Bangladesh Hails UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal’s Palestine Recognition

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain

Bangladesh has warmly welcomed the recognition of Palestine as an independent state by four influential nations—Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed the development on Sunday while speaking to journalists at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Although no formal statement has been issued yet, Touhid Hossain conveyed Bangladesh’s official stance in support of Palestine.

“We have always stood with Palestine and supported its people,” the adviser said. “We welcome the recognition by these four nations. This is encouraging news. The recognition by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal marks an important step towards achieving full Palestinian independence. Nevertheless, the people of Palestine still face a long path ahead.”

Touhid Hossain further noted that France, another key Western nation, has announced plans to recognize Palestine in the near future. If France follows through, Palestine would secure recognition from four of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, a development that could strengthen international efforts to achieve a lasting two-state solution.

The adviser’s remarks come as part of Bangladesh’s active engagement at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He traveled to New York on Friday night to represent Bangladesh and participate in high-level discussions on regional peace, development, and human rights issues.

Bangladesh has consistently advocated for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations and other international forums, emphasizing the need for a just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The recent recognitions by Canada, Australia, the UK, and Portugal are seen by Dhaka as a positive signal for advancing diplomatic efforts in support of Palestinian sovereignty.

Analysts say that the growing international recognition of Palestine may help galvanize broader diplomatic consensus and encourage other countries to follow suit. It also underscores a shift in global attitudes towards addressing the decades-long conflict in the Middle East, reaffirming the two-state solution as the most viable path to peace.

Touhid Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to supporting Palestine through both diplomatic and humanitarian avenues. “We will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and contribute to efforts that promote peace and stability in the region,” he added.

The recognition by these four nations comes amid heightened attention to Middle Eastern affairs at the UN, as world leaders gather in New York for the annual General Assembly. Bangladesh’s proactive stance aligns with its long-standing foreign policy principles of supporting oppressed peoples and promoting international justice.