Next govt will have final call on Gaza deployment: Foreign adviser
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The interim government has not taken any decision on deploying forces to Gaza and will leave any final call to the next elected government, the country’s foreign affairs adviser has said, underlining Dhaka’s cautious approach amid international discussions on a possible stabilisation force.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said discussions were still at a preliminary stage and that Bangladesh would not commit to any deployment unless strict conditions were met.
He made this remark when asked whether the interim government, which is nearing the end, should take decision on such a sensitive issue.
Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh did not expect any resolution “within the next three weeks”, emphasising that the issue extended far beyond Dhaka’s control.
“The final decision or any deployment decision will definitely be taken by the next government,” he said, adding that the current administration was merely organising preparatory work to ensure continuity.
“No decision has been taken,” he said. “If the necessary environment is not created, we will not go.”
Touhid Hossain outlined three key conditions for any potential participation, stressing that Bangladeshi forces would not be deployed in a combat role and would only operate where a recognised authority exists with whom communication is possible.
“We will not go there to fight,” he said. “And if there is no authority we can speak to or engage with, then there is no question of going.”
His remarks come as international deliberations continue over the composition and mandate of a possible multinational force for Gaza, a process that involves a large number of countries and is unlikely to be concluded quickly.
He rejected suggestions that policy direction could abruptly change during the political transition, saying national interest and foreign engagements do not “change overnight”.
“Some individuals will leave, others will take their place, but the state remains,” he said, expressing confidence that the forthcoming transition would be smooth—unlike the violent political upheaval of August 2024, which he said had led to sharper policy shifts.
Responding to a question whether taking a joint venture project for manufacturing a drone with China will affect ties with the US, he said Bangladesh needs to modernise its armed forces and has take initiative in this regard.
And the country is maintaining balanced ties with all the countries, he said, referring to the defence cooperation with the US.
The foreign adviser also dismissed speculation about Bangladesh aligning itself with Pakistan through any new alliance, noting that Dhaka has avoided joining formal blocs over the past 18 months.
“Discussions around different groupings always take place,” he said, citing regional and international forums that include rival states. “If we see that our interests are protected, we will consider joining. Otherwise, there is no question.”