Bangladesh's interim government established after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 seems to be sticking to our as usual principle --friendship towards all, malice towards none, indicating that the new government is willing to build on its friendly relationships with foreign countries.
Accordingly, in its major diplomatic demarches soon after taking over the office on August 8, the interim government has been seen to put in efforts to strengthen ties with Bangladesh's overseas partners. In response, many foreign countries including the US, UK, EU, Japan, China, Russia and India have expressed their readiness to work with Bangladesh.
In the case of India, though the relationships have turned a bit sour for its unwarranted interferences into Bangladesh's internal affairs during the rule of the preceding government, both countries are now willing to mend the fences.
This is proven from the assurance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to work closely with Bangladesh for the benefits of the people of both countries. This Indian pledge was extended when Modi talked to Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh interim government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus over telephone.
Similarly, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma also reiterated his country's commitment to working with Bangladesh to fulfill shared aspirations of people of the two countries for peace, security and development.
In the wake of the current worsening flood situation in Bangladesh Dr Yunus sought India's cooperation and support, placing importance on sharing the idea of developing a high-level mechanism between Bangladesh and India to jointly tackle emergency situations like floods.
All this suggests that Dhaka-Delhi age-old relationships are now on the right track.
Meanwhile, the United States has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the interim government led by Dr Yunus. In addition, the United Nations and European Union in separate statements have extended support to Bangladesh's newly formed interim government.
Russia has also expressed its keenness to continue its economic partnerships with Bangladesh. In a meeting with Dr Yunus on Tuesday, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy said the state-run Russian energy company, Gazprom, has expressed interest in exploring five more gas wells in the island of Bhola and more inland wells.
China has also welcome the Yunus-led interim government and reiterated that Beijing strictly followed the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs with the hope that Bangladesh's development path will be chosen independently by its people.
We believe that Bangladesh's relationships with other countries will be strengthened further under the interim government in years to come.
