National interest to come first in Mecca Pact decision: Shama

Bangla Press Desk:  State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the government will follow a “Bangladesh First” policy in considering the Mecca Pact.

She also said that a decision will be taken only after a thorough review of the matter.“We will take the time needed to examine and scrutinise the issue before making any decision,” Shama Obaed told reporters at her ministry on Tuesday (1 September).

“The government will not take any decision that is detrimental to the country,” the State Minister added.Earlier, Shama Obaed held a meeting with a delegation led by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong.

During the meeting, the IPU welcomed Bangladesh’s return to democracy, Shama Obaed said.

She said the discussions also focused on the development of parliamentary democracy, strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing parliamentary diplomacy.

The IPU also views the presence of young members in Parliament positively, she added.

The meeting further discussed mobilising support from international parliamentary forums to resolve the Rohingya crisis and address climate-related risks, the state minister said.