Dhaka Urges Restraint in Pakistan-Afghan War

Amid escalating hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Bangladesh has refrained from making public statements but emphasised that war brings no benefit to any nation.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman described the situation as “unfortunate” while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon returning from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia early Saturday.

“We are not making public comments, but we are trying to make our friends understand that such war is not good for anyone,” he said. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was also present.

According to international reports, Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border strikes overnight in a sharp escalation of tensions. Pakistan’s defence minister described the situation as an “open war” after both sides carried out airstrikes targeting areas along the border and inside Afghan territory.

On the sidelines of an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the executive committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Dr Rahman held bilateral talks with several counterparts. These included Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, Palestine’s Foreign Minister Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian, Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya, and Saudi Arabia’s Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji.

During his meeting with Pakistan’s foreign minister, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and agreed to work closely to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Separately, Dr Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to the principles of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter during a recent courtesy meeting with SAARC Secretary-General Md. Golam Sarwar on February 24. He underscored adherence to sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit among member states.