Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Tuesday there is no reason for the United States or any other country to be concerned about Bangladesh’s balanced relationship with China.
Responding to comments by Brent Christensen, the U.S. ambassador-designate to Dhaka, who warned of risks in closer military ties with Beijing, Hossain said Bangladesh maintains “a policy of balance” in dealing with all major powers.
He rejected suggestions that Bangladesh receives little attention because of its larger neighbors, saying the country “enjoys considerable importance in the international arena.”
On elections, Hossain said donor nations have no doubts about the announced schedule and that there is no foreign pressure for the Awami League’s participation. He said observers from the European Union and the United States are welcome, but those seeking to “malign the process” will not be accepted.
Hossain added that the Election Commission will oversee observer arrangements, with the Foreign Ministry assisting on visas.