Bangladesh maintains balance in ties with US, Russia, India and China: FM

Bangladesh will continue to maintain a balanced foreign policy given the importance of its geostrategic location, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Sunday. 

He said Bangladesh could not ignore any country and maintained a balanced role while continuing its relations with the US, Russia, China and India.

"We also have very good relations with the European Union [EU], Saudi Arabia and Japan," said the country's top diplomat.

Momen also thanked the Indian government for inviting Bangladesh to all meetings and the Summit of the G20 during his speech as the chief guest at a civic dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Study Trust (BST) at the National Press Club on Sunday on "Recent Achievements in International Field: Prospects and Challenges."

The foreign minister is scheduled to attend the G20 foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi between 1-2 March. 

During his speech, Momen also highlighted Bangladesh's friendly relations with Russia.

Speaking about the interventions of other countries in national matters, the minister said, "We will accept suggestions that are good for us, but many come to our country to advocate on various issues.

"They advocate for democracy, for human rights, but they should understand that our country was born for human rights and democracy, to uphold justice, to uphold human rights. Foreigners should understand that the creation of Bangladesh was to promote democracy."

Mentioning the death of Black motorist Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who passed after being repeatedly beaten by Tennessee police, he said, "Where were their human rights then?"

The minister said, "We share a very good bond with the US. They are very good friends of ours and for that reason, they identify and shed light on various issues. And we try to make amends."

State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, attending the programme as the special guest, said, "The biggest challenge for Bangladesh now is inflation. Efforts are underway to bring the situation under control."

Chairman of Bangladesh Study Trust and former VC of National University (NU) Professor Dr Harun Ur Rashid Rashid moderated the event while the keynote report was presented by Professor ASM Ali Ashraf of the Department of International Relations, Dhaka University.