DHAKA: Bangladesh will not be a “football” between India and China, PM Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir has said, stressing on a ‘Bangladesh first policy’, maintaining ties with major global powers, including India, China and the US. His remarks come as Dhaka looks at balancing bilateral relations with several nations, especially those in its neighbourhood, through cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure, trade, energy, among others.
“We can act as a referee from time to time to ensure fair play, but we will not become a football,” Kobir said at a roundtable discussion Saturday, hinting at Dhaka’s intentions to play a bigger role in the region, when asked about its ties with China and India. “Bangladesh would maintain balanced ties with both nations while firmly safeguarding its own interests,” he said, while describing China as an “important development partner” for Bangladesh.
