Bangladesh's interim government is not in favour of any impulsive response to India's decision not to extradite deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, wanted by a Dhaka tribunal to stand trial.
A key adviser of the post-uprising government stated this Sunday after a meeting at the foreign ministry.
Asked whether they have any observation about a 'sensitive country, which provides shelter to the former prime minister', adviser Mahfuj Alam said, "We have heard that they have taken a political decision for not sending her back but as a state we need pragmatism -- we cannot take any impulsive decision about it."
He elaborates: "Our sovereignty, our national security are our priorities. We want to concentrate on enhancing our capabilities. Enhancing capabilities is more important than following the activities of other countries. If we can enhance our capabilities, then Bangladesh can have more bargaining power in international arena."
Information adviser Nahid Islam was also with him during the press talk after discussions with top officials of the foreign ministry on issues on the diplomatic front. Foreign secretary Jashim Uddin Ahmed was also present at the meeting. "And that will also encourage the people," Mr Mahfuj went on.
"Bangladesh foreign ministry should represent Bangladesh, not any party or cult," said the spokesperson of the interim government.
The adviser said a national consensus is needed on foreign policy so that it remains unchanged irrespective of governments.
"And we also need to strengthen our capabilities so that we can have a leverage during bargaining with other countries," he said on the stand of the current government, adding that strengthening capacity is more important than "bothering about the activities of other countries".
He said Dhaka now wants pragmatic relationship with all the countries. "There is no scope of adventurism and impulsiveness here. This is very important for us. Another issue is to raise our capabilities."
He stresses creating political consensus on a foreign policy aiming to promote Bangladesh. They, he said, discussed ways and means of how to make the ongoing reforms viable and sustainable.
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