Dhaka, 23 February 2026 – Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed held separate courtesy meetings with the Ambassador of China and the High Commissioners of India and Pakistan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.
China Reaffirms Strategic Partnership
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen described his meeting with the foreign minister and state minister as cordial and substantive, noting that discussions covered China–Bangladesh relations, bilateral cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis. He emphasized that China’s cooperation with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries benefits regional people and “is not targeted at any third party.” The ambassador expressed hope that relations would reach a new height under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership and reiterated China’s support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, stability, and development priorities. On the Teesta River issue, he said China remains ready to work with the new government.
India Signals Constructive Engagement
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma also met with the foreign minister and state minister and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the multifaceted and people-centric partnership between the two countries. He expressed New Delhi’s readiness to engage with Bangladesh’s new government in a positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner based on mutual interests, highlighting people-to-people connectivity as a key pillar of bilateral ties.
Pakistan Expresses Interest in Closer Cooperation
Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider conveyed Islamabad’s strong interest in working closely with Bangladesh’s new government to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation. According to the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaed emphasized exploring new avenues of collaboration for the benefit of both nations and underscored Bangladesh’s priority of enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia. Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation with Dr. Khalilur Rahman on bilateral matters. The meetings reflect the new government’s active diplomatic engagement and its intent to reinforce Bangladesh’s regional and strategic partnerships.
