Dhaka is studying different aspects of the forum in the making and will take a decision after completion of the scrutiny, he told a group of newsmen Sunday at his office, mentioning few sticking points at the same time.
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is an avowed economic initiative launched by United States President Joe Biden on May 23, 2022 -- evidently to displeasure of the region's superpower China.
The bloc was launched with a total of thirteen participating nations, with an open invitation for other countries to join in any time.
When his attention was drawn to recent remarks by Chinese officials, who apparently urged Bangladesh not to join the forum, Dr Momen made it clear that opinion of other countries, be it China, would not count in finalising a decision.
"Many quarters may express many opinions. We will hear those but we will take our decision on the basis of our interest and benefit.
"We shall do whatever is good for the country, and we are lucky that we got a strong leader like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who always takes decision considering the interest of the people," he said.
A vivid example of it is the Padma Bridge, the foreign minister noted, indicating the government's prerogative in matters of national interest.
Stating that Bangladesh is studying various aspects of the Framework, he said one of these is supply-chain issue and "we have no problem in it".
"But we are not clear about the issue related to data management. We need to get details about it."
The third aspect of the Indo-Pacific proposal is money laundering and corruption. But when someone invest large amounts of laundered money in their countries, they provide them work permit and immigration, which is contradictory, the minister observed.
"And we are facing difficulties in getting information about the laundered money due to the privacy act of these countries," the foreign minister said, suggesting removing these confusions.
"The fourth issue is free mobility in the Indo-Pacific sea area and we also have the same policy. We are also for inclusive, free, and secure navigation in the Indo-Pacific," he told the journalists.
Responding to another question, he said the Chinese foreign minister has sent a message to him expressing condolences over the loss of life in the Sitakunda container-depot fire.
The foreign minister said the Joint River Commission meeting between Bangladesh and India will not be held before the Joint Consultative Committee meeting on June 19.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com