The new government in Bangladesh is pursuing a policy of building constructive bilateral and multilateral relations with all countries around the world, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said.

Speaking at a joint briefing on Friday with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Dhaka, he explained the BNP government's foreign policy doctrine of “Bangladesh First.”

The foreign minister said: “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique, our government’s foreign policy is guided by the philosophy of ‘Bangladesh First.’ This does not mean that Bangladesh stands alone.

“Rather, it means that we have a firm commitment to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, national interests, and the welfare of our people.”

“At the same time, it also reflects our belief that beyond our borders we have friends and partners, not masters.