Adviser Mahfuj for pragmatic foreign policy over knee-jerk one
Diplomatic Correspondent
Interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said they want a "pragmatic relationship" with all countries instead of the "knee-jerk foreign policy" that Bangladesh witnessed with a focus on strengthening negotiations capacity.
"We want to boost our capacity to enhance bargaining strength in the international arena," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.
The adviser emphasised national security, integrity and sovereignty, stating that the government aims for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent Bangladesh's interests rather than serve any party agenda.
The government, he said, puts Bangladesh's interest on top of its priorities.
Regarding former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Mahfuj said it was a political decision there and they are hearing that she will not be handed over.
"Our observation is that they have made a political decision that they will not return her or we are hearing as such," he said when asked whether the issue was discussed or they have any observation regarding Hasina’s stay in India.
The adviser was speaking after attending a foreign policy dialogue titled "Establishing New Bangladesh: Internal Reforms and Foreign Policy" moderated by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam also joined the dialogue.
