Bangladesh wants to be part of international force in Gaza

Bangladesh is interested in principle to be part of the proposed international stabilization force for the besieged Gaza Strip in Palestine. Bangladesh National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman expressed this interest in a meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker in Washington. In response, the Under Secretary said that the United States is willing to work together with Bangladesh on this important issue.

This information was given in a statement by the press wing of the chief adviser on Saturday (January 10). In November last year, the UN Security Council passed a resolution supporting US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza war. One of the provisions of this plan was the formation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to secure and supervise the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Khalilur Rahman discussed various issues of mutual interest in a separate meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor. The agenda of the discussion included the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, US-Bangladesh bilateral relations, Rohingya crisis, US visa bond, trade and investment, and other regional issues.

In addition, the National Security Advisor participated as a special guest in the swearing-in ceremony of US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen held at the US Department of State. Christensen was administered the oath of office by US Under Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas.

The ceremony was attended by the Bangladeshi Ambassador to the United States, embassy officials, senior officials of the US State Department and the military, former US Ambassador to Bangladesh, and US business leaders. Michael Rigas reiterated the US commitment to continue supporting Bangladesh in its journey towards democratic transformation.