Dhaka: Prime Minister's Economic Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir today stated that the government is pursuing an inclusive foreign policy, actively engaging with all neighboring countries while prioritizing Bangladesh's national interests. Addressing a seminar titled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Enhanced Trust and New Direction" at North South University (NSU), Titumir emphasized the government's commitment to a balanced approach in diplomacy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of NSU organized the seminar, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, scholars, China experts, media representatives, faculty members, and students. Titumir highlighted the government's shift from the previous administration's "exclusive" foreign policy, aiming for constructive relations with all partners rather than favoring any particular country or bloc.
Titumir referenced Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent diplomatic engagements, including visits to Malaysia and China, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Bangladesh's diplomacy. "The Prime Minister's visit to China should not be viewed in isolation," he stated, adding that visits to other neighboring countries are also planned.
Emphasizing the principle of "Shobar Agey Bangladesh," Titumir stressed the importance of partnerships that reinforce national priorities, focusing on Bangladesh's development, economic sovereignty, and the welfare of its people. He noted that Bangladesh's relationship with China has entered a new phase of deeper strategic cooperation following the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing in June 2026.
"Our friendship is rooted in mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference, and a shared aspiration for peace, stability, and development," Titumir said, describing China as a trusted friend and strategic partner. He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to the one-China principle and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, emphasizing their importance in international law.
Highlighting the significance of the Prime Minister's June visit to China, Titumir noted the elevation of their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a "China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era." He also paid tribute to leaders who laid the foundation of bilateral ties, recalling visits by former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia that expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
Titumir stated that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh's foreign policy remains independent and sovereign, with a focus on national interest while promoting neighborhood diplomacy and South-South cooperation. He welcomed Chinese partnerships in multimodal transportation, the Chinese Economic Zone in Chattogram, and other projects, emphasizing the need for deeper society-to-society and cultural exchanges.
The adviser highlighted progress under China's Global Development Initiative and expressed openness to expanding practical cooperation wherever interests converge, contributing to sustainable development and regional stability. He mentioned ongoing efforts to operationalize the proposed 2+2 Dialogue on Diplomacy and Defence and the inaugural foreign minister-level Strategic Dialogue.
In terms of economic cooperation, Titumir discussed Bangladesh's newly approved Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development, which aligns with China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, creating avenues for collaboration. He emphasized the convergence of development strategies and the global 2030 development agenda as strong foundations for cooperation.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam highlighted the positive trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations, referring to recent agreements and collaborations in various sectors. Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng described the Prime Minister's visit to China as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of people-to-people bonds.
Ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, a Senior Research Fellow at SIPG, presented a keynote paper advocating for long-term strategic planning in Bangladesh-China relations, beyond narrow project-based approaches. He emphasized sustainable cooperation in areas like geoeconomics, health, education, and technology.
Speakers at the seminar acknowledged the evolution of Bangladesh-China relations into a broader strategic phase, stressing the importance of translating diplomatic agreements into tangible outcomes while safeguarding Bangladesh's national interests and strategic autonomy. NSU Board of Trustees member Benjir Ahmed and Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury also addressed the seminar, highlighting the need for diversified export strategies and regional connectivity frameworks.
The seminar addressed various topics, including the proposed Bangladesh-China-Myanmar connectivity framework, regional geopolitics, and the importance of avoiding overdependence on any single partner. SIPG Director Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque moderated the seminar, with Dr S. M. Rubyat delivering the vote of thanks.