Experts at a discussion on Saturday recommended reinforcing Bangladesh’s pro-Palestine stance, emphasising that unwavering support for an independent Palestine remains a non-negotiable cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and essential to its national security.

The participants called for a more proactive diplomatic stance in support of the Palestinian cause.

ALAP – Argue Logical Act Positive, a public dialogue and research platform, organised the event titled ‘From Principle to Practice: Reassessing Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy on Palestine’.

The event, held at The Shishu Kollyan Parishad Conference Room on Topkhana Road, was attended by Security and Strategic analyst Brigadier General Abdullah Al Yusuf  (retd), Chairman of the Palestinian Returnee Freedom Fighters’ Association Ziaul Kabir Dulu, Sr Joint Convener of the National Revolutionary Council Mohammad Shamsuddin,  Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) Md Ataur Rahman Talukder, North South University faculty members Omar Nasif Abdullah and Zahidul Islam Miyaji, author and researcher Moinul Islam Rakeeb, Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Arifur Rahman Tuhin, International Relations student  Mosammat Mitu Moni and ALAP Convener Zakaria Palash, among others.

The speakers highlighted that Bangladesh is a member of the OIC’s Al-Quds Committee and should leverage this role to encourage unity in the Arab world. Bangladesh is not an enemy of any Muslim country and should play a leading role in fostering unity across the Muslim world.

They reminded that Bangladesh’s stance on Palestine is not just a matter of ideology but one tied to its own national security and identity.

Md Ataur Rahman Talukder of BUP argued that Bangladesh’s support for Palestine was not just ideological but a pragmatic move to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world after independence.

As a Muslim-majority country surrounded by non-Muslim neighbours, many of which are experiencing rising Islamophobia, it is in Bangladesh’s interest to strengthen ties with the wider Muslim world.

Researcher Moinul Islam Rakib noted that geopolitically, Bangladesh risks becoming a “second Palestine,” with India playing a role similar to that of Israel.

He stressed that supporting Palestine in global forums is also a way for Bangladesh to assert its identity and strategic relevance.

Brigadier General Dr Abdullah Al Yusuf observed that Israel and its backers are extremely powerful, and as a militarily less powerful country, Bangladesh must respond with strategic communication, media engagement, and narrative-building.

He emphasised that the global perception must shift to view Hamas and the Palestinian people not as terrorists but to recognise the Israeli Likud Party and Netanyahu as among the world’s greatest threats to peace.

Omar Nasif Abdullah remarked that while foreign policy is shaped by national interest, in the case of Palestine, the conflicting parties are driven by ideological positions.

He called for Bangladesh to engage strategically with countries like Ireland, Brazil, and China, who have taken a strong stance against Israel.

He also stressed the need for national unity within Bangladesh as a prerequisite for greater international influence.

Veteran freedom fighter Ziaul Kabir Dulu, who fought for Palestine in 1981, said, “We fought for the freedom of Bangladesh. We believe Palestine, too, must achieve an independent state. I will continue to support the Palestinian cause for the rest of my life.”

Participants also raised concern over allegations that some Bangladeshi citizens have secretly visited Israel or held unofficial meetings with Israeli individuals in recent years.

They demanded firm legal action in such cases.

In his written statement, Zakaria Palash said, “National interest is central to any country’s foreign policy. But it is not limited to economic or territorial security. National identity and long-term principles are also vital aspects of national interest. These are core values and are non-negotiable. One of Bangladesh’s core values is standing against oppression and supporting any nation’s struggle for liberation. In that spirit, supporting Palestine is a fundamental aspect of our foreign policy. It is not merely a political decision but a universally accepted normative stance, deeply rooted in our post-liberation state philosophy.”

Speakers pointed out that historically, the people of Bangladesh have stood firmly in solidarity with Palestine, which is part of our national identity.

However, they also noted that during the fascist regime before the July Revolution, Bangladesh had adopted a strategically muted stance on Palestine in international forums.

They observed with concern the removal of the “Except Israel” phrase from Bangladeshi passports and attempts to normalize ties with Israel, including unofficial trade and procurement of Israeli technology.

The recent announcement by the current interim government to reinstate the “Except Israel” phrase on passports was welcomed as a positive step.

ALAP proposed that Bangladesh should translate its principled position into more active diplomatic engagement. One key recommendation was to appoint Symbolic Ambassadors for Palestine Affairs within Bangladeshi embassies in influential countries.

The discussion also emphasized promoting Bangladesh’s stance in international events through symbolic, non-verbal messages and non-track diplomacy.

Additionally, they recommended that the country’s foreign policy and historic support for Palestine be included in school curricula to educate the younger generation.