'Interests of Bangladesh will determine the country's relation with India'; Tarique Rahman clarifies stand on foreign policy 

DHAKA: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman has clarified his party's stand on future relations with India. He said the interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine his government's foreign policy. He stressed that the party's approach will be "Bangladesh First." Rahman made these remarks in his first interview after the BNP's victory in the recent elections.

He said Bangladesh wants balanced relationships and will not limit its ties to any one country. “Our foreign policy will be defined by the interests of Bangladesh and its people,” he said. He added that the country would maintain balanced relations with regional powers such as India, China and Pakistan, and would not treat any nation as a dominant power. The BNP had earlier stated this position, and Rahman has now reiterated it.

At the same time, there are reports that Bangladesh is looking to restore relations with India. It is also reported that BNP may invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony. In the parliamentary elections held for 299 seats, the BNP secured 209 seats, marking the party’s return to power after 20 years.