“I Did Not Seek This Office,” Declares Foreign Minister

In a candid and somewhat provocative address on his inaugural day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the newly appointed Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, told members of the press that his elevation to the cabinet was not a result of personal ambition. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, 18 February, Dr Rahman addressed the political storm surrounding the recent general election with uncharacteristic bluntness.

A Technocrat in the Eye of the Storm

Dr Rahman’s appointment follows the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on 12 February, which saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secure a commanding two-thirds majority. A former security advisor to the interim government, Dr Rahman has been inducted into the cabinet under the technocrat quota—a provision allowing the government to appoint non-elected experts to ministerial positions.

When questioned about his role and the legitimacy of the administration he now serves, the Minister was quick to distance himself from the traditional political fray. “I did not become a minister by my own volition,” he remarked, implying that his appointment was a call to service rather than a pursuit of power.

Addressing Allegations of “Election Engineering”

The recent polls have been marred by vocal accusations of “election engineering” and systemic fraud from the opposition and various civil society groups. Dr Rahman, however, dismissed these claims by challenging the detractors to substantiate their grievances through formal channels. “Those who are alleging election engineering should opt for a recount,” he stated firmly, suggesting that the government remains confident in the declared results.

Challenges Ahead for the New Ministry

The Minister’s first day was not merely defined by rhetoric. As he takes the helm of Bangladesh’s diplomacy, Dr Rahman faces a daunting array of international challenges. His primary task will be to navigate the diplomatic fallout of the contested election and manage relationships with global partners who have expressed concerns over the democratic process.

His background as a security advisor suggests a “security-first” approach to foreign policy, likely prioritising regional stability and counter-terrorism. However, his immediate priority will be to quell internal dissent and project an image of a stable, functioning government to the international community. Critics argue that as a technocrat, his lack of an electoral mandate may hinder his political weight, while supporters believe his expertise provides the objective leadership required in such volatile times.