Dhaka:Speaking at a panel discussion titled "A World Rewritten Power, Technology and Trust in the Age of Uncertainty" during the Bay of Bengal Conversation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam expressed Bangladesh's desire to pursue its foreign policy independently. She emphasized the country's openness to international cooperation while maintaining its autonomy.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shama highlighted Bangladesh's intention not to become a chessboard for international players but to engage with the global community on its own terms. She reiterated the importance of the country's foreign policy prioritizing the interests of its people.
The State Minister called for enhanced international cooperation to address the growing Rohingya refugee crisis, which she described as unsustainable for Bangladesh. With over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees in the country and increasing numbers due to ongoing births, Shama underscored the need for a collaborative solution involving regional and international partners.
In terms of economic diplomacy, Shama emphasized Bangladesh's potential as a hub for trade, energy, and investment between South and Southeast Asia. Addressing energy security challenges, particularly those arising from the Gulf region's instability, she noted the government's focus on diversifying energy sources and economic diplomacy.
Shama also discussed the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in contributing to peace and development. She advocated for using AI to foster peace, security, and societal benefits within Bangladesh. However, she acknowledged the challenges AI poses, including misinformation and digital harassment, and called for global cooperation to address these issues.