Interim Govt Gains Strong Global Support, Says Adviser

"In the beginning, there was doubt among our foreign partners about the situation here. However, we’ve managed to reassure them that Bangladesh is moving in the right direction," he told BSS in an exclusive interview, marking six months of the interim government.

Hossain, a seasoned diplomat and former foreign secretary, acknowledged that after such a significant political transition following the mass uprising, challenges were inevitable but understood globally. "Despite some hiccups, we’ve received overwhelming global support," he added.

The adviser highlighted the country’s progress in both economic and political spheres, stating, “We’ve successfully convinced the international community of our direction.”

Dr. Yunus’s Global Influence

As the head of the interim government, Nobel Laureate Professor Yunus has represented Bangladesh at several high-profile international events, positively leveraging his global reputation in diplomatic engagements, according to Hossain. He noted that despite concerns, Bangladesh’s exports have remained stable, and remittance issues were resolved.

Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations

Hossain expressed that the interim government sought to normalize relations with Pakistan, ending the previous government's efforts to keep ties strained. "We believe in mutual benefits with Pakistan, and we’ve welcomed efforts from both sides to improve relations," he said. Recently, Bangladesh allowed Pakistan’s Jinnah Air to resume direct Karachi-Dhaka flights after a decade, signaling the restoration of bilateral cooperation.

Bangladesh-India Relations

Acknowledging recent unease in Dhaka-New Delhi relations, Hossain said the interim government has worked to address discomfort with India. "We aim to ensure mutual benefits and secure both nations' interests," he explained, citing a phone call between Professor Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Bangladesh-China Relations

During his recent visit to Beijing, Hossain assured China of Bangladesh's consistent policy stance and discussed bilateral matters, including development projects and trade. He also noted that Bangladesh was exploring alternative medical treatment options in China due to ongoing visa issues with India.

Bangladesh-US Relations

Regarding Bangladesh’s relations with the United States, Hossain expressed optimism that the change in U.S. leadership would not disrupt the bilateral ties. He described the U.S. aid suspension as "expected" and emphasized the need for Bangladesh to strategically safeguard its national interests under the new administration.

Balanced Foreign Policy

Hossain concluded that Bangladesh must maintain a balanced foreign policy, fostering relations with India, China, and the United States—countries with strategic importance. "Our relations with these nations are crucial, and we aim to protect our own interests while maintaining strong ties with all three," he said.