Bangladesh reaffirms balanced foreign policy amid global attention
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday reaffirmed that the country continues to pursue a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy, maintaining close ties with both the United States and China while safeguarding its national interests.
“There is nothing for anyone to worry about,” Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when asked about concerns expressed by the US regarding Bangladesh’s growing engagement with China.
“We have deep relations with the United States and extensive economic relations with China. I don’t think there is any reason for concern, since we have maintained a balance,” he added.
“Bangladesh is maintaining equilibrium in its relationships with all major countries. We have good relations with both China and the United States, and future governments will continue this approach,” he said.
“Our presence on the global stage has increased significantly in proportion to our progress. We are ensuring visibility everywhere while maintaining balance in our foreign relations,” he concluded.
The adviser emphasised that Bangladesh’s foreign policy remains rooted in mutual respect and constructive cooperation, and that the government sees no reason to avoid engagement with any particular country.
He expressed confidence that future governments will continue to uphold this policy of balance.
“I think Bangladesh receives considerable attention internationally compared to its size and strength.
Those who are bigger and stronger than us naturally have greater visibility. But considering our position, our presence is not small – we are maintaining visibility everywhere,” he said.
Hossain reiterated that Bangladesh’s foreign policy will continue to be guided by pragmatism, economic diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence.
His remarks came amid recent discussions in Washington, where Brent Christensen, nominee for US Ambassador to Bangladesh, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that if confirmed, he would work closely with Dhaka to strengthen bilateral ties while highlighting “the risks from Chinese activity” in the region.
Christensen said the United States “supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future” and looked forward to building strong relations with both the current interim government and its democratically elected successor.
Foreign Adviser also stated that the journalists who visited India recently should have asked why India has not raised any questions about Bangladesh’s elections over the past 15 years.
Recently, members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) met with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra in Delhi. During the meeting, he had mentioned that India would examine the legal aspects before sending back Sheikh Hasina.
Responding to whether India had given any information on this, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, “We requested Sheikh Hasina’s return strictly following legal procedures. They did not provide any answer. Let them look at it from their side.”
He added, “However, I have an observation regarding those of you who attended.
Since you raised the question, I will say this. India’s Foreign Secretary himself posed a question to you, saying that they want a transparent and impartial election in Bangladesh in the future.
But you should have asked why, over the past 15 years, you (India) never raised this question. Were the previous elections proper? He himself gave you the opportunity, but you did not ask the question.”
When asked about the controversy surrounding the newly nominated UN Resident Representative for Bangladesh, replacing Gwen Lewis, the adviser said, “What I can tell you is that no one will come here to create problems in Bangladesh. I have nothing more to say beyond this.”
On the domestic front, Touhid Hossain dismissed claims of foreign pressure regarding the participation of the Awami League in the upcoming inclusive national elections scheduled to be held in early February next year.
Speaking to reporters, he said donor countries and development partners have no concerns over the election timeline.
He confirmed that the Election Commission will invite foreign observers but will avoid including anyone likely to generate unnecessary controversy.
He also addressed speculation regarding the visit of prominent Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik, clarifying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no official knowledge of the planned visit to Dhaka on 28 November.
Foreign adviser noted that any arrangements for foreign visitors or events will be handled independently by the organisers.