Bangladesh Must Balance Ties with India, China, and US

Says Foreign Adviser

Staff Correspondent; Diplomacy 2024-12-28, 9:27pm

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain

Bangladesh must strive to maintain a balanced foreign policy with major global powers, including India, China, and the United States, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on December 28. Acknowledging Bangladesh's relatively small role on the global stage, he emphasized the importance of fostering positive relations with all three countries.

"Bangladesh has interests in all these countries, and it is essential that we maintain good relations with each of them," Hossain remarked during a national dialogue organized by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute Bangladesh.

He highlighted the example of India and China, which, despite ongoing tensions, continue to have strong trade relations. He also pointed to India's amicable ties with the United States, underscoring the need for Bangladesh to navigate its foreign policy with similar strategic balance.

Turning to domestic affairs, Hossain spoke on the dialogue's theme – Unity, Reform, and Elections. He stressed that unity was the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s independence, citing the unity of the people in the 1971 liberation struggle. "Unity is paramount, and it remains central to the country's progress," he said.

Regarding the role of political parties in strengthening democracy, Hossain asserted that it is the duty of the people to hold political leaders accountable when they stray from democratic values. "A true democratic society ensures that the interests of the masses take precedence," he added.

Hossain also touched upon the ongoing Rohingya crisis, commending the government's efforts to address the humanitarian situation while emphasizing the need for continued international support.