Dhaka: Bangladesh wants to build its relationship with India around mutual benefit, respect and national interests, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday (August 10).
‘Bangladesh First’ approach to foreign policy
Speaking to ANI, she said the newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government is following a “Bangladesh First” approach in foreign policy while seeking stable and constructive ties with India, its largest neighbour. And that would be the baseline for our relationship with India,” she said. Chowdhury said the BNP government wants to handle these issues through formal diplomatic channels while protecting Bangladesh’s national interests. Bangladesh does not want hostility with any neighbour, but it expects to be treated with respect, fairness and recognition of its rights, with both sides working towards a mutually beneficial relationship,” she said. The “Bangladesh First” policy places national interests at the centre of its foreign relations while keeping room for cooperation with neighbouring states.
“India is our largest neighbour. For Bangladesh, obviously, we want to have a very good and healthy relationship with our neighbour… When it comes to foreign relationships, we have presented our ‘Bangladesh First’ approach. And that is very clear that we want to build all our foreign relationships based on a win-win strategy. Dhaka and New Delhi have several issues that need regular talks. These include border management, long-pending water-sharing agreements and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India. “The BNP wants to handle these issues professionally and respectfully while protecting Bangladesh’s national dignity. Chowdhury’s comments give an indication of how the BNP government plans to approach relations with neighbouring countries.
