DHAKA, Aug 11, 2024 (BSS) - Interim government Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said that the new interim government aims to foster friendly relations with all countries while protecting Bangladesh's interests.

"Our policy is to maintain good relations with all countries while protecting our national interests. We seek friendship with all and enmity with none, aiming to establish balanced relations," Hossain said during his first press briefing at the foreign ministry this afternoon.

He emphasized that transparency and honesty will be upheld in every step taken by the foreign ministry. "Our primary task is to safeguard our interests," he added.

When asked about the interim government's approach to international relations, Hossain reaffirmed the commitment to balanced diplomacy.

"It is meaningless to assume that this interim government is focused solely on any particular direction. We intend to maintain smooth and positive relations with all ... including India and China," he said.

Highlighting the significance of Bangladesh-India relations, Hossain noted that both countries share a strong and deep bond.

He stressed the importance of fostering public perception of India as a close ally of Bangladesh.

"It is important that people feel India is a good friend of Bangladesh ... we want that, we want to advance the (Dhaka-Delhi) relation towards that's direction ... we would like to see India will cooperate us in this regard," he said.

Hossain also underscored the need for addressing public expectations by delivering tangible outcomes from the bilateral ties with India.

He acknowledged the support from international partners, adding that "their concerns are our concerns."

The adviser reiterated the interim government's commitment to take steps against the perpetrators responsible for recent incidents as well as to conduct a fair and impartial election.

"Our key objective is to conduct a fair and impartial election. Speculation at this point is unnecessary," he said without commenting on the interim government's tenure.

Regarding minority issues, Hossain informed that Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus would soon meet with representatives from minority communities.

He expressed hope that the law and order situation would improve significantly within a week.

When asked about the possibility of bringing back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he stated that this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Law Ministry, and any action will be taken by the foreign ministry only if a request is received from them.