Experts suggest strengthening pro-Palestine stance for national security

Bangladesh’s support for an independent Palestine is a non-negotiable core value of its foreign policy, participants said at a discussion suggesting a proactive diplomatic stance in support of the Palestinian cause.

Speakers highlighted that Bangladesh is a member of the OIC’s Al-Quds Committee and should leverage this role to encourage unity in the Arab world.

Participants also raised concern over allegations that some Bangladeshi citizens have secretly visited Israel or held unofficial meetings with Israeli individuals in recent years. They demanded firm legal action in such cases.

The discussion titled “From Principle to Practice: Reassessing Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy on Palestine” was held in the city on Saturday organized by Argue Logical Act Positive (ALAP), a public dialogue and research platform.

The event was attended by Security and Strategic analyst Brigadier General Abdullah Al Yusuf (Retd.), Chairman of the Palestinian Returnee Freedom Fighters’ Association Ziaul Kabir Dulu, Sr. Joint Convener of the National Revolutionary Council Mohammad Shamsuddin, Assistant Prof of International Relations at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) Md. Ataur Rahman Talukder, North South University faculty members Omar Nasif Abdullah and Zahidul Islam Miyaji.

Author and researcher Moinul Islam Rakeeb, Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Arifur Rahman Tuhin and ALAP Convener Zakaria Palash, spoke among others.

Md. Ataur Rahman Talukder argued that Bangladesh’s support for Palestine was not just ideological but a pragmatic move to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world after independence.

Al Yusuf emphasized that the global perception must shift to view Hamas and the Palestinian people not as terrorists but to recognize the Israeli Likud Party and Netanyahu as among the world’s greatest threats to peace.

Omar Nasif Abdullah suggested Bangladesh engaging strategically with countries like Ireland, Brazil, and China, who have taken a strong stance against Israel. He also stressed the need for national unity within Bangladesh as a prerequisite for greater international influence.

Veteran freedom fighter Ziaul Kabir Dulu, who fought for Palestine in 1981, said, “We fought for the freedom of Bangladesh. We believe Palestine, too, must achieve an independent state. I will continue to support the Palestinian cause for the rest of my life.”

Zakaria Palash said, “National interest is central to any country’s foreign policy. But it is not limited to economic or territorial security. National identity and long-term principles are also vital aspects of national interest.”

nsrafsanju@gmail.com