Bangladesh can be a referee between India, China, but not football: Tarique aide

DHAKA: Bangladesh will not be a “football” between India and China, PM Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir has said, stressing on a ‘Bangladesh first policy’, maintaining ties with major global powers, including India, China and the US. His remarks come as Dhaka looks at balancing bilateral relations with several nations, especially those in its neighbourhood, through cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure, trade, energy, among others.

“We can act as a referee from time to time to ensure fair play, but we will not become a football,” Kobir said at a roundtable discussion Saturday, hinting at Dhaka’s intentions to play a bigger role in the region, when asked about its ties with China and India. “Bangladesh would maintain balanced ties with both nations while firmly safeguarding its own interests,” he said, while describing China as an “important development partner” for Bangladesh.





Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir, emphasised that Dhaka would continue pursuing “balanced global engagement” as a strategic policy choice. “Balance is not a weakness. Balance is a strategy,” he said.

BNP-led govt would pursue a “Bangladesh first” foreign doctrine grounded in pragmatism, strategic balance and national interest, he said. Responding to questions from diplomats, academics and policy experts, Humaiun said govt would avoid over-reliance on any single country and instead adopt a “flexible and multidimensional” diplomatic strategy.

Humaiun also questioned the relevance of the traditional foreign policy slogan “friendship to all, malice towards none”, arguing that today’s volatile geopolitical environment requires a more strategic and realistic approach. The new doctrine does not imply isolationism. but rather prioritising Bangladesh’s sovereignty, development and national interests, he said.

He also argued that the new govt’s democratic legitimacy strengthens Bangladesh’s position on the global stage. “We are a legitimately elected govt with the mandate of the people. That gives us a position of strength in negotiations,” he said.
On South Asian diplomacy, Kabir said govt wants to revive regional cooperation frameworks, including Saarc and Bimstec, believing stronger engagement would amplify Bangladesh’s voice.