The Bangladesh government has given clear indications that it wants to maintain balance in its foreign policy and will not show inclination in favor of either India or China. Humayun Kabir, advisor on foreign affairs to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, has said that Bangladesh will not become a football between China and India.
In a round table conference held in Dhaka, Humayun Kabir said that the foreign policy of the present government will be based on practical thinking, balance and national interests. He said that Bangladesh wants to maintain good and constructive relations with all major global powers.
Bangladesh on relations with India and China
According to the report of The Business Standard, Kabir said that the government does not want to depend on any one country. Instead it will adopt a multi-pronged diplomatic policy. Regarding relations with India and China, he said that Bangladesh will maintain balanced relations with both the countries and will give priority to its national interests in every decision. He said that whether it is Washington, Beijing or New Delhi, Bangladesh wants to maintain balanced relations with all. Humayun Kabir described China as an important development partner of Bangladesh. He said that his recent visit to Beijing was very positive. Regarding Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” policy, he said that it does not mean separatism, but keeping the country’s sovereignty, development and national interests at the top.
Bangladesh’s opinion regarding Indo-Pacific region
Humayun Kabir said that foreign policy cannot be run only on the basis of idealistic slogans, but good behavior is also necessary in it. Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, he said that Bangladesh supports an open, cooperative and inclusive regional framework. He said Bangladesh will not support any one side in any global rivalry, but will actively participate in initiatives related to trade, connectivity, maritime security and sustainable development.