Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman has affirmed that the country’s foreign policy will focus on national interests rather than being country-specific
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s foreign policy under the new BNP government will be guided strictly by national interest, BNP chief Tarique Rahman said on Saturday, a day after the party’s landslide victory in the general elections. Speaking in Dhaka, Rahman stated that ties with regional powers such as India, Pakistan, and China will be shaped by what benefits Bangladesh and its people.
Regarding China, Rahman highlighted the potential for continued cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, stating: “Like many others, China is also a development friend of Bangladesh. So we hope that both the countries, even in the future, will be in a position to work together…if that helps Bangladesh, the economy of Bangladesh, then we’ll decide.”
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Rahman emphasised that his government will not follow a country-centric approach, signalling a departure from the policies of former premier Sheikh Hasina, who aligned closely with India. BNP leaders, including foreign policy advisers Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Humayun Kabir, have stressed that decisions will prioritise mutual respect and mutual interest rather than external influence.
Rahman also expressed plans to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a forum initially initiated by his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, to ensure balanced regional cooperation that includes Pakistan, contrasting with India’s preference for other mechanisms like BIMSTEC.
On bilateral relations with India, Rahman suggested that India has an opportunity to “reset” ties with Bangladesh following the previous 15-year Hasina government. He noted that the past relationship was largely personal between Hasina and Indian authorities rather than between the peoples of the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman and reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity in bilateral relations, emphasising the intention to work together on development goals.
Published: 14 Feb 2026, 09:38 pm IST
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