Will seek respectful relations with neighbours: Bangladesh foreign minister

DHAKA: Bangladesh will seek respectful, mutually beneficial relations with all nations, particularly its neighbours, grounded in sovereign equality and shared interests, the new Tarique Rahman-led BNP govt said Wednesday, indicating its intention for a reassessment of Bangladesh-India relations, strained during the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt.

Newly appointed foreign minister Khalilur Rahman announced that “Bangladesh First” would serve as the central organising principle of the country’s foreign policy. Under this framework, he said, “we aim at maintaining good relations with all countries, especially our neighbours, based on respect and mutual benefit.” “There will be comprehensive reassessment of Bangladesh’s external engagement, anchored in sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and honour, and reciprocity,” he told reporters.


“The govt’s commitment is to a balanced and pragmatic engagement and where complexities or stagnation exist, efforts will continue to resolve obstacles and normalise ties,” Khalilur said — as the BNP has already indicated that though the new govt will not stop seeking former PM Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from New Delhi, the “issue” will not be a roadblock. “Our foreign policy will be guided exclusively by national interest,” he added. “It will not be shaped by partisan considerations.”

“Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” Khalilur said, adding that “the goal is to build a foreign policy that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and pledges a strategy rooted in national interest and constructive global engagement”.

Meanwhile, home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, after the first meeting of the Tarique-led cabinet, said the days of “mob culture is over” in Bangladesh. Ahmed said, “Mob culture is over in Bangladesh. Mob culture cannot be encouraged in any way.” He said there will be demands but those demands must be raised through proper processes and forums. Democratic culture will continue, the minister said.