Bangladesh has formally condemned Israel’s recent annexation legislation at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman rejecting the land law as a violation of international law and reaffirming Dhaka’s support for an independent Palestinian state under the two-state solution.
Addressing the open-ended OIC Executive Committee meeting at the level of foreign ministers in Jeddah, Khalilur Rahman denounced Israel’s legislation easing land purchases and opening land registries in the occupied West Bank. He stated that the measure seeks to unlawfully annex occupied Palestinian territory and alter its legal and demographic character, including Al Quds Al Sharif.
According to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, the foreign minister said the decision exposes Palestinian landowners to intimidation and harassment and undermines the foundations of a just and lasting international order. He rejected the land-related legislation and called for the protection of Palestinian land rights in line with relevant UN resolutions and international humanitarian law.
Khalilur Rahman reiterated that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable solution to the conflict. He also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and demanded unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access for international aid agencies to civilians affected by the ongoing hostilities.
The intervention reinforces Bangladesh’s long-standing foreign policy position on Palestine and reflects its broader engagement within multilateral Islamic and global forums.
On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, Khalilur Rahman held bilateral discussions with several counterparts, including Pakistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A Elkhereiji, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya, Palestine Foreign Minister Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian and Gambia Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, who chaired the executive meeting.
During the meetings, OIC leaders congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the new government in Dhaka. They also conveyed support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In discussions with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The Pakistani foreign minister expressed interest in further strengthening ties under the new administration in Bangladesh.
Talks with Musa Kulaklikaya focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and development. Khalilur Rahman thanked Turkey for its continued support for displaced Rohingyas, and both sides agreed to work towards an early and sustainable resolution of the crisis. An invitation was conveyed to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Bangladesh after Ramadan.
In meetings with Waleed A. Elkhereiji, both sides discussed economic engagement and investment prospects, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. Khalilur Rahman highlighted opportunities for increased Saudi investment in Bangladesh and agreed to collaborate on advancing mutually beneficial projects. The Saudi side also sought Bangladesh’s support for reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the institutional effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat.
During his meeting with Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian, Khalilur Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for Palestinian statehood and the rights of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian foreign minister acknowledged Bangladesh’s consistent diplomatic backing and indicated support from the Arab-Islamic bloc for Bangladesh’s UN General Assembly presidency bid.
In talks with Sering Modou Njie, Khalilur Rahman expressed appreciation for Gambia’s continued advocacy for the Rohingya cause, including its case before the International Court of Justice concerning alleged genocide against Rohingyas in Myanmar. Both sides agreed to organise a dedicated event on the Rohingya issue during the upcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in April.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir, Secretary for Inter-Governmental Organisations M Forhadul Islam and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC M J H Jabed accompanied the foreign minister during the bilateral engagements.
The Jeddah meeting underscores Bangladesh’s active diplomatic positioning within the OIC, linking its Palestine stance with broader objectives in multilateral diplomacy, humanitarian policy and international governance reform.
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