Dhaka: Bangladesh pursued a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy over the past year, prioritizing national interest and reciprocity, maintaining constructive engagement with all major global and regional players, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said. “As a whole, we believe that over the past year, we have tried to establish a balanced relationship with all countries, keeping Bangladesh’s interests at the forefront…how successful we have been will be judged by the people, by civil society,” the adviser told BSS in an exclusive interview recently.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ‘balanced diplomacy’ had been central to Bangladesh’s foreign policy success over the year and continued to guide the interim government’s international strategy. Hossain stated that the administration took a ‘Bangladesh-centric’ approach, grounded in enlightened self-interest, emphasizing reciprocity in international dealings.
The adviser highlighted Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s international reputation as a diplomatic asset. Yunus’s reputation often opened doors and influenced outcomes that might otherwise be difficult to achieve through conventional diplomatic channels.
Hossain acknowledged the efforts in maintaining a strong relationship with India, despite certain challenges. He noted ongoing trade issues and a decline in cross-border shopping and medical travel. However, he emphasized this did not signify a setback for Bangladesh, as specialized hospitals within the country saw increased patient occupancy.
The adviser also spoke on border issues with India, highlighting Bangladesh’s stronger protests against border killings by Indian forces and irregular ‘push-ins.’ He underscored the importance of addressing these concerns through diplomatic channels.
Efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan were also discussed, with Hossain assuring that these actions were not indicative of a shift in foreign policy but rather a move towards safeguarding national interests.
Hossain emphasized the stable and consistent relationship with China, dismissing concerns about Bangladesh growing ‘too close’ to Beijing. He reiterated the importance of mutual benefits and shared priorities in this bilateral partnership.
On relations with the United States, Hossain noted ongoing trade discussions and the commitment to maintaining balanced foreign relations amidst global geopolitical shifts.
Hossain addressed the Rohingya crisis, acknowledging the challenges in repatriation efforts while expressing hope for future developments following talks at the BIMSTEC Summit.
The adviser highlighted Dhaka’s efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint, with plans to open new missions globally, reflecting the interim government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral engagements.
Lastly, Hossain discussed reforms for Bangladeshi expatriate welfare, focusing on improving consular services to ease the challenges faced by migrant workers, particularly in the Middle East and Malaysia. Internal reforms within the Foreign Ministry were also mentioned, aiming to optimize resources and improve diplomatic efficiency.