Dhaka yet to decide on sending troops to Gaza, iterates conditions
Bangladesh has not yet taken any decision on sending its forces to Gaza under the US-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday, stressing that the country has clearly outlined three conditions for any such participation.
“No decision has been made yet. The matter is still under discussion. It has not been determined who will take part in this initiative. Most importantly, three conditions have been clearly mentioned,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The adviser said Bangladesh would not join the force under any circumstances unless an environment consistent with those preconditions is created.
Responding to questions about holding discussions at the fag end of the interim government’s tenure, Hossain said the government’s term would formally end with the February 12 election, but the administration remains in place until then.
“The country’s engagement and interests do not change overnight. We will not do anything that goes against national interests,” he said, adding that the government remains hopeful about a smooth political transition.
He also noted that the ISF is a matter of global concern and does not depend on Bangladesh alone.
Meanwhile, the interim government said some Muslim countries have expressed interest in participating in the force.
Earlier on Monday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Bangladesh recognises the significance of the United Nations Security Council decision to establish the ISF for Gaza and understands that some Muslim countries are considering participation.
“We are also carefully considering the matter,” Shafiqul said, noting that as one of the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, Bangladesh’s participation would depend on the fulfilment of several principles.
He said the ISF must be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate. In addition, there must be a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza, and the transfer of responsibility for Gaza to the Palestinians.
Shafiqul iterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
“As the third-largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned the Israeli genocide in Gaza and called for its immediate end, along with the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces,” he added.
Bangladesh also noted that the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025, which, among other provisions, called for the establishment of an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza.
Shafiqul said all Muslim member states of the Security Council voted in favour of the resolution, while several other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended its adoption.