Govt to pursue balanced foreign policy, rejects role as pawn between China and India

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir has said the BNP-led government will follow a Bangladesh first foreign policy rooted in pragmatism and national interest, making clear that the country will not allow itself to be caught in rivalry between regional powers.

“We will not be a football between China and India,” Humayun said at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka on Saturday. “At times we may act as a referee to ensure fair play, but we will not become a football.”

The event, titled Bangladesh first A foreign policy outlook for a new Bangladesh, was organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies. Diplomats, academics and policy analysts attended the session, where the adviser outlined the government’s external engagement strategy.

Humayun said Dhaka would maintain constructive and balanced relations with major global actors, including India, China and the United States, while avoiding overreliance on any single partner. He described the approach as flexible and multifaceted, designed to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and long-term interests.

Responding to questions about ties with Beijing and New Delhi, he stressed that relations with both neighbours would remain steady and mutually beneficial. “We will have balanced relations with everyone, whether it is Washington, Beijing or Delhi,” he said.

He characterised China as an important development partner and described his recent visit to Beijing as very positive, indicating scope for further cooperation.

Humayun also argued that the government’s electoral mandate has strengthened Bangladesh’s hand in international negotiations. “We are a legitimately elected government with the mandate of the people. That gives us a position of strength in negotiations,” he said.

The adviser’s remarks come as Dhaka seeks to recalibrate its foreign policy amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and beyond.