She said this on Saturday at a session titled ‘A World Rewritten’ of the fifth ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation’ at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital.

Shama Obaid said, Bangladesh is ready for discussion, cooperation and partnership with other countries of the world with its head held high. However, in foreign policy, the interests of the people are the most important matter.

Regarding energy security, she said, along with searching for new sources and areas, work is underway to explore the country's own gas and LNG sources. Emphasis is also being given to expanding solar power and making citizens self-sufficient in the energy sector.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the State Minister said, for more than a decade, Bangladesh has been sheltering Rohingyas, which has created pressure on the country's economy. However, considering the humanitarian aspect, Bangladesh remains cooperative. Discussions are ongoing with partners and development partners for the safe, dignified and orderly repatriation of Rohingyas.

The theme of this year's conference organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is ‘Power, Technology and Trust in a Newly Emerging World’. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman delivered the opening speech of the conference.