Bangladesh has not yet taken any decision on deploying its forces to Gaza under the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), with the government reiterating that participation would depend on the fulfilment of clearly defined conditions.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday that discussions were still at a preliminary stage and that no final determination had been made regarding Bangladesh’s involvement.
“No decision has been taken. It remains under discussion. It has not yet been decided who will be part of this initiative,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Most importantly, three conditions have been clearly outlined.”
He said Bangladesh would not participate under any circumstances unless an environment consistent with those preconditions was ensured.
Responding to questions about whether such discussions were appropriate at a time when the interim government’s tenure is nearing its end, Hossain said the government continues to function until the election scheduled for 12 February and that national interests remain unchanged.
“The country’s engagement and interests do not change overnight,” he said. “The government will not do anything that goes against national interests.”
He added that the authorities were hopeful the political transition would proceed smoothly.
The adviser also stressed that the proposed ISF was a matter of global concern and did not depend solely on Bangladesh’s position. He noted that several Muslim-majority countries had expressed interest in taking part in the initiative.
Earlier, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government recognised the importance of the United Nations Security Council’s decision to establish the ISF for Gaza and was carefully considering the matter.
Speaking on Monday, Alam said Bangladesh’s interest in participating would be conditional, despite its long-standing role as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions and its strong support for the Palestinian cause.
He outlined key principles, including that the ISF must be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate. He also said a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the transfer of governance responsibilities to the Palestinians were essential requirements.
Bangladesh, he said, remains committed to supporting Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Alam added that Bangladesh has consistently condemned what it describes as Israeli actions in Gaza and has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the violence and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 on 17 November 2025, which included provisions for establishing an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza. According to Bangladeshi officials, all Muslim member states of the Security Council voted in favour of the resolution, alongside recommendations from several Arab and Muslim countries.
