DHAKA, Dec 29, 2024 (BSS) - Interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam today 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.

Mahfuj said the focus is on bolstering the country’s capacity for international negotiations while safeguarding national security, integrity, and sovereignty.

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. 

He stressed 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. 

Responding a question on the stay of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India, Mahfuj described it as a political decision by the Indian government. 

“We are hearing that she (Hasina) will not be handed over,” he added.

Adviser Mahfuj reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing Bangladesh’s interests in all foreign policy matters.

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.