Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for deeper engagement with the international community through expanded trade and investment partnerships, technology transfer and stronger people-to-people connections as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen economic growth and global cooperation.
Speaking at an iftar hosted for diplomats in Dhaka on Friday, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh believes prosperity in the modern world depends on cooperation and connectivity rather than isolation.
“We believe prosperity today is built through cooperation and connectivity, not isolation,” he said at the event held at State Guest House Jamuna, according to Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly.
The gathering marked the prime minister’s first formal Ramadan reception for diplomats since assuming office. Ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions in Dhaka, cabinet members and members of parliament attended the event.
During his address, Tarique Rahman outlined the government’s economic policy direction, saying the administration would pursue prudent deregulation, improve the ease of doing business and create a competitive environment to attract responsible foreign investment.
“Our goal is to unlock the full potential of our people and private sector,” he said.
The prime minister said Bangladesh’s foreign policy would remain pragmatic and sustainable, guided by friendship with all countries based on mutual interests, trust and national sovereignty.
“We value bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and remain open to candid dialogue and stronger collaboration in the years ahead,” he added.
Tarique Rahman said the government would prioritise maintaining law and order, ensuring macroeconomic stability and strengthening human resource development through training, upskilling and broader capacity building across society.
He also emphasised the role of liberal economic policies in encouraging enterprise and innovation, noting that public-private partnerships would remain a key pillar of economic growth.
Bangladesh is aiming to build a diversified and technology-driven economy capable of creating jobs for young people and expanding opportunities for women and entrepreneurs, he said.
“Our aspiration is to build a diversified, technology-driven and sustainable economy that creates jobs for our youth, empowers women, encourages entrepreneurship and promotes shared prosperity,” the prime minister said.
The government is also planning to expand technical and vocational education, introduce a third language in the national curriculum and strengthen preventive healthcare services in rural areas to ensure balanced development across the country.
Addressing governance issues, Tarique Rahman said transparency and accountability would remain central to the administration’s agenda.
“We recognise that public trust depends on transparency and integrity, and we will take firm measures to combat corruption at all levels of governance,” he said.
He added that the government remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions, protecting freedom of expression and safeguarding human rights.
The prime minister also highlighted social welfare initiatives, including plans to gradually introduce Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes aimed at providing targeted economic support for households and agricultural communities.
On climate policy, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh would continue working with international partners to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development, reflecting the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
During the event, the prime minister introduced Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term.
Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir also addressed the diplomatic gathering.
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