesh's sovereignty and national interests remained the foreign ministry's foremost responsibility.
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Calling the July crackdown the country's darkest period since independence, Khalilur said he had urged the UN secretary-general's office to respond to what he described as grave human rights violations during the movement.
He added that Bangladesh had regained an independent voice in global affairs since the political transition, citing its election to the presidency of the UN General Assembly as evidence of renewed diplomatic confidence.
Commemorating the July Mass Uprising, ministers yesterday renewed pledges to uphold its ideals, with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed vowing to implement the July National Charter "in every letter and spirit" and calling for national unity against fascism.
Speaking at a reception for the families of July martyrs and fighters organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, he described the uprising as "the collective achievement of the people of Bangladesh" and warned against attempts to claim exclusive ownership of it.
He said constitutional reforms were essential to institutionalise the ideals of July and added that legislation to prevent enforced disappearances and ensure justice for victims was being prepared.
From the very beginning, the biggest aspect of our government's foreign policy has been 'Bangladesh First.'
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain warned that collaborators of the former regime, backed by "foreign evil forces", were attempting to destabilise the country. Speaking at a discussion at the health ministry, he urged citizens to remain united to protect the country's independence and build a discrimination-free Bangladesh.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the sacrifices of the July martyrs must be honoured by institutionalising the democracy achieved through the movement. After paying tribute at the July Martyrs' Memorial in Barishal, he said the overthrow of fascism had been made possible by students and people from all walks of life and that the nation now had a responsibility to build a democratic, inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh. He later attended a reception for martyrs' families and injured July warriors.
In Dhaka, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan pledged to rebuild the country and implement the July Charter in the spirit of the uprising. After paying tribute at the July Martyrs' Memorial in Shahbagh, he described the anniversary as "a day of both mourning and victory", urged political parties not to allow narrow interests to divide the nation, and said the people now sought prosperity, democracy and the full establishment of their right to speak freely.
In Rajshahi, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu pledged continued support for the families of the martyrs and those injured through treatment, rehabilitation and long-term financial security, while reiterating the government's commitment to building a prosperous, discrimination-free Bangladesh. At the programme, martyr Shakib Anjum's father demanded speedy justice for his son's killing.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit also called for political restraint. Speaking after a procession and tribute ceremony in Jashore, he said, "To fulfil the people's aspirations of July, all political parties must show patience and tolerance." While political differences would remain, he said, all parties ultimately shared the goal of building "a modern, self-reliant Bangladesh."
