Dhaka, July 2 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday underscored the importance of developing a highly skilled and professional diplomatic corps capable of effectively advancing Bangladesh's national interests under the "Bangladesh First" policy.

She stressed the need for diplomats to acquire deeper expertise in key areas of national priority, including climate change, transboundary water sharing, migration, free trade agreements, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and the Rohingya issue, among others.

The State Minister made the remarks while attending the certificate awarding ceremony of the "Refreshers' Course for Directors 2026" as the chief guest at the Foreign Service Academy.

Secretary (East and West), ...