Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that no decision has yet been made on sending any Bangladeshi force to Gaza, as discussions are still at a preliminary stage.

Responding to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday afternoon, he said that nothing has been finalised so far, including who would be involved and under what framework. He stressed that Bangladesh would not participate unless a suitable environment is created.

Recently, during a visit to the United States, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman expressed interest in Bangladesh’s possible participation in a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza during talks in Washington with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker. Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the issue was being considered cautiously and only under specific conditions.

Asked about this, Touhid Hossain explained that Bangladesh has set three clear conditions. First, the country will not send troops to engage in combat. Second, Bangladesh will not deploy forces if there is no recognised authority on the ground with whom communication and coordination are possible. He said these conditions are clear, but added that no final decision has been taken yet.

When questioned about whether it is reasonable to discuss such matters given that the current government is nearing the end of its term and force formation has not even begun, the foreign adviser said that while some individuals may change, the state and its national interests remain. He noted that Bangladesh would not take steps that a future government would feel compelled to reverse.

He also expressed hope that the upcoming political transition would be smooth, unlike the violent change witnessed in August 2024. Touhid Hossain said the interim government is organising its work in a way that will be carried forward by the next administration.

He added that any final decision on deployment would most likely be taken by the next government, as the issue is complex and involves many countries. He does not expect the matter to be resolved within the next few weeks.