Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. File photo

DHAKA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today said the guiding principle of Bangladesh's foreign policy is Bangladesh First, asserting that the country will never again become a client state, one of the central aspirations of the July Mass Uprising.

"One of the central aspirations of the July Movement was that Bangladesh should never become a client state," he said, recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's remarks at the inauguration of the July Memorial Museum earlier in the day.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking July Mass Uprising Day at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital this afternoon, the foreign minister said the success of the July Movement has placed a historic responsibility on the nation to safeguard Bangladesh's sovereignty and pursue an independent, national interest-based foreign policy.

"From the very beginning, the guiding principle of our government's foreign policy has been Bangladesh First. We will never again allow Bangladesh to become a client state. Never again," he said.

Dr. Khalilur said Türkiye's Foreign Minister recently told him that Bangladesh had once appeared to be fading from the international stage but was now making a strong return, describing the remark as a reflection of the country's renewed international standing.

He said the achievements of the July Movement has placed a profound responsibility on the government and the people, adding that the responsibility must be carried forward with sincerity and dedication.

Paying tribute to those who laid down their lives during the July-August 2024 uprising, the minister said the martyrs sacrificed themselves in the struggle for democracy, justice and human rights.

"Their extraordinary courage, patriotism and unwavering conviction will continue to inspire generations," he said, while also expressing sympathy for those who survived the movement with lifelong injuries.

Recalling the events of 2024, Dr. Khalilur described the nationwide internet shutdown as one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh's history, saying he had never witnessed such a complete information blackout.

Khalilur Rahman said he contacted the Office of the UN Secretary-General on August 5  to draw international attention to the grave human rights violations taking place in Bangladesh.

"I believe, that intervention contributed, at least in part, to accelerating the changes that followed," he said.

The minister said the post-uprising transition was marked by three major priorities - ensuring the security of the then Chief Adviser, maintaining national stability and holding a credible election.

Despite numerous challenges, he said, the government successfully accomplished all three objectives.

Citing the assessment of the European Union Election Observation Mission, he said the national election was conducted peacefully and credibly, paving the way for the formation of a government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with an overwhelming public mandate.

Referring to Bangladesh's successful campaign for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dr. Khalilur said the government had taken on what initially appeared to be an impossible mission.

He recalled that after Palestine withdrew its candidacy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman asked him to contest the election.

"I told the Prime Minister, 'You are giving us an impossible mission.' He replied, 'The Foreign Office exists for impossible missions," Khalilur said referring to the PM.

Dr. Khalilur credited Bangladesh's diplomatic missions and the country's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York for securing victory through tireless efforts, saying the achievement demonstrated the capability and professionalism of Bangladesh's Foreign Service.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has passed its first major test," he said.

The foreign minister urged all to honour the sacrifices of the July martyrs by protecting the country with commitment, integrity and patriotism.

"Our courageous young people wrested this nation from the hands of oppressors and placed it in ours. It is now our responsibility to preserve and advance Bangladesh with our love, wisdom and dedication," he said.