Interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam said on Sunday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must act in the best interests of Bangladesh, rather than serving the agendas of any political party or cult.
He laid emphasis on establishing "pragmatic relationship" with all countries, moving away from the "kneel down foreign policy" what was seen in the past.
"We want to boost our capacity to enhance bargaining strength in the international arena," he told reporters at the foreign affairs ministry here.
The Adviser made these remarks after attending a foreign policy dialogue titled "Establishing New Bangladesh: Internal Reforms and Foreign Policy, "moderated by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
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," Mahfuj 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.
Interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said they want a "pragmatic relationship" with all countries instead of "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," said Adviser Mahfuj while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
He said there is no chance to take any adventurous step in the foreign policy and the interim government will take pragmatic decision in this regards.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam also participated in the dialogue, underscoring the government's collaborative approach to addressing internal reforms and foreign policy objectives.
The foreign secretary said that the foreign ministry has the plan to continue the dialogue in a series in the days to come.
