The state minister said, “Our goal is to achieve our country’s interests by maintaining good relations with all countries. That is our goal.”
Diplomatic Correspondent : State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated on Wednesday that Bangladesh’s diplomatic ties with every other country are “unique,” emphasizing that the government’s core priority is to safeguard national interests through balanced global relations.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she addressed recent regional geopolitical tensions—specifically Beijing’s comments regarding India’s concerns over the Teesta River barrage project. The State Minister firmly asserted that maintaining a strong bond with one global superpower does not compromise Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with another.
“Bangladesh’s statement is that our relations with all countries are ‘unique’. There will be relations with China; there will be relations with all countries,” said Shama.“And I don’t think that if our relation with one country is good, it does not mean our ties with another nation will be bad.”
The state minister said, “Our goal is to achieve our country’s interests by maintaining good relations with all countries. That is our goal.”
She hopes the recent state visit by the prime minister to China will bring in more Chinese investment.She said they are reviewing China’s proposals, which she said would be implemented if those serve the interests of the people of Bangladesh.
On Beijing’s interest in speeding up the feasibility study of the Teesta project, Shama said the study will continue from where it was stopped earlier.According to her, the study saw no progress before and after the interim administration.She said China had agreed to provide technical support for it.
Shama is also optimistic about Chinese support in river management.Bangladesh is also examining the proposed “economic corridor” from China via Myanmar, she said, adding that the government welcomed the move.Dhaka will gain from the project as it will help boost trade and the economy, she said.
On a separate note, the state minister said there has been no progress in the process of returning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity in the July Uprising.
