State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said the government is continuing efforts to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, saying the people want her to return and face trial.
“Of course, we should bring her back to Bangladesh and complete the trial. That is what the people of Bangladesh want. Work is underway for that purpose,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question this evening.
Speaking on Bangladesh’s foreign policy, the state minister said the government remains committed to maintaining balanced and constructive relations with all countries while protecting national interests.
“We will have relations with China. We will have relations with all countries. And I don’t think that if relations with one country are good, relations with another country will be bad,” she said.
She added that the government’s objective is to safeguard Bangladesh’s national interests through friendly relations with all countries.
“This is our goal,” she said.
Replying to another question, Shama Obaed said the feasibility study for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) would resume from where it had previously stopped, noting that no progress had been made during the interim government or before its tenure.
She said China has agreed to provide the technical support required to conduct the feasibility study.
“Besides Teesta, we have challenges in river management across the country. China also wants to help and support us in that area. That is the assistance China wants to provide,” she said.
The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China has elevated Bangladesh-China relations to a new level.
“Bangladesh’s relations with China have always been good. China has always been a strong partner in our economic and social development. In the coming days, it will invest even more,” she said.
Expressing optimism over future cooperation, she said Chinese investment in Bangladesh is expected to grow further.
“New investments will come, and we are certainly reviewing the proposals made by the Chinese government, including the two-plus-two meeting and the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor,” she said.
Reaffirming the government’s foreign policy approach, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh has consistently maintained that its diplomacy will be guided by the country’s national interests and the welfare of its people.
“The interests and needs of the people of Bangladesh will always remain at the centre of our foreign policy,” she added.
